International Finance (M.Sc.)
Master Degree Program
The programme in International Finance leads to an internationally recognized and renowned Master of Science degree.
Our mission is to qualify students to become experts in the international financial world and to prepare them for top positions in finance departments within globally operating companies, banks and other financial institutions.
The rigorous curriculum delivers a thorough foundation in financial principles and theory while providing practical applications to the world of international finance.
Study Program
Location:
Nürtingen
Language of Instruction:
English
Degree:
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
90 ECTS
Period of Study:
3 Semesters or 4 Semesters with Double-Degree Option
Start: Winter Semester
Application Deadline: June 1st
A summer semester start is not possible.
Study Plan
1st & 2nd Semester
Studies in Nürtingen
Option 1
3rd semester at the HfWU in Nuertingen & Master thesis
Option 2
Double Degree as Freemover (3rd +4th semester)
Study Contents
Programme Modules
Below is a list of the modules, a more detailled description can be found in the module handbook at the end of this section.
1st semester modules taking place in Nürtingen (winter semester):
Financial Management
- Management Accounting
- Financial Modeling
- Applied IFRS
Financial Analysis
- Portfolio Management
- Bond Analysis
- Equity Analysis
Management Skills
- Strategic Management
- Intercultural Management and Communication Psychology
- Project
Quantitative Research
- Quantitative Risk Management with Matlab
- Designing and Publishing Empirical Research in Business Studies
2nd semester modules taking place in Nürtingen (summer semester):
Applied International Corporate Finance
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Private Equity & Acquisition Financing
- IPO & Investor Relations
Applied Quantitative Corporate Finance
- Company Valuation
- Corporate Finance on Imperfect Capital Markets
Research in Empirical Finance
- Predictive Analytics
- Empirical Finance
Derivatives & Financial Engineering
- Financial Engineering
- Derivatives
For IFM students, it is optional to spend their 3rd semester either in Nuertingen or their 3rd and 4th semester as a Freemover at a university of their choice to reiceive a Double Degree.
Option 1: 3rd semester modules taking place in Nuertingen (winter semester)
Innovation in the Financial Industry
- Digital Finance/Fin Tec
- Data Science & Data Science in Finance: Financial Analytics
- Prompt Engineering for Finance & Investment Analysis
Master Thesis
Option 2: Double Degree as a Freemover. For more information on this option, please check the tab "Optional Studies Abroad"
Studien- und Prüfungsordnungen
Besides the option to spend their third semester at the HfWU Nuertingen-Geislingen University, students also have the opportunity to complete a Double Degree as a Freemover at a university of their choice worldwide. Freemovers organise their studies abroad independent from the HfWU and are not part of any specific exchange programme.
By choosing the Double Degree option, students spend their first two semesters at the HfWU and then go abroad to study approx. an additional year at a university of their choice. After completion of the required coursework, students will be awarded the MSc International Finance degree from the HfWU Nuertingen-Geilsingen University, as well as a master degree from the university abroad.
Application and Admission
How Do I Apply to the IFM Programme?
Admissions for the 2024 intake are concluded. The application and selection process for the 2025 intake will start in March 2025. Please check out the information provided by our Student Administration Office for a detailled step by step guide and link to our application portal Selma. Below you can find a short summary of the process:
Step 1:Register with our application portal Selma, which will be open from end of March 2025 until June 1st 2025.
Step 2: Upload all necessary documents to Selma (e.g. bachelor certificate, proof of English proficiency, motivation letter). Important: International applicants who received their former degree abroad have to get it first recognized by the Studienkolleg Konstanz . This recognition can be requested throughout the year.
Step 3: Make sure to complete your application in Selma until our deadline of June 1st 2025
Additional Information:
- the application portal for the intake of 2025 will be open from end of March 2025 until June 1st 2025
- Application Deadline: each year June 1st - for admission to the winter semester which usually starts towards the end of September/beginning of October each year . The deadline applies to all applicants (EU and Non-EU).
- the programme only starts in the winter semester each year. A start in the summer semester is not possible
Admission Requirements
For a detailled list of the necessary documents, please check the information provided by our Student Administration Office. Generally, the following documents are needed:
- Proof of a degree in Business, Business Law, Economics or Management from a German institute of higher education or vocational college or a comparable degree from a foreign institute of higher education.
- Declaration of study motivation, typewritten, max. 2 pages, in German or English language
- Evidence of proficiency in English, at least at level B2 (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Please note that you have to submit only one of the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language -TOEFL- with at least 500 points (paper based) or 173 points (computer based) or 61 points (internet based)
- International English Language Testing System Academic - IELTS with at least a 5.5 overall band score
- Cambridge English: Business Vantage - BEC Vantage
- Cambridge English: First – FCE
- Cambridge English: Advanced – CAE
- Cambridge English: Proficiency – CPE
- Advanced Placement International English Language Exam (APIEL) with a minimum rating of 4
- Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) with at least 785 points
- Language certificate for B2 level according to the "Common European Framework for Languages"
- First degree from a programme conducted completely in the English language
- Curriculum Vitae with personal details, education and work experience (optional)
- Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese applicants also need to attach the Original Certificate of the "Akademische Prüfstelle des Kulturreferates der Deutschen Botschaft" (APS) from their country
Application Results
The results of the selection process will be available to all applicants by approx. beginning of July . Applicants can access the acceptance/decline decision within their personal user account in the application portal Selma.
Career Prospects
Accelerate Your Career
Studying in the Master of Science International Finance programme at the Nürtingen-Geislingen University will equip you with the tools necessary to succeed in the financial world. You can consider it your best investment!
Our graduates start exciting careers worldwide in the fields of:
- Investment Banking
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Consulting
- Corporate Finance
- Private Equity
- Portfolio Management
- Financial Engineering
- Bank Management
New Students & Enrolment
Accommodation
Application for Student Dormitory in Nürtingen
As rooms in the student dormitory fill up quickly, new students are encouraged to apply for a room as soon as possible!
Enrolment
For questions on enrolment and fees please first read the information provided on our homepage before contacting the Student Administration Office:
Semester Start
The study programme starts only once a year in autumn. The semester opening will take place on October 7th. More information will follow end of September here. For a first semester booklet and overall information please check out the follwing links:
University Account
All enrolled students will receive their log-in data for all online services of the University automatically before the start of lectures by email. A separate request is not necessary. Please keep in mind that only fully enrolled students can get access!
Once you have received your log-in data you have access to Neo - our Learning Management System where you can find information on your schedule, lecture scripts etc.
- Neo - first steps for students
- Neo - 1st Semester Overview
- Neo - Lecture Schedule
Semester Dates Winter Semester 2024
Semester Opening: 7th October 2024
Lecture Period: 7th October 2024 - 31st January 2025
Exam Period: 3rd February 2025 - 21st February 2025
Fees
Registration and Tuition Fees
All enrolled degree seeking students (EU and non-EU) are required to pay registration fees amounting to approx. 190 € each semester.
From winter semester 2017/2018, international students (non-EU) are also required to pay tuition fees amounting to 1500 € each semester. For more information, please consider the following link:
- Information on fees and exemptions (click on Fees and Degree Seeking)
If you are interested in a Double Degree, please enquire about the fees of your preferred university. As we offer the Double Degree only for Freemovers, we cannot offer any reduction of fees.
ISF International School of Finance at the HfWU
The International School of Finance is comprised of all finance related study degree programmes at the HfWU Nuertingen-Geislingen University as well as their institutes and student/alumni activities.
- Bachelor Study Programme International Financial Management BSc
- Master Study Programme International Finance Msc
- MBA Study Programmes "Management & Finance" and "Management & Real Estate"