By clicking on or navigating the site, you agree to allow us to collect information on and off Studee through cookies. Studee cookies policy

Studee Logo Home

    Study international business abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying international business as an international student.

    Find a program

    Explore international business programs abroad

    See other programs in international business

    International business degrees abroad

    International business is the study of how business and trade operates across global borders. You’ll draw upon topics like economics, marketing and international relations to learn about how global markets work.

    By completing a program in international business, you’ll develop a detailed understanding of how business is conducted in different countries and cultures. You’ll also examine how markets and business management practices have been impacted by the increased connectedness of the world.

    Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to observe international business in motion. Seeing first-hand how business concepts and practices differ between countries and cultures will equip you with the knowledge, skills and adaptability required to succeed in the field.

    International business program structure

    International business is a global subject which is taught all over the world. The exact structure and content of your course will, therefore, depend on the country and institution.

    A BSc in international business is usually taught over three to four years and will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the field. It’s also possible to study an MA in international business over one or two years, and even a PhD which can take anywhere between four and seven years to complete.

    If you choose to study in the US, you’ll follow the liberal arts model of education. This means that you’ll complete two years of general education before beginning your specialist international business education in your final two years of study.

    Many universities will encourage you to study international business alongside a foreign language. This will help you to effectively communicate with business professionals who do not speak your native language.

    Most international business programs are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and independent study. On some programs, you’ll be required to complete an internship with a business operating in the international marketplace so that you can gain real, hands-on experience.

    International business programs will be assessed differently depending on the institution, but you’ll probably be expected to complete a mixture of exams, coursework and presentations. Here’s a list of core international business modules that are common across most programs:

    • The global business environment
    • Globalization
    • Quantitative methods for business
    • Principles of marketing
    • Business law
    • Global business issues
    • Global strategic management

    Best countries to study international business

    Best universities to study international business

    See all universities offering international business programs

    How to study international business abroad

    1. Universities & programs

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application assistance

      Be guided through your application process

    3. Visa & embassy guidance

      Maximise your chances of being granted a visa

    4. Enrollment & travel advice

      Get support all the way to your first day at university

    Speak to a personal advisor (free service)

    International business study abroad programs

    International business undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in international business

    • false

      International Management - BA Macromedia University of Applied Sciences, Germany

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      42 months
      Tuition fees per year
      11,000 EUR
      Start date
      October
      Show program overview about International Management
    • false

      International Business - BBA IFM University, Switzerland

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Tuition fees per year
      28,500 CHF
      Start date
      March, October
      Show program overview about International Business
    • false

      International Management with Specialization in International Relations - BBA Geneva Business School, Switzerland

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Tuition fees per year
      24,900 CHF
      Start date
      February, September
      Show program overview about International Management with Specialization in International Relations
    • false

      International Trade - BA Altinbas University, Turkey

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Tuition fees per year
      8,500 USD
      Start date
      February, September
      Show program overview about International Trade
    • false

      Business Administration - International Business - BSc Long Island University Post, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Tuition fees per year
      35,736 USD
      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Business Administration - International Business
    See all bachelor's degrees in international business

    Certificate in international business

    • false

      Foundations of International Business - Cert Vrije Amsterdam Summer School, Netherlands

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 month
      Tuition fees per year
      1,150 EUR
      Start date
      July, August
      Show program overview about Foundations of International Business
    See all undergraduate certificates in international business

    Diploma in international business

    • false

      International Business - Dip RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Tuition fees per year
      20,500 AUD
      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about International Business
    • false

      Business Administration – International Business - Dip Centennial College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      3 years
      Tuition fees per year
      16,531 CAD
      Start date
      January, May, September
      Show program overview about Business Administration – International Business
    See all undergraduate diplomas in international business

    Pathway in international business

    • false

      Law with International Business (Foundation) - UGP Leeds Beckett University, UK

      Program type
      Undergraduate pathway
      Duration
      2 years
      Tuition fees per year
      10,900 USD
      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Law with International Business (Foundation)
    • false

