FAQ for Students (Frequently Asked Questions)

Studying at a University of Cooperative Education

What can I study at the International University of Cooperative Education?

The University of Cooperative Education offers the officially-recognised Business Studies Bachelor Degree course with the Bachelor of Arts degree in the following specialities: Hotel and Tourism Management, Event and Congress Management, Sports Management, Food, Beverage and Culinary Management, Industry and Commerce, Banking and Insurance and Taxation and Auditing.
By means of a sandwich course, the academic content of the curriculum is continuously combined with practical experience at the training company.

What does the degree course at the International University of Cooperative Education look like and how long does it take?

The Bachelor course begins, depending on the course speciality, in April or October. The course is divided into 6 semesters of 6 months each. The subjects in the curriculum are organised in modules and assessed on a continuous basis. After 4 terms of basic studies the Intermediate Examination with the academic qualification “officially-recognised Economic Assistant (Berufsakademie)” is taken. In the advanced study period, a consolidation and individual differentiation of subjects is offered by means of compulsory elective modules. After the successful completion of the Final Year Project – where the student has to choose a topic in coordination with tutors and lecturers which relates to company operations and analysing it using academic methods – the Bachelor of Arts degree is conferred.

What is so special about studying at a University of Cooperative Education?

The International University of Cooperative Education offers a week-based model in which 2-3 days at the company, gathering practical experience, and 2 days at the University of Cooperative Education, acquiring theoretical knowledge, are scheduled. This ensures our students a continuous, intensive involvement in company procedures. The University of Cooperative Education and the company work closely together in order to ensure intensive, personal tutoring of students.

What admission requirements will I have to comply with?

Applicants have to have a general qualification for university entrance, a specific secondary school or an upper secondary school-leaving certificate granting access to a Higher Education institute. Moreover, they have to have a contract with a suitable company or employment at the IBA (Premium Self-financing Model). Furthermore, there is also occupational access to study courses: for particularly qualified people in employment with a minimum of 4 years of professional experience, a completed and officially-recognised apprenticeship and relevant further education, there exists the possibility to demonstrate the qualification for academic studies through a university admission examination at a Hesse university. For the moment, there is no limit on places per course.

How can I apply for a university place?

The first step for applicants is to complete the online application form on the International University of Cooperative Education’s website. Already existing contacts with possible training companies can be mentioned here. Likewise individual wishes can be indicated. The search for a company should take place at the same time - the University of Cooperative Education will assist in this. The partner companies listed on the University of Cooperative Education’s website should be considered as training companies but other companies too, not yet cooperating with the IBA, can be considered.

Where can I get detailed information about the course and the curriculum?

For individual counselling interviews please contact our Student Advisory Service. The contents of each speciality are detailed in the curriculum. The curriculum can easily be downloaded from our website. The detailed module overview can be examined at our Student Advisory Service.

What system is used to record marks awarded?

For each module points will be awarded according to the ECTS (= European Credit Transfer System). The points are accumulated in a student account and in part affect the final mark. On the basis of the ECTS, in individual cases, marks earned at other Higher Education institutions can be recognised and credited to the student.

What options exist when self-financing the study course?

The financing of the study course is agreed in the contract. In general, the company and the student can agree on one of the following methods: a) The company covers the tuition fees and in addition pays an allowance. b) The company covers the tuition fees but pays no allowance. c) The student pays the tuition fees and receives an allowance from the company. d) For students who are not yet ready to commit themselves to a particular company and who prefer to get a taste of different companies and industries first, the premium self-financing model is the best alternative. In this case the student pays the tuition fees. Remuneration is a matter of negotiation with the individual companies where the student does his/her practical training.

Students at the University of Cooperative Education are, so far, not entitled to Federally-funded financial assistance (Bafög). However, provided their income is below a certain level, they are entitled to child benefits in accordance with German law.

Practical Training Periods

How do I find a training company?

