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Application
English-language study courses

Application Procedures and Requirements

Our English-language degree courses are highly demanded both on a national and international level - everybody can apply! However, the application procedure for international applicants depends on their individual requirements. Below you will find an overview of the applicant groups, the respective application procedure as well as information on deadlines and admission requirements for the following degree courses:

Business Administration with Informatics B.A.

Application Periods

Application Period for the Winter Semester: from 1 March to 15 July (Non-EU students) or from Mid-May to 31 July (EU students). More Information about the Application Procedure.

A summer intake is only possible for higher semester students who switch university. For this purpose, please contact the BBA Administration Office in advance.

Entrance Requirements

The necessary qualification for the study course Business Administration with Informatics has to be proven by:

  • Higher education entrance qualification equivalent to the German higher education entrance qualification (Abitur). You can check country-specific requirements and information on proof of eligibility here.
  • English language proficiency. The proficiency of English language can be proven, for example by a TOEFL-test with at least 575 points (paper-based), 232 (computer-based) or 91 (internet-based). Alternatively, a minimum score of 6.5 is necessary for the IELTS test.
  • An internship/work placement is not required

Application Procedure

When applying for the Bachelor’s degree course Business Administration with Informatics, please make sure to choose the suitable application procedure for you. Applicants from Germany and the EU apply via the university portal. Applicants from non-EU countries apply via uni-assist.

Here you can find further information on the application procedures.

Overview application procedure

Required Documents

All documents must be submitted in the original language and in a German or English translation by a sworn translator.

  • Secondary school leaving certificate / higher education entrance qualification (Abitur, Baccalaureat, GCE….).
    As a rule you need to document your educational background from your secondary school leaving certificate up until your present educational level.
    Please submit all certificates in full: you must always submit both your certificate and the corresponding subject and grade summary in full, any appendices to your certificate (e.g. a Diploma attachment) or individual pages have to be included. If your subject and grade summary does not include the applied grading system, please include information on the grading system used by your school or university as well.
  • If available, transcript of records of previous university studies with declared overall average grade.
  • If available, proof of Studienkolleg-Abschluss / Feststellungsprüfung
  • The proficiency of English language can be proven, for example by a TOEFL-test with at least 575 points (paper-based), 232 (computer-based) or 91 (internet-based). Alternatively, a minimum score of 6.5 is necessary for the IELTS-exam. Proof of German language proficiency is not required.
  • If you have a subject-linked higher education entrance qualification, this must be linked to a subject in economics (W or WW) or a technical subject (T or TI).
  • When indicated: additional certificates ( see list at uni-assist).

Enrolment

After admission and after receiving an admission letter, you will need to upload the following documents to our university portal in the course of enrolment:

  • Proof of health insurance cover or exemption from compulsory insurance; a copy of the insurance card is not sufficient.
    For the online application, it is necessary to enter the insurance data of your health insurance agency (insurance number and name of the health insurance agency). Proof of health insurance cover or certificates do not have to be uploaded, but will only be sent to us electronically by the health insurance agency! If you have private health insurance cover, you must contact a statutory health insurance agency with a private insurance certificate. The statutory health insurance agency will then electronically report your exemption from the statutory health insurance obligation to the South Westphalia University.
  • A simple copy of your identity card
  • Exmatriculation Certificate in the original, if you have already studied at a German higher education institution
  • Confirmation that you are still eligible to take exams at a German university
  • Power of attorney for minors under 18 years of age

Please make sure to bring the originals or certified copies to Germany. If you are not able to present the documents you have uploaded or if we discover that forgeries have been uploaded, we reserve the right to exmatriculate you immediately.

Overview of the enrolment procedure

International Management & Information Systems M.A.

Application Periods

The programme only starts in Summer Semester.

  • EU Students: December 1st to January 31st every year
  • Non EU Students: 15th July to 15th October every year.

When applying for the Master’s study program International Management & Information Systems (IMIS), please make sure to choose the suitable application procedure for you. Applicants from Germany and the EU countries (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) should apply via the university portal. Applicants from Non-EU countries should apply via uni-assist.

Entrance Requirements

The necessary qualification for the study program “International Management & Information Systems – (IMIS)” has to be proven by:
  • 210 ECTS from previous Bachelor’s or Master’s study programs, of which at least 180 credits must be from a completed Bachelor’s study course in Business, Business Informatics, Economics or similar field of study with a cumulative grade of at least equal to the German grade “Good” (2.5) or the relative ECTS grade A or B. You can check country-specific requirements and information on proof of eligibility here.
  • English language proficiency: The applicants must prove their English language qualifications either by an IELTS-Test with a minimum score of 6.5 (a minimum band of 6.0 is required for reading and writing) or a TOEFL-Test with at least 575 points (paper-based), 232 (computer-based) or 91 (internet-based).
  • An internship/work placement is not required. German language skills are not required.

Application Procedure

When applying for the Master’s study program International Management & Information Systems (IMIS), please make sure to choose the suitable application procedure for you. Applicants from Germany and the EU countries (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) should apply via the university portal. Applicants from Non-EU countries should apply via uni-assist.

