International Business Management – Master's Degree
Learn from real business. Grow beyond borders.
The practice-oriented Master’s degree program for future international managers
Taught entirely in English in the beautiful Alpine region of Southern Austria, close to Italy and Slovenia, International Business Management prepares students for expert and leadership roles in internationally active companies.
Students develop the skills employers value: international management knowledge, leadership competence, intercultural communication and hands-on problem-solving experience through real-life case studies, consulting projects, simulations, business labs, team challenges, excursions and a final management hackathon.
Why study International Business Management at CU?
- International experience with global classmates, study-abroad and double-degree options
- Small classes, personal support and an interactive learning environment
- Optional language courses, including German
- Excellent career prospects in Austria, Europe and worldwide
Practical Learning
Practical learning through real-world business challenges, corporate projects, field trips, and nationally and internationally award-winning teaching approaches
Flexible Specialization
Flexible specialization options in HR Management, Supply Chain Management, Marketing & Sales, Finance & Accounting, and Marketing Psychology
Skills for the Future
The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Business and Management, Data Analytics, Leadership, Coaching, Negotiation, and Sustainability Management
CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences is a member of AACSB and CEEMAN and is part of the European university alliance ACE²-EU.
Are you ready to build your future in International Business Management?
Start your journey with us now and prepare for a career beyond borders.
Special features of the program
Practice that goes beyond the classroom
Students learn from practicing managers and work on real-life business cases, simulations, consulting projects, excursions and team challenges. This hands-on approach helps them build the confidence to solve complex international business problems in multicultural teams – the way international business actually works.
Truly international experience
As part of the ACE²-EU European University and with a broad global network of partner universities, CU offers many ways to gain international experience, from short programs and exchange semesters to two double-degree programs with the University of Udine in and TH Köln/Cologne in Germany.
Flexible specializations for individual career paths
Students can sharpen their profile through deep-dive specializations in areas such as HR Management, Supply Chain Management, Marketing and Sales, Finance and Accounting, or Marketing Psychology (new in 2027). This helps students build both generalist management competence and specialist expertise for their chosen career path.
Future-oriented management and leadership skills
The curriculum strengthens the skills tomorrow’s leaders need: leadership, coaching, negotiation, strategic thinking, intercultural communication, effective use of AI, data analytics, sustainability and responsible decision-making.
A personal learning environment
Small classes, close faculty interaction and strong support create a learning experience with a personal touch. Students learn from professors, practicing managers, experts and guest lecturers who bring international business experience into the classroom. This “boutique” learning environment is a clear strength compared with larger, more anonymous business schools.
Award-winning faculty and teaching approach
The program’s strong teaching quality has been recognized through numerous prestigious national and international awards. International Business Management lecturers and teaching projects have received distinctions such as the Ars Docendi Austrian State Prize for Excellent Teaching, awarded to several faculty members, the CEEMAN Teacher of the Year Award, the PROFFORMANCE International Teaching Excellence Award, and international case writing awards from Emerald/CEEMAN, oikos and the Academy of Management. These recognitions reflect the program’s commitment to innovative, practice-oriented and internationally relevant learning. Have a look at our awards
An inspiring natural environment
The program is based in Villach, Southern Austria, close to the borders with Italy and Slovenia and surrounded by mountains and lakes. For international students, this means studying in English in a safe, welcoming and inspiring environment in the heart of Europe, with a high quality of life and optional German courses to support everyday life and future career opportunities.
Details about the program
Info Box
Level of qualification
Master
ECTS credits
120
Tuition fees*
€ 363.36 / Semester
ÖH (Austrian Student Union) fee
€ 26.20 / Semester
Qualification awarded
Master of Arts in Business
Duration of study
4 Semester
Language of instruction
English
CU Campus
Villach
Dates Info Box
Winterterm 2026
Period I: 01.11.-15.03.26
Period II: 16.03.-15.05.26
Period III: 16.05.-15.07.26
Period IV: 16.07.-30.09.26*
Due to lengthy visa processes, applications from Africa, the Middle East and South, East, and Southeast Asia only in Period I.