The partner companies listed on the homepage of the University of Cooperative Education should be considered as training companies but other companies too, not yet cooperating with the IBA, can be considered. Students interested in studying at the University of Cooperative Education can search for companies and make enquiries about studying at the University of Cooperative Education there. In any case, applicants should at first apply to the University of Cooperative Education (through the online application form) so that, depending on circumstances, the University is able to assist. Reminder: Partner and training companies for the University of Cooperative Education do NOT have to be training companies as defined by the Chamber of Trade and Industry.

Are there guidelines for training activities at the company?

In close cooperation with the partner companies, the International University of Cooperative education has developed an overall plan on practical training on the basis of which individual training programmes are to be developed. The plans will be designed to match theoretical acquired knowledge with practical application. Practical functions are matched in level and operational area with study subjects on the curriculum and adequately matched with the student’s study progress .

Is there a possibility of preparing for the practical duties and responsibilities at the company?

Study beginners with no professional experience can take part in a four-week introductory training course. Basic questions of office organisation and company procedures will be covered. The training is offered by the University of Cooperative Education but is not obligatory. Starting dates can be obtained on request at the respective University of Cooperative Education study centre.

What arrangements for a trial period at the company are there?

As a rule, a trial period of 3 months is arranged with the company. Within this period the company, as well as the student, is able to withdraw from the contract with immediate effect and without having to provide justification.

Are there semester breaks or holidays?

Students are entitled to the statutory minimum holiday. This holiday can only be taken during the practical training periods at the company and/or during the University of Cooperative Education’s official semester break (3 weeks during the summertime, 2 weeks at Christmas/New Year and one week at Easter).

How do failed examinations affect the duration of the studies?

Failed examinations are, according to the examination regulations, to be repeated within a defined period (e.g. failed module examination: within 4 weeks). An extension of the study period can (apart from sickness, accidents or the like where e.g. the student cannot participate in particular study sections) only occur in the event that the student needs to repeat the Final Year Project.

Can I start studying at the International University of Cooperative Education without a contract with a training company?

Yes, because the premium self-financing model of the International Business and Technology Centre (IBC) offers uncomplicated access to studies. In this case the respective study centre arranges internships at suitable training companies belonging to the IBC. The tuition fees of € 515 are assumed by the student.

For whom is the premium self-financing model suited and what is it?

The premium self-financing model is directed at applicants who study efficiently and with an integration of practical experience in order to obtain the officially-recognised Bachelor of Arts Degree in only 6 terms at the International University of Cooperative Education. The company-based practical training periods are completed through internships at suitable training companies belonging to the IBC.

What are the advantages of the premium self-financing model?

Students who choose the premium self-financing model benefit particularly from the insights they are able to get into many different companies and industries. They are provided with the opportunity of very flexible and individually designed studies.
Besides gaining a fundamental knowledge of company procedures they increasingly assume professional tasks in a responsible and independent manner. The students are supported in their tasks by an experienced tutor. At the same time, it is always possible to switch to a company not belonging to the IBC.

How is the practical part designed?

Besides 20 study hours at the University of Cooperative Education, students complete about 16 hours a week at suitable training companies belonging to the IBC. In these, students are, at an early stage, actively integrated into the day-to-day business of the company. With the help of our experienced experts from different economic sectors, our students quickly become highly qualified employees with above-average practical experience and poise.

What are the admission requirements and how can I apply?

Studying in the premium self-financing model requires, as a general admission requirement, a general qualification for university entrance, a specific school-leaving certificate or upper school-leaving certificate granting access to a college of higher education. Applicants are requested to hand in their complete application documents (curriculum vitae in table form, including a photo, university entrance entitlement, other certificates and references of former employers) to our student advisory team at the respective place of study.

Suitable applicants will be invited for an entrance exam and an interview.

What financing alternatives are there?
The possibility exists of applying for a partial grant with the F+U Group’s Sponsoring Association. Moreover, many banks offer favourable conditions on student loans. Our local student advisors will be glad to advise you.

« back to students

FAQ for Students (Frequently Asked Questions)

Contact us

Darmstadt

Heidelberg

Berlin

Erfurt

Bochum

Cologne

Munich

Hamburg