Here you can find further information on the application procedures.

Application in a Nutshell

The following graphics represent the application procedure in a simplified way for the respective applicant categories:
Applicants' Application Path

Steps for Non-EU / International Applicants

Steps for EU / German Applicants

Steps for FH-SWF Applicants

Steps for admitted students

Required Documents

All academic certificates and transcripts (Bachelor's, Master’s etc.).
As a rule you need to document your educational background from your secondary school leaving certificate up until your present educational level.
Please submit all certificates in full: you must always submit both your certificate and the corresponding subject and grade summary in full, any appendices to your certificate (e.g. a Diploma attachment) or individual pages have to be included. If your subject and grade summary does not include the applied grading system, please include information on the grading system used by your school or University as well.

All documents must be submitted in the original language and in a German or English translation by a sworn translator

  • If available, transcript of records of previous university studies with a declared overall average grade.
  • Proof of English language proficiency either by an IELTS-Test or TOEFL-Test.
    Proof of German language proficiency is not required.
  • If you are an international applicant, please check the list from uni-assist for additional certificates/documents ( see list at uni-assist).

Enrolment

Once you receive the admission letter, you will need to upload the following documents to our university portal for enrolment:
  • Proof of health insurance coverage or exemption from compulsory insurance; a copy of the insurance card is not sufficient. For the online application, it is necessary to enter the insurance data of your health insurance agency (insurance number and name of the health insurance agency). Proof of health insurance cover or certificates do not have to be uploaded, but will only be sent to us electronically by the health insurance agency! If you have private health insurance, you must contact a statutory health insurance agency (public health insurance company) with a private insurance certificate. The statutory health insurance agency will then electronically report your exemption from the statutory health insurance obligation to the University.
  • A copy of your identity card/passport
  • Exmatriculation Certificate in the original, if you have already studied at a German university
  • Confirmation that you are still eligible to take exams at a German university

Please make sure to bring the originals or certified copies to Germany. If you are not able to present the documents you have uploaded or if we discover that forgeries have been uploaded, we reserve the right to exmatriculate you immediately.

International Management & Information Systems - Online M.A.

Application Periods

The programme only starts in Winter Semester.

  • EU Students: May 15th to July 31st every year
  • Non EU Students: November 16th to July 31st every year.

When applying for the Master’s study program International Management & Information Systems – Online (IMIS), please make sure to choose the suitable application procedure for you. Applicants from Germany and the EU countries (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) should apply via the university portal. Applicants from Non-EU countries should apply via uni-assist.

Entrance Requirements

For admission to the Master’s program IMIS Online, applicants are required to prove the successful completion of a Bachelor’s program, their professional expertise, and their language skills.

Successful completion of a Bachelor’s program

  • of at least seven semesters with a volume of 210 credits or a diploma degree course in economics (business) or business informatics or a comparable degree course with an overall grade at least equal to the German grade "Good" (2.5) or the relative ECTS grade A or B,

OR

  • of a six-semester Bachelor's program with a volume of 180 credits in economics (business) or business informatics or a comparable degree course with an overall grade at least equal to the German grade "Good" (2.5) or the relative ECTS grade A or B, AND
    • an additional qualification requirement defined by the examination board of the Master's program,
    • OR proof of relevant qualified practical professional experience from a subject-specific project for at least six months in addition to 12 months of practical professional experience.

Professional expertise

Proof of relevant, qualified practical experience of at least twelve months after completing a course of study qualifying for a profession.

Language Requirements

Proof of language qualification: current TOEFL score of at least 575 (paper-based), 232 (computer-based), 91 (internet based); IELTS Academic band 6.5 (minimum band of 6.0 is required for reading and writing). The burden of proof does not apply to applicants who have acquired their general or subject-linked higher education entrance qualification at a German institution. Visit the Information sytem to recognise foreign qualifications (anabin - only german content)

Application Procedure

When applying for the Master’s study program International Management & Information Systems – Online (IMIS), please make sure to choose the suitable application procedure for you. Applicants from Germany and the EU countries or with an EU Bachelor’s degree (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) should apply via the university portal. Applicants from Non-EU countries should apply via uni-assist.

Here you can find further information on the application procedures.

Required Documents

All documents must be submitted in the original language and in a German or English translation by a sworn translator.

  • All academic certificates and transcripts (Bachelor's, Master’s etc.).
    As a rule you need to document your educational background from your secondary school leaving certificate up until your present educational level.
    Please submit all certificates in full: you must always submit both your certificate and the corresponding subject and grade summary in full, any appendices to your certificate (e.g. a Diploma attachment) or individual pages have to be included. If your subject and grade summary does not include the applied grading system, please include information on the grading system used by your school or University as well.
  • If available, transcript of records of previous university studies with a declared overall average grade.
  • Proof of English language proficiency either by an IELTS-Test or TOEFL-Test if needed (see Entrance Requirements). Proof of German language proficiency is not required.
  • If you are an international applicant, please check the list from uni-assist for additional certificates/documents (see list at uni-assist).
  • Qualified job certificate(s) or a certificate(s) from your (former) employer proofing you professional expertise. Documents must be written on a paper with company letterhead containing the following information: name and address of employer, your full name, employment period, weekly time extend / weekly hours, job description and/or list of professional activities, date and signature.