      International Business and Human Resource Management Pathway - UGP Glasgow Caledonian University, UK

      Program type
      Undergraduate pathway
      Duration
      4 years
      Tuition fees per year
      11,845 GBP
      Start date
      August
      Show program overview about International Business and Human Resource Management Pathway
    See all undergraduate pathways in international business

    International business graduate programs

    Master's in international business

    • false

      Business Administration - Entrepreneurship & International Business Development - MBA The American Business School of Paris, France

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Tuition fees per year
      15,250 EUR
      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Business Administration - Entrepreneurship & International Business Development
    • false

      International Business in Hospitality Management (with Specialization) - MBA Hotel Institute Montreux, Switzerland

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Tuition fees per year
      49,100 CHF
      Start date
      January, July, October
      Show program overview about International Business in Hospitality Management (with Specialization)
    • false

      International Business - MBA IFM University, Switzerland

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      9 months
      Tuition fees per year
      33,500 CHF
      Start date
      March, October
      Show program overview about International Business
    • false

      International Management with a specialization in International Management - MIM Geneva Business School, Switzerland

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      18 months
      Tuition fees per year
      33,900 CHF
      Start date
      February, September
      Show program overview about International Management with a specialization in International Management
    • false

      International Business MBA - MBA Long Island University Post, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Tuition fees per year
      44,100 USD
      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about International Business MBA
    See all master's degrees in international business

    Diploma in international business

    • false

      International Business in Hotel and Resort Management - PGDip Swiss Hotel Management School, Switzerland

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Tuition fees per year
      35,700 CHF
      Start date
      November
      Show program overview about International Business in Hotel and Resort Management
    See all postgraduate diplomas in international business

    Certificate in international business

    • false

      International Business - PGCert Northeastern University, USA

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Tuition fees per year
      24,000 USD
      Start date
      January, May
      Show program overview about International Business
    • false

      International Business - PGCert RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      6 months
      Tuition fees per year
      19,200 AUD
      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about International Business
    • false

      International Business Management - PGCert Centennial College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Tuition fees per year
      16,531 CAD
      Start date
      January, July, September
      Show program overview about International Business Management
    • false

      International Business Management - OCGCert Fanshawe College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Tuition fees per year
      16,022 CAD
      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about International Business Management
    • false

      International Business Management - PGCert Durham College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Tuition fees per year
      15,457 CAD
      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about International Business Management
    See all postgraduate certificates in international business

    Pathway in international business

    • false

      International Business (Global Pathways) - PGP Northeastern University, USA

      Program type
      Postgraduate pathway
      Duration
      4 months
      Tuition fees per year
      15,200 USD
      Start date
      March, July, November
      Show program overview about International Business (Global Pathways)
    • false

      International Business Management, Pre-Masters - PGP University of Surrey, UK

      Program type
      Postgraduate pathway
      Duration
      6 months
      Tuition fees per year
      11,500 USD
      Start date
      February, September
      Show program overview about International Business Management, Pre-Masters
    • false

      International Business Management with Entrepreneurship Pre-Master's Programme - PGP Kingston University, UK

      Program type
      Postgraduate pathway
      Duration
      8 months
      Tuition fees per year
      9,500 USD
      Start date
      January, April
      Show program overview about International Business Management with Entrepreneurship Pre-Master's Programme
    See all postgraduate pathways in international business

    Future international business careers

    As an international business graduate, you’ll have the tools to kickstart your career anywhere in the world. Since most successful businesses now need to operate across borders, employers are always on the lookout for international business graduates who have the attributes needed to excel in a globalized world. You’ll be well placed to achieve success in any of the following roles:

    • Business analyst
    • Business development manager
    • Business advisor
    • Sales executive
    • Corporate investment banker
    • Management consultant
    • Marketing manager
    • Purchasing manager
    • Financial trader

    Most universities will host business networking events with employers. These are a great opportunity to make connections and secure work-experience placements so that you can stand out when it comes to applying for graduate roles.