*We reserve the right not to open the period or to close it early.
The semester starts in mid-September - we only offer intake in the winter term!
The exact start of the lectures can be found in the individual timetable, which is announced after enrollment.
Wed/Thu 16-20:10 h
Fri from 13:30 on
On a maximum of five days per semester, course sessions might also be scheduled before 16:00 (or before 13:30 on Fridays), for example for study trips/excursions
An overview on our upcoming events can be found here.
You are interested in a personal (online) study consultation or would like to receive more information on the degree program? Click on the buttons below this checkbox to learn more.
Language of Instruction: English (min C1)
Application essentials:
More information on the application process, admission requirements and necessary documents can be found here.
* Tuition for non-EU/EEA citizens: €500 + €26.20 ÖH fee (per semester)
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the
“International Business Management” Master’s Degree
Is the program career-friendly?
Yes. The full-time program is organized in a way that is compatible with work and can therefore be easily combined with part-time employment.
Can I go on to pursue a doctoral degree?
Yes. Graduates of the Master’s program in International Business Management are eligible to apply for a doctoral program in the social and economic sciences.
What level of English is required?
Applicants must demonstrate C1-level proficiency in English: an IELTS score with an overall band score of 7.0 or an equivalent TOEFL or Cambridge test score.
Insights into the Program
Students, graduates, and faculty members share firsthand accounts of the Master’s program in International Business Management, daily life as a student, and their experiences at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences.
Small classes, global perspectives, lasting connections
Savanna Stubbs, Canada, Class of 2024
A Master’s program that lets you shape your own path
Evelyn Stele, MA, Business Model Development, KELAG-Kärntner Elektrizitäts-AG, Graduated in 2023
From an IBM company visit to a career at KNAPP
Kristóf Dudás, MA, SAP EWM Consultant, Knapp IT Solutions GmbH, Vienna, Graduated in 2024
Book an online information session
During the online information sessions, the program directors or academic directors provide detailed information about the program. Topics include course content, internships, admission requirements, and potential career prospects.
FH-Prof. Mag. Dr. Dietmar Sternad, BSc, MBA
Head of Degree Program
+43 5 90500 2417
d.sternad(at)cuas.at
INFORMATION & APPLICATION
Virtual Campus Tour
Contact
Michaela Rosenwirth
Administration
+43 5 90500 2403
m.rosenwirth(at)cuas.at
On foot
From the Villach Seebach train station, you can reach the campus in about 20 minutes on foot (1.6 km). The route follows the Drau River to the campus.
By public transportation
The campus is directly accessible from Villach Central Station via bus lines 3 and 8 to the “Technologiepark” stop. From the Villach Seebach train station, you can also reach the campus by taking bus line 8 to the “Technologiepark” stop. The Villach city bus schedules are coordinated with the ÖBB schedules.
By car
Coming from Klagenfurt/Vienna, take the A2 Südautobahn to the Wernberg exit. From there, follow the B83 Kärntner Straße toward Villach for about 2 km, then follow the signs toward Magdalenen See or Technologiepark.
Coming from Salzburg/Munich via the A10 Tauern Autobahn, take the Villach/Ossiacher See exit and follow the B33 Kärntner Straße for about 2 km toward Wernberg/Klagenfurt. Then turn toward Magdalenen See and follow the road to the Technology Park.
There are several free parking spaces right in front of the building, and additional paid parking spaces are available in the surrounding area.
By Plane
There are several airports in the area:
- Klagenfurt: approx. 30-minute drive
- Ljubljana (Slovenia): approx. 1-hour drive
- Graz: approx. 2-hour drive
- Salzburg: approx. 2-hour drive
- Trieste and Venice (Italy): about 2 to 3 hours by car
- Vienna: about a 4-hour drive
- Munich: approx. 4-hour drive
From there, you can continue your journey to the Villach campus by train, bus, taxi, or car.