Study Abroad & Exchange Students
Study in Germany, connect globally, and make unforgettable memories at CBS!

Your semester abroad at CBS in Germany
Studying abroad is more than just a semester away—it's a transformative experience that broadens your perspectives, connects you with people from all over the world, and prepares you for a truly global future. At CBS International Business School, we welcome exchange students from across the globe to study, explore, and thrive in one of Germany’s most vibrant academic environments.
Whether you’re excited about immersing yourself in a new culture, experiencing Germany’s dynamic student life, or building an international network, your journey starts here. Our CBS International Office is here to guide and support you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth transition into your new home, new city, and new academic adventure.
Admission Requirements for Exchange Students
Everything you need to know about eligibility, application steps, and required documents for your exchange semester at CBS.
Bachelor Students
Master Students
Study Programmes
Bachelor students can choose one of our certificate programmes:
European Business Management (short-term options available)
Business Psychology
IB - International Trade
IB - Marketing Management
IB - Financial Management
IB - Management Consulting
Business Models and AI
By completing 30 ECTS (5 modules), students can now gain a Business Studies Certificate (additionally to the regular transcript of records)!
It is still possible to take 18 ECTS (3 modules) or 24 ECTS (4 modules). In this case, students receive the regular study abroad transcript of records.
Master Programmes:
Master students have to decide for a specific programme and level/semester of studies and are not able to combine modules from different programmes or levels.
Application Process
Students from international partner universities must be nominated by their home institution before starting the CBS application process.
If you want to join us as a free mover, please apply here.
Documents Needed
Application Dates
Spring Semester: 01 November
Fees
Master: 7.920€ / semester
If your home institution has an exchange agreement with CBS, no tuition fees apply. In this case, please contact the International Office at your home institution for more information.
Prepare for Your Semester Abroad at CBS in Germany
Studying in a foreign country as an exchange student is a great chance to broaden your horizon, immerse yourself in a foreign culture, meet people from other cultural backgrounds and study foreign languages. Especially for those who have not lived abroad before, coming to Germany to live and study is a great adventure! Good preparation is key.
Visa Regulations
Once you have received your letter of acceptance, you can apply for a student visa. We strongly recommend starting the visa process as soon as possible, as it can take a while. You should allow for at least 2 months. If you are an EU citizen, you do not need to apply for a visa before your departure.
Please be aware that you may not enter Germany on a tourist visa!
On the following websites you will find more detailed and up-to-date information on all visa issues:
German Federal Foreign Offices
German Federal Foreign Office: Visa regulations
Housing
It is a good idea to start looking for accommodation as early as possible. You can choose between different forms of accommodation, ranging from student dormitories to single apartments or shared flats.
Rents in all big cities in Germany are comparatively high. However, monthly living expenses can vary immensely depending on your lifestyle.
CBS offers student dorms close to the campus in Cologne. As availability is limited, please make sure to sign up for one as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance.
Should you require assistance with your search for accommodation, please contact us at accommodation@cbs.de. Our experienced colleagues are happy to answer your questions and assist you in your hunt for the right residence.
Health Insurance
All students in Germany must provide proof of health insurance before they begin their studies. We may only enroll you at CBS if you can prove that you have sufficient health insurance coverage. Also, you will have to prove this at the immigration office when you apply for a residence permit with your student visa!
You can choose whether you prefer to get health insurance in your home country that includes coverage abroad, or whether you would like to get health insurance from a company in Germany. Often, insurance companies offer limited services and coverage when you are abroad. If you decide to get health insurance in your home country, be aware of the conditions that apply while abroad. Also, find out whether your health insurance will be recognized in Germany. If not (for instance, because reimbursements in cases of claims are too low), you will have to take out another insurance policy.
We recommend that you take out a German healthcare insurance policy because this will make the process of receiving medical treatment much easier. With your German health insurance card, you will not have to pay for medical treatment, whereas with an international healthcare insurance policy, you will have to pay for medical treatment and then apply for reimbursement afterward.
Banking
You can open a bank account with any savings bank. When opening a bank account in Germany you need to bring your passport, your student card, and your registration certificate with the City of Cologne.
Exchange Students: Arriving in Germany
Arriving in a new country is an exciting experience, but it also comes with important steps to complete. As an exchange student at CBS International Business School, you will need to matriculate at CBS, register with the city administration, and apply for a residence permit, among other formalities. Don’t worry—we are here to help!
Your Introduction Week at CBS
To ensure a smooth start to your studies, CBS organises an Introduction Week designed to guide you through all necessary bureaucratic processes and answer any questions you may have. During this week, you’ll attend info sessions, placement tests, and orientation activities, while also getting to explore the Cologne campus and meet your fellow students. Participation in the Introduction Week is mandatory for all new students at CBS, so make sure to be there!
Exciting Events for International Students
Beyond academics, CBS offers a vibrant student life with plenty of opportunities to explore Cologne and beyond! Each semester, we organise iCBS! – a special programme for international students, featuring country nights, excursions, company visits, and social events to help you experience German culture and connect with your peers. Stay updated on upcoming events by following us on Instagram—we can’t wait to welcome you to CBS and make your exchange semester unforgettable!
Do you have any questions?
The team at the CBS International Office is happy to assist you with all questions around studying abroad at CBS and planning your stay in Germany. Likewise, as a CBS degree student, we will of course support your plans to study abroad at our international partner universities, or make plans for further international experiences, and guide you through the application process and planning of your stay abroad!