FAQs
Is Steinbeis University Berlin recognized by the German government?
Yes.
Is the MBA degree accredited?
The SteinbeisMBA was re-accredited by the FIBAA in September 2009.
What are the requirements for admission?
- complete business qualifying undergraduate degree (University, "Fachhochschule", "Berufsakademie" or a similarly rated degree at a national university/university abroad with at least 210 credit points).
- two years’ work experience (full-time, no apprenticeship) after the undergraduate degree
- Very good or fluent English.
- Successful completion of the application process at SHB
- Project and contract with a sponsoring company
Why do I need 210 credit points for starting?
To receive a Master degree, a graduate must have 300 credit points at the end (precondition for a doctorate). The SteinbeisMBA results in 90 credit points, so 210 credit points must exist before starting the MBA.
How do I know if I have 210 credit points?
In addition to your university certificate you get normally a diploma supplement. Your credit points are shown there. If you completed studies before credit points were introduced, please contact us.
What can I do if I have less than 210 credit points?
Up to 30 missing credit points can be acquired on basis of Steinbeis Universities' degree and examination regulations. For further information please contact us.
How do I apply?
- Submit a complete application
- You might be invited to come for an interview and complete an entrance test (including evaluation of English skills)
- You will be asked to take an aptitude test (i.e. online-based KODE aptitude test)
- You will need a project and written contract with a sponsoring company (unless already arranged)
What documents must I include in my application?
- Letter explaining why you wish to pursue this degree
- CV
- Certificate that you are entitled to enter higher education (e.g. German “Abitur” certificate)
- official universities' document(s)
- universities' certificate(s)
- Internship/student placement certificates and employment references
How far in advance can I apply?
You are welcome to apply at any time.
How long does the application process take?
After we have received your application, we will usually let you know within 1-2 weeks whether we’d like you to come for an interview and entrance test. Soon after the interview, we will inform you whether your application has been accepted. If you have not found a sponsoring company by this point, you will be admitted provisionally, subject to confirmation of your project and contract with a sponsoring company.
Can I start the degree program without a company?
No, all students must have a sponsoring company. You must agree on a project with the company and enter into a contract for the degree for 24 months.
How often does the degree program start?
On average, the SteinbeisMBA program starts 3 times per year.
What is the class size?
On average there are between 25 and 30 students per course.
What is the choice of compulsory electives?
- Business Intelligence
- Creative Leadership
- Financial Services Industry
- General Management / Growth Management
- Governance, Risk, Compliance and Fraud Management
- Integral Leadership
- International Management
- Marketing
- Media Management
- Public Management
- Research and Development Management
- Sales & Service / Retail Management
- SME-Management
- Social, Healthcare and Education Management
- Strategic Innovation
What do I have to do to complete my degree?
Seminars (also in the form of lectures, “blended learning” modules, exercises etc.), formally assessed through:
- Exams
- Presentations
- Case studies
A project, formally assessed via:
- Transfer papers (approx. 5 pages)
- Transfer documentation and transfer reports (each approx. 10 pages)
- Project assessments/papers (each approx. 20 pages)
- Master’s thesis (approx. 80-100 pages, plus presentation and viva)
Would I work on one project for two years or can I complete a number of projects during the degree?
Students can also complete several projects over the two years, as long as there is a thread of continuity running throughout all projects.
Does the sponsoring company have to be in Germany?
No. Foreign companies can also participate in the program.
If I am only hired by the company for the duration of my project, do I/the company still have to pay social security contributions?
Yes, even purely project-based employment at a company requires social security contributions.
Who enters into contracts with whom?
Steinbeis University enters into a contract with the sponsoring company (service contract)
Steinbeis University enters into a contract with the student (study/degree contract)
The sponsoring company enters into a contract with the student (employment/internship/placement contract, unless already in place)
What's a KODE® aptitude test?
The main focus of the entrance test ist on the KODE® aptitude test. It consits of a self-evaluation and an evaluation by others and leads to an individual competence profil. After graduating, competence development can be reviewed and documented by following tests.