Enrolment

Once you receive the admission letter, you will need to upload the following documents to our university portal for enrolment:

  • Proof of health insurance coverage or exemption from compulsory insurance; a copy of the insurance card is not sufficient. For the online application, it is necessary to enter the insurance data of your health insurance agency (insurance number and name of the health insurance agency). Proof of health insurance cover or certificates do not have to be uploaded, but will only be sent to us electronically by the health insurance agency! If you have private health insurance, you must contact a statutory health insurance agency (public health insurance company) with a private insurance certificate. The statutory health insurance agency will then electronically report your exemption from the statutory health insurance obligation to the University.
    Please get in contact with the IMIS Online Office, if you have problems with this.
  • A copy of your identity card/passport
  • Exmatriculation Certificate in the original, if you have already studied at a German university
  • Confirmation that you are still eligible to take exams at a German university

Please make sure to bring the originals or certified copies to Germany. If you are not able to present the documents you have uploaded or if we discover that forgeries have been uploaded, we reserve the right to exmatriculate you immediately.

Advanced Engineering and Engineering Management M.Sc.*

Application Procedure

To apply for Advanced Engineering and Engineering Management please make sure you are in the right category as an applicant. You will either be considered as an EU applicant (application via the FH SWF online portal) or as a non EU-applicant (application via uni-assist).

Application Periods

Non-EU Students: for the summer semester 2025 extended until 30th January 2025!

  • EU Students: December 1st to January 31st every year
  • Non EU Students: 16th May to 15th November every year

When applying for the Master’s study program Advanced Engineering and Engineering Management, please make sure to choose the suitable application procedure for you. Applicants from Germany and the EU countries (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) should apply via the university portal. Applicants from Non-EU countries should apply via uni-assist.

Entrance Requirements

The necessary qualification for the study course Advanced Engineering and Engineering Management has to be proven by

  • a) a degree (bachelor or diploma) in a course of studies of at least seven semesters
    b) or a bachelor´s degree in a course of studies of six semesters PLUS one semester of additional qualification according to the conditions of the Board of Examiners. Enrolment at the Fachhochschule Südwestfalen during this additional qualification is limited to one semester,
  • Proof of English language has to be testified by a TOEFL/IELTS test in which at least the following points have to be obtained:
    • 575 (Paper based)
    • 232 (Computer based)
    • 90 (Internet based) or
    • IELTS: 6.5
  • proof of ability: the ability for the master course is considered as adduced if the applicant has completed the previous mentioned course of study (bachelor or diploma) with a good result (at least comparable to the German grade "Gesamtnote Gut", minimum 2,5 according to the German grade scale).
  • New: Applicants from India have to provide APS (Academic Evaluation Center): www.aps-india.de

Required Documents

Please click here for an overview of all necessary documents you have to send with your application.

Informatics and Business M.Sc.

Application Procedure

To apply for Informatics and Business please make sure you are in the right category as an applicant. You will either be considered as an EU applicant (application via the FH SWF online portal) or as a non EU-applicant (application via uni-assist).

The following PDF shows the application procedure in a simplified form:
Application Process Flowchart

Application Periods

For German applicants and applicants with equal status to Germans

For applicants from non-EU countries:

Entrance Requirements

This study programme has no admission restriction. Certain requirements must be met.

Required Documents

Please click here for an overview of all necessary documents you have to send with your application.

Key Platforms During the Semester

These are our most important institutional platforms that are directly related to the content of your studies. You will receive your credentials for these platforms when you receive your certificate of enrollment.

Moodle

Moodle is a learning management tool that allows instructors and students to interact in a virtual environment. In our university, it’s used to organize courses, distribute educational materials, assign tasks, and evaluate student performance. It also facilitates online communication and collaboration through forums, quizzes, and feedback tools.

You will have access to Moodle as soon as you receive your Certificate of Enrollment. The opening of the coming semester's courses depends on each professor, but generally you will have access to see the content of your classes from one week before the start of classes.

VPIS (Vorlesungsplan Informationssystem)

Our Lecture plan information system helps you at the start of the semester with the creation of your semester schedule through general information such as course schedules, module descriptions, classroom searches.

The course schedules is opened usually 3-4 weeks before the start of the coming semester and will be available during the first weeks of your semester.

The use of VPIS is entirely for orientation porpuses and you are not legally bound to a course until it is added in our Virtual Service Center.

VSC: Virtual Service Center

This is our exam registration and deregistration system. It allow you also to see your transcript of records and regulations on exam withdrawal.

This process is always done during the semester, meaning that you should not do anything on this platform before classes start.

Stay connected!

To ensure you are kept informed of the latest developments, we recommend following the university and its student organisations on social media. This is the best way to ensure you remain up-to-date with regard to activities, opportunities and updates throughout the entirety of the academic semester.

Facebook:
International Students "Fachhochschule Südwestfalen“

Instagram:
@fhsuedwestfalen
@asta_fh_swf (AStA FH Südwestfalen General Student Committee)