International Business and Economics
Bachelor's degree programme
There are no limits to your professional career: In this age of digitalisation and globalisation, we need worldly-wise managers who can track down market opportunities around the globe.They are equipped with tools that can be used universally: Accounting, Controlling, Marketing, Human Resources Management, Logistics, Data Analytics, Economics. The English language Bachelor’s programme in International Business and Economics will qualify you as an all-round talent who can be deployed anywhere in the world.
Register now for the Bachelor’s programme in International Business and Economics and get ready to embark on your international career!
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
General university entrance qualification, knowledge of English B2
Yes
English
Student Guidance Service
E-mail: studieninfo [at] aau [dot] at
Programme Director
Dmitri Blüschke
E-mail: Dmitri [dot] Blueschke [at] aau [dot] at
Do you feel at home all around the world? Do you like to keep an eye on globally connected markets? We can offer you an education that imposes absolutely no limits on your career. Whether in Shanghai, Rio de Janeiro, Silicon Valley, Moscow or London – wherever you go, you can roll up your sleeves and guide companies to success with drive and determination. For your long-term economic success, we can provide you with a complete package: We will equip you with a solid theoretical foundation based on the latest scientific know-how. At the same time, you will learn to use all the practical tools that you will need for your rapid progress – be it in an existing company, in a start-up or in the public sector. We gather the best students from all over the world for the degree programme in Klagenfurt, and we communicate in English throughout the entire programme.
Here, you will become an internationally qualified all-rounder – with a strong background in the following areas: What new business areas are opening up as a result of digitalisation? Do you have the right instincts to market products and services globally? Do you have the potential to become an interculturally skilled HR professional? Are you more of a numbers person who wants to know which key figures lead to success? Or are you someone who has a holistic view of the economy? We cover these and all other important fields.
Do you feel concerned that your academic knowledge might be of limited practical use and that you would be “educated without regard to the market”? We've got good news for you: Here you will learn not only from internationally renowned experts in the field of research, but also from top practitioners operating in the world of business. Around 40 percent of our lecturers are highly successful in the professional field. Get started on developing your international “Circle of Excellence” while you are still studying and pursue your studies alongside ambitious idea generators and energetic movers and shakers from all over the world.
Curious what the Bachelor's degree programme in International Business and Economics is all about?
To start the Bachelor’s degree programme in International Business and Economics in Klagenfurt, you need to go through a special admission procedure.
12 January to 23 February 2026
Our student Julia has the answer to your question!
This is what makes the degree programme so special
We help you to acquire scientific skills, and you can use them to good effect. Business management decisions often have far-reaching consequences: They determine the economic success of companies and public institutions – and ultimately affect people’s jobs. Those who make knowledge-based decisions have a clear advantage!
After completing your Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Economics, you can work in a wide range of professional fields, including the following areas:
You’ll soon discover this: There are many interesting facts, stories and news updates regarding this degree programme.
In Klagenfurt you can study at your own pace. To help you follow your path with confidence, we keep it clear of (bureaucratic) stumbling blocks and barriers. If you wish to reach your goal quickly and efficiently, we will always be there to support you. Our recommended course of study will guide you through the semesters. You work your way through the curriculum – making the most of opportunities to broaden your horizons and without wasting time. If you would like to know which courses await you before you start, take a look at the wide range of seminars and lectures.
Programme structure: a tabular overview
| SUBJECT | Designation | ECTS credits | Rec. semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required Subjects | Principles of Business | 34 | 1-4 |
| Principles of Economics | 18 | 1-3 | |
| Introduction to Sociology | 4 | 2-4 | |
| Introduction to Gender Studies | 4 | 2-4 | |
| Intercultural and Scientific Skills | 4 | 1 | |
| Methodology in Business and Economics Research | 26 | 1-3 | |
| Topics in International Business | 16 | 3-6 | |
| Topics in International Economics | 16 | 3-6 | |
| Guided Electives I | Students must complete two electives to the value of 12 ECTS each. Students can choose from the electives listed below:
| 24 | 4-6 |
| Guided Electives II | Students must either complete one elective to the value of 16 ECTS credits, or two electives to the value of 8 ECTS credits each
| 16 | 4-6 |
| Open Electives | 10 | 4-6 | |
| Bachelor’s thesis & seminar | 6 + 2 | 5-6 | |
| | Total | 180 | |
Introductory and orientation period (STEOP)
The introductory and orientation period (STEOP) grants students an overview of the key elements of the degree programme and of the course of studies ahead. Thus, it provides a factual basis for the personal evaluation of the choice of degree programme.
As students must successfully complete the introductory and orientation period in order to continue their studies, it is recommended that the introductory and orientation period should be scheduled during the first semester. The introductory and orientation period within the Bachelor's degree programme in International Business and Economics at the University of Klagenfurt comprises four courses ("Introduction to Business", "Introduction to Economics", "Intercultural Skills" and "Scientific Skills") amounting to a total of 8 ECTS credits. Prior to completing the STEOP, additional courses worth up to 22 ECTS credits may be taken.
Recommended course of study
The recommended course of study outlined below shows you an exemplary list of the courses you should attend in the first two semesters in order to create a good knowledge base and take the necessary examinations if you want to complete your studies within the minimum period of study. Certain courses are only offered once per academic year, but examinations can be taken on specific dates throughout the year. Some courses are offered in parallel at different time slots during the week so that there are enough places for all students – decide on a course here and register for it.
