WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management
- Study business in English.
- Choose from a variety of courses in departments including Finance & Accounting, Economics, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Management.
- Live in a picturesque German town along the Rhine River.
- Enroll at a leading business school in Germany that is consistently ranked among the top business schools in Europe.
- Collins Scholarship available. See Further Reading below for more information.
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management is a prominent private business school with a student body of approximately 1200 students. Founded in 1984, WHU is a modern institution that embraces cutting edge research and teaching methods. Class sizes are small and students receive a highly interactive, student-centered learning experience. Course instruction emphasizes cooperative, practice-oriented work. WHU is one of the most renowned business schools in Germany and partners with more than 200 universities worldwide.
The mission of WHU is to educate people who are able to cooperate with colleagues in other disciplines for the purpose of corporate decision-making. Based on a sound core education in economics and business administration, studies at WHU concentrate on the strategic functions of the corporation, focusing particularly on managerial and organizational problems, investment and use of technology, and the need to achieve competitive advantage.
Many student-friendly services and opportunities complement the high quality academics of the institution. WHU offers personalized academic counseling, interesting student clubs, a student buddy program, and a special program to foster the integration of exchange students at WHU.
WHU is located in Vallendar in picturesque western Germany, overlooking the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Vallendar is a suburb of the 2,000-year-old town of Koblenz. Koblenz has an abundance of cultural monuments and historic buildings and the area is framed by four low mountain ranges, offering ample opportunity for outdoor activities. Students can explore the cozy lanes and narrow alleyways of Koblenz and Vallendar, walk the river promenades, and take a boat cruise up and down the Rhine River. The relaxed and happy atmosphere make Koblenz and Vallendar a friendly area where students will feel right at home.
Vallendar is centrally located in Europe, making travel to other European cities and countries accessible. WHU is located about one hour from Cologne (Köln) and one hour from Frankfurt, known as the financial and business centers of Germany and the fourth and fifth largest cities in the country.
WHU is exclusively a business school. KU students can choose from all undergraduate courses offered at the institution, as well as graduate-level MBA and Management courses if they meet the appropriate course pre-requisites. Offering a majority of its coursework in English, WHU provides an excellent study abroad option in Europe for business students who have not taken any previous language coursework.
WHU uses a quarter system, so each semester is comprised of two quarters. Most courses are taken for only one quarter. When searching for course, students should keep in mind that single-quarter courses are often combined with other single-quarter courses to equal one KU equivalent course. KU students must take a minimum course load of 5 courses and cannot take more than 9 courses in any given semester. Most KU exchange students take 5-7 courses during the semester.
For students interested in developing or furthering their German language ability, WHU offers free intensive German courses running throughout the semester. Exchange students have the option to participate in courses at one of 4 levels, from beginner to advanced level.
Course Information
Students typically earn 12 to 18 KU credit hours during one semester abroad. You are encouraged to use the following resources to research available courses and to determine if these courses will meet your academic requirements at KU:
WHU Course Catalog: Search for courses available in all departments at WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management.
KU Course Equivalency Database: This is a list of courses currently pre-approved for KU credit (approved equivalency) and courses that students have had approved for KU credit in the past (possible equivalencies). Use 'Regensburg' in the search field.
Credit Approval Process
Visit the Credit Approval Process page for detailed information on the procedure for obtaining KU course equivalency approval for courses you plan to take abroad. All courses taken and grades earned while abroad must be posted as KU equivalents on a student’s KU transcript and grades will figure into a student’s KU GPA. The relevant KU academic department will make the final decision regarding posting of credit, and their application toward graduation.
WHU’s housing office will help students find suitable accommodation. WHU offers various furnished housing options in Vallendar ranging from a single room to an apartment. Most students opt for apartments with other international students near campus and accessible by public transportation (such as the Höhrer Straße and Heerstraße). Most housing options include internet as well as private or shared kitchen and laundry facilities. For detailed information regarding the different housing options, please visit: http://www.whu.edu/housing.
Student life at WHU includes opportunities to participate in a variety of student groups ranging from departmental interest clubs such as the Finance, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurial clubs to the venture capitalist club IdeaLab!, TEDxWHU, or sports and cultural groups such as the wine tasting club and golf, running, and dance clubs. Student groups also organize social and cultural events including visits to museums and theaters, athletic events, and social activities.
All KU students are set up with WHU "buddies". The student buddy can assist with everyday questions about living and studying in Germany. The academic buddy is available to assist with more specific academic questions once you have started your semester at WHU. A Welcome Week at WHU organized by the International Relations Office will help you to settle in, become acquainted with the university and surrounding area, and meet fellow WHU students.
Facilities at WHU include modern lecture halls and study rooms, an impressive library collection including access to comprehensive digital databases, and a career center with services and resources to support all students. Students have 24/7 access to study facilities at the university.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Considerations for Germany
Germany has laws in place to protect ethnic and religious minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, the differently abled, and other groups. Same-sex marriage is available in Germany and most large city governments officially encourage and host LGBTQIA+ pride events. Most German universities have student groups and community organizations to support LGBTQIA+ students.
Germany’s cities and public transportation are generally accessible to individuals with disabilities. Older sections of the cities and smaller towns may be less accessible due to centuries-old architecture, cobblestone streets, and small indoor spaces. Germany offers services for people who are mobility, sight, or hearing impaired.
Source: U.S. Department of State country information pages and Diversity Abroad.
Additional Resources
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Open to KU students with Sophomore standing by the beginning of the program who have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. There is no language requirement; the language of instruction is English.
Learn more on the Exchange @ WHU Campus webpage and on the WHU International Facebook page.
Scholarships may be available for study abroad programs. Consult the Center for Global Business Studies website for more information on study abroad scholarships for business students. For general study abroad scholarship information, consult the Study Abroad & Global Engagement website.
Drs. Dean T. and Elisabeth Collins Scholarship
Fund created by estate gift from the late Dean and Elisabeth Collins. Awards up to $10,000 for students on semester or $20,000 for year long programs to Germany. Open to all majors but preference for students studying music and particularly opera. Minimum 2.5 GPA requirement. Apply online: https://ku.studioabroad.com/?go=CollinsScholarship
