The programs' international focus is a unique feature. These Master's degree programs in Global Business are taught exclusively in English and provide students with an opportunity to spend six months abroad, living in two different countries and experiencing different cultures. The joint Master's degree program in Global Business aims to prepare students to pursue careers at international companies. This special graduate degree program not only challenges students to travel the world and learn to work together in international teams, but it also encourages them to appreciate different cultures and to reflect critically and conscientiously on their own country. Moreover, each track offers students the opportunity to acquire a double degree at one of the partner universities.

The program has been designed to raise each student's level of awareness, tolerance, understanding and flexibility - traits that every manager in our global world needs today

Academic Business Background

Admission requirements for the Master’s degree program in Global Business are twofold. First, students must have successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or hold a comparable degree. Degrees awarded by universities other than the JKU will be subject to review by the JKU Admissions Office in order to clarify whether or not they meet the required standards. If the degree is not considered comparable, during the first year of the Master's degree program, students will be given an opportunity to attend required, supplementary courses in addition to courses as outlined in the curriculum. As a guideline, students are required to have a basic understanding of management, which is given if they have attended classes worth a minimum of 30 ECTS credits in the fields of business administration or economics.

Proof of Language Proficiency

In addition, proof of proficiency in English at a C1 level in accordance with the European Frame of Reference is required. This requirement is waived for native speakers of English as well as for students graduating from programs that were taught entirely in English. Proof of proficiency in English can also be met by providing one of the following certificates:

• TOEFL
• IELTS
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)

Learn more about Proof of Language Proficiency. 

Application Procedure

In addition, students are required to successfully pass the application procedure.

After submitting a completed application, you will receive notification that we have received your application. The academic program director will only verify receipt of your application, providing it is complete and complies with admission requirements. If your application fulfills all of the admission requirements, you will be invited for an interview at the Johannes Kepler University. The interview will be conducted in English.

The Master's degree program in Global Business is a two-year program consisting of a national year spent at the JKU and an international year where students will be staying approximately three months at each of the three partner universities.

ACT Program:

• Qualitative Research Methods
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Academic Writing English
• Case Studies English
• Master's Thesis Seminar

Select 5 courses out of the following 8 courses:

• Strategic Management
• Human Resource & Change Management
• Managerial Accounting
• Financial Accounting
• Corporate Finance
• Marketing
• Organization
• Interpersonal Skills and Intercultural Competence

Troika Program:

• Qualitative Research Methods
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Academic Writing English
• Case Studies English
• Master's Thesis Seminar
• Cultural Context

Select 6 courses out of the following 8 courses:

• Strategic Management
• Human Resource & Change Management
• Managerial Accounting
• Financial Accounting
• Corporate Finance
• Marketing
• Organization
• Interpersonal Skills and Intercultural Competence

PAC Program:

• Qualitative Research Methods
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Academic Writing English
• Case Studies English
• Master's Thesis Seminar

Select 5 courses out of the following 8 courses:

• Strategic Management
• Human Resource & Change Management
• Managerial Accounting
• Financial Accounting
• Corporate Finance
• Marketing
• Organization
• Interpersonal Skills and Intercultural Competence

Yes, if you wish to apply for direct admission to the international year, please send the required application documents as well as all transcripts from your previous studies to: Julia.semper@jku.at

As an Austrian citizen or EU national, you are not subject to tuition fees if you are enrolled in the Master's degree program in Global Business. Students must, however, pay the Austrian student union fee, incl. insurance (€ 20.20 per semester, last update: June 2021).

Certain non-EU nationals will be subject to tuition fees of € 726.72 per semester. In addition, these students will also have to pay the Austrian student union fee, incl. insurance (€ 20.20 per semester, last update: June 2021). This means a total amount of € 746.92 per semester.

Mobility Grants

Students who are officially enrolled at the JKU Linz can apply for a number of scholarships and grants to help financially support and organize your stay abroad. In addition, you may be exempt from paying tuition fees (=Studienbeitrag) providing you meet the corresponding requirements. All students must pay the Austrian student union fee.

Exchange Program Study Grants

The following study grants are available. The amounts vary according to :

• the type of exchange program you are on
• where you live
• whether or not you already receive financial aid

The following study grants are available:

• Erasmus study grants (intended mostly for studies at European universities)
• The JKU Study Grant (mostly for universities located outside of Europe)
• Financial Aid for Study Abroad Programs (for students in the second part of studies, or the third semester of a Bachelor's or Master's degree program and receiving financial aid)
• IPS Study Grant of the Upper Austrian Government (for students who have had main residency in Upper Austria for a minimum of 1 year)

The JKU Study Abroad Grant:

• Grant amounts: monthly grant + most likely an allowance for travel expenses
• Grant duration: 2 to 15 months
• Students can apply for financial support to pay for intensive language courses before their study abroad program begins.
• Students must be in a study abroad program for a minimum of one semester. ECTS credit for this period will not be transferred.
• Additional financial support is available for students who have a child or children
• Additional financial support available for students who have special needs

IPS Study Grant:

JKU Linz students who have official residency in Upper Austria (a minimum of 1 year) can apply for the IPS study grant funded by the Upper Austrian government (max. grant € 100 for Europe + travel allowance, max. €480).

See the Austrian Academic Exchange Service (OeAD) for detailed information about the Austrian visa and residence requirements.

For detailed information about studying in Austria, working while studying, and working after graduating, please see Pt. 6 in the "Guidelines to Enter and Reside in Austria for International Students" or in the brochure "Studying & Working in Austria".