In the appendix to your curriculum (PDF), you will find a detailed version of the non-binding recommended course of study that goes beyond the first two semesters.
1st semester (Starting in the winter semester)
| DESIGNATION | SUBJECT | ECTS CREDITS | COURSE TITLE | TYPE OF COURSE |
| STEOP (Introductory and orientation period) | Required subject 1.1 | 2 | Introduction to Business | VO |
| Required subject 2.1 | 2 | Introduction to Economics I | VO | |
| Required subject 5.1 | 2 | Intercultural Skills | KS* | |
| Required subject 5.2 | 2 | Scientific Skills | VC* | |
| Principles of Business | 12
(3×4 ECTS credits) |
Choose three courses from the Required subject 1: | ||
| Required subject 1.2 | BUS 1: Financial Reporting | VO | ||
| Required subject 1.3 | BUS 2: People and Organizations | VO | ||
| Required subject 1.6 | BUS 5: Public Management | VO | ||
| Required subject 1.8 | BUS 7: Operations Management, Logistics and Purchasing | VI* | ||
| Principles of Economics | Required subject 2.2 | 4 | ECON 1: Introduction to Economics II | VO |
| Methodology in Business and Economics Research | Required subject 6.1 | 6 | Mathematics | VU* |
| Total | 30 |
* Compulsory attendance
| DESIGNATION | SUBJECT | ECTS CREDITS | COURSE TITLE | TYPE OF COURSE |
| Principles of Business | 12
(3×4 ECTS credits) |
Choose three courses from the Required subject 1: | ||
| Required subject 1.4 | BUS 3: Entrepreneurship & Innovation | VI* | ||
| Required subject 1.5 | BUS 4: Capital Budgeting and Financing | VO + KS* | ||
| Required subject 1.6 | BUS 5: Public Management | VO | ||
| Required subject 1.7 | BUS 6: Marketing | VO | ||
| Required subject 1.9 | BUS 8: Management Accounting | VO | ||
| Principles of Economics | Required subject 2.3 | 6 | ECON 2: Microeconomics | VC* |
| Methodology in Business and Economics Research | Required subject 6.2 | 6 | Methodology 1: Mathematics II | VU* |
| Required subject 6.3 | 6 | Methodology 2: Statistics | VO + KS* | |
| Total | 30 |
* Compulsory attendance
Studying abroad
The Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Economics prepares you for a career in the international business arena. We will teach you the necessary knowledge of English as a business language and will communicate with you in English throughout your studies. No matter whether you want to work in the management of a local company with an international focus, or whether you are drawn to a non-profit organisation in Amsterdam, Bangkok or New York: This degree programme will give you the best possible preparation. The world is yours to explore – and you can get started while you are still studying. You can complete your internship with an international cooperation partner or alternatively spend a semester abroad, developing your professional skills and improving your language and intercultural competences at the same time. For more information on international mobility during your degree programme, please refer to Section 7 of the curriculum.
This degree programme does not include a compulsory period abroad. However, we strongly encourage all students to complete part of their degree programme as a semester abroad at one of the University of Klagenfurt’s more than 250 partner universities worldwide. You need not worry about your finances – we offer plenty of scholarships. You will find everything you need to know about studying abroad on our Study Abroad page.
Internship
You have the option to complete an internship (worth a total of 16 ECTS credits) with one of our national or international cooperation partners from the field of science or industry. Alternatively, you can earn 16 ECTS credits (or more) at a foreign university when you spend a semester studying abroad. For more information, please refer to the curriculum (sections 7, 10 and 15).
Learning goals
| Graduates will be/have: | Graduates will be able to: |
| business knowledge | … explain the basic principles of business. |
| an interdisciplinary mindset | … describe interdisciplinary relationships (e.g. business-economics, business-technology, business-sociology, business-law, etc.). |
| skilled at solving international business problems | … identify an international business/economics problem and select appropriate solutions/methods. |
| academic literacy | … research international business/ economics problems by drawing on their academic skills. |
You must also meet the following conditions, which also apply to all other programmes:
We won’t abandon you, especially at the start of your studies!
Once you have completed the Bachelor's degree programme in International Business and Economics at the University of Klagenfurt, you have the option to continue your studies with one of the following degree programmes, to give just a few examples. The choice is yours:
Is the degree programme in International Business and Economics the right one for me?
Are you interested in current economic challenges in a global context and do you want to know about the various differences in the world’s financial markets and learn to take a global view? Do you want to identify and help shape the challenges of the future? Then this English language Bachelor’s programme is perfect for you.
What level of English proficiency do I need for this degree programme?
According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, you need level B2. This means that you are able to understand the overall content of more demanding texts and that you can communicate spontaneously and fluently.
How does the admission procedure for IBE work?
The admission procedure for this degree programme consists of two parts. You need to register, upload a letter of motivation and then you can take the exam. In total, we can award 50 places for students.
How do I start my academic studies at the University of Klagenfurt?
Our check list will help you to get started. We have compiled everything you need to know here – from registering online right up to enrolling for a degree programme.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the content of the degree programme?
If you have any questions regarding content, please contact the programme director at ibec [at] aau [dot] at.
What job prospects do I have once I graduate?
Upon graduating from this degree programme, you will have what it takes to be a big player and you can launch your career in any number of business fields around the world.
What do I need to know for the admission examination?
The online examination is held in English. This exam tests your understanding of the specified literature. The examination literature is available for download on the webpage for the special admission procedure.