The International Study Program at a Glance
Are you looking for a real international experience for your study abroad semester,
at a program which enjoys great evaluations* for many years?
– Welcome to the International Study Program (ISP) at Pforzheim University, at one of the best German Business Schools!
- The ISP offers 60+ business courses taught in English** to exchange students from our partner universities as well as to our domestic students
- as a result, you as an exchange student will quickly become a vital part of our university life. - With around 200 incoming students every year from over 30 countries around the world, we offer you an exciting and inspiring semester abroad with new impressions, lively discussions and rich interaction at a highly reputable business school.
- Our Business School provides the ISP core. Courses from the Department of Industrial Engineering, which is part of our School of Engineering, expand the comprehensive ISP program.
- The ISP Team provides field trips to German & European firms/institutions & cooperates with our student initiatives to offer further organized visits.
[1] One semester exchange | ||
Timeline | > September through mid-February of the following year (fast track option until Christmas) > alternatively mid-February through mid-July | |
Pre-semester | > 3 weeks pre-semester intensive class German as a foreign language for beginners "CEFR level A1" – start: beginning of September or mid-February | |
Study semester | > Business courses of your choice > German as a foreign language – CEFR level A2 > Field trips*** | |
[2] Two semester exchange – including an internship semester in Germany | ||
Timeline | > September through mid-July of the following year, | |
| Pre-semester | > 3 weeks pre-semester intensive class German as a foreign language for beginners CEFR level A1 – start: beginning of September or mid-February) | |
semester#1 – study semester | > Business courses of your choice > German language class, level CEFR A2 > Field trips | |
semester#2 – practical experience: | > Interning an entire semester in Germany – 100 full time working days. Validation into the ISP record with 30 ECTS credits. | |
[3] Two semester exchange –including a strong focus on German as a foreign language | ||
Timeline | September through mid-July of the following year, alternatively mid-February to mid-February of the following year | |
Pre-semester course German A1 | > 3 weeks pre-semester intensive class German as a foreign language for beginners "CEFR level A1" – start: beginning of September or mid-February | |
1. Study semester inclusively German A2 | > Business courses of your choice & > German as a foreign language CEFR level A2 > Field trips | |
2. Study semester inclusively German B1 | Business courses of your choice | German as a foreign language CEFR level B1 | | |
| BTW: CEFR level B1is the level which is necessary to acquire the German citizenship :) | ||
Ritual group photo within the welcome and orientation of our international incoming exchange and double degree students
Based on the approval of their home universities, our incoming exchange students can extend their stay up to 3 semesters. This format includes 2 study semesters and 1 internship semester (a second internship semester is not possible for formal legal reasons). |
Facts & options:
-
Many internationally renowned companies such as Daimler, Porsche, Bosch, SAP as well as powerful small and medium-sized enterprises have their headquarters in this southern German region,
-
Well over 1000 students of Pforzheim University spend one semester in a company every year; all of these mandatory internships are supervised by the university and are an essential part of the curriculum.
-
More than half of all students write their mandatory final thesis in cooperation with a company.
-
70+ companies are actively recruiting on campus every semester.
Pforzheim forms the northern gateway to the Black Forest, Germany's biggest nature park.
The city is located between Stuttgart and Karlsruhe in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, which is Germany's most innovative region.
Our commitment to quality and continuous improvement is confirmed by the accreditation of AACSB International. The Business School Pforzheim and its degree programs are entitled to display the prestigious international "AASCB-accredited" seal of approval from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). As an AACSB-accredited institution, the School of Business and Law, together with the study programs in Engineering of the university's Engineering School, is one of the best business schools internationally.
Furthermore all 13 Bachelor's programs in Business Administration have been awarded the "EFMD-accredited" seal of quality by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). This makes Pforzheim the first and only business school in the German-speaking area to hold both the EFMD accreditation and the AACSB seal of excellence.
As a university with an applied mandate, we deliver business competence, not just theory.
Our professors do not only hold doctoral degrees – but have also worked in industry for at least three years. Our teaching is therefore based on both research and professional experience.
ISP student group on a field trip to BMW in Munich
We welcome around 200 incoming students every year from over 30 countries around the world.
Thus, intercultural networking begins right in the classroom.
With over 3500 students and 100 professors, our Business School is one of the largest in Germany.
As a result, every semester you will have access to well over 60 classes in Business Administration and Economics, entirely taught in English.
These course offerings are completed by contextual studies such as »The History of German Art« and »Challenges and Perspectives of the European Integration«
Emily, Ireland, 1-year exchange (2 study semesters)
“My time at Hochschule Pforzheim as an exchange student was both enriching and unforgettable. The International Study Program offered a great balance of engaging coursework and practical learning. From day one, I felt welcomed by the faculty and students, and I really appreciated the opportunity to work on real-world projects alongside people from all over the world. There were so many amazing opportunities throughout the semester, but my favorite was the field trip to Munich – it was a perfect mix of learning and fun. Studying at Pforzheim not only broadened my academic knowledge but also gave me valuable cross-cultural experiences that will stay with me long after my time here.”
*Evaluations – we feel honored that our ISP program consistently enjoys great feedback from the participating students. **Course offerings – if you are you already fluent in German, please feel encouraged to participate in our well over 200 business courses offered in the German language. ***Field trips – the ISP Team is arranging every semester for a highly sponsored one day trip to Frankfurt and a 2nd one to Munich. Furthermore our school's student initiatives are offering trips in the region. *****Europe and Friends Day & Explore Expo – The starting off point for this format was the so-called “Europe Day” which commemorates the signing of the 'Schuman Declaration' on 9 May 1950. This was an ambitious plan to secure long-term peace after the 2nd world war in Europe, that is considered the beginning of what is for many years the European Union. |
ISP Prerequisites
> Language Requirements
- General requirement: English B2-Level according to the Common European Reference Framework (CEFR).
- For students being interested in taking business courses in the German language, additionally CEFR Level B2 in German.
> General Prerequisites
- Exchange students should have successfully completed at least one full year of study in Accounting, Business Administration or Economics at their home university.
- All incoming students are expected to have passed courses in Analysis / Calculus, and Introductory Statistics
- Furthermore, students are kindly asked to carefully check the specific prerequisites for individual courses as indicated in the course descriptions/syllabi.
Sevdenur, Turkey, 1-semester exchange
“Joining the International Study Program at Pforzheim University was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The diverse courses, interactive teaching, and international environment made learning inspiring. From day one, the ISP team made sure every student felt welcomed and supported. With exciting events, excursions, and a strong community, I never felt alone. ISP also helped me build valuable connections, opening doors to real-world experiences early on. Feeling truly at home here, I chose to continue my studies in the Digital Business Management (BDBM) program – a journey massively supported by BDBM Professor Dr. Joachim Schuler, to whom I am deeply grateful. Pforzheim University became my home away from home, and I’m grateful to be part of such a vibrant and welcoming community.”
ISP Course Offerings
- 60+ business courses in the English Language
- Well over 200 business courses in the German Language
- Selected business courses in French and Spanish
- Language courses in German as a foreign Language on all levels
Elsa, Taiwan, 1-year exchange (2 study semesters)
"During my first semester at Pforzheim University's Business School, I learned a lot about business in Germany and gained insights into how German people work and interact – things I couldn’t have experienced in my home country.
I enjoyed it so much that I decided to stay for another semester. Not only does it align with my future plans, but the atmosphere here is also amazing! The staff from the International Study Program are very helpful and supportive. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them with any questions about your studies!"
ISP Certificates
The International Study Program offers two non-degree certificates
- The “Certificate International Study Program” issued to students who successfully complete courses with a total workload of 30 ECTS credits.
- The “Diploma International Study Program” for students earning 60 ECTS credits within two semesters. Students may achieve the required number of credits by successfully passing courses with a total workload of 60 ECTS credits, or by combining successfully completed courses with a total workload of 30 ECTS credits from the first semester of study,
with an one-semester internship completed in the second semester.
Courses being validated towards the ISP certificates:
|
