Our university collaborations have opened study opportunities across borders, building on our experience of taking applied German education into the world through the Global MBA.
Across these relationships, our role has been to connect universities with people and institutions abroad, develop local relationships and help put international education into practice.
2001–2007
Kassel International Management School
Our work with Kassel International Management School (KIMS), the management school of the University of Kassel, centred on its internationalisation. Through the German Global MBA, we brought its management education to professionals beyond Germany.
This experience established a foundation for IBR’s subsequent university partnerships: using an applied degree programme to build international relationships and turn them into working educational cooperation.
2008–2019
Steinbeis University Berlin
Steinbeis University Berlin’s connection to the Steinbeis Foundation, with its commitment to transferring knowledge into business practice, provided a natural setting for the next stage of our work.
As part of Steinbeis University Berlin, IBR further developed the German Global MBA’s work-integrated learning approach while extending the university’s international reach. During this collaboration, the programme was awarded FIBAA’s Premium Seal twice.
The relationship also created lasting personal connections. Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Johann Löhn, then President of Steinbeis University Berlin, continues to advise IBR’s executive board.
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Johann Löhn celebrating with a German Global MBA graduate in Namibia, September 2018.
2020–2026
Trinity International University
IBR collaborated with Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, to extend its international reach and open study opportunities outside the United States.
This collaboration has concluded. Students who successfully completed their programmes were awarded their degrees by Trinity International University and remain part of IBR’s international graduate community.
Since 2022
Albstadt-Sigmaringen University
Since 2022, IBR and Albstadt-Sigmaringen University have worked together on the German Global MBA, with internationalisation as a shared purpose. IBR provides the learning programme and prepares participants for the university’s external examinations; the university conducts the examinations and awards the MBA degree.
The cooperation agreement renewed in 2026 gives IBR an explicit role in supporting wider internationalisation: connecting university partners, helping develop bachelor’s and master’s pathways, double-degree and research cooperation, and supporting international students.
This work is already taking practical form. IBR helped bring about the cooperation between Albstadt-Sigmaringen University and Škoda Auto University, creating a double-degree pathway that is accredited on both sides and open for enrolment.
Our collaboration with Kairos University opens opportunities for experienced professionals, including German Global MBA graduates, to pursue doctoral research grounded in industry and professional practice.
As a partner for contextualization, IBR provides academic mentoring, support and learning resources for Kairos students. Researchers investigate questions arising from their professional experience, with the aim of developing knowledge that can inform decisions and improve practice. Kairos University awards the degree.
Relationships across borders
A network built through people.
As our work developed from Eastern Europe into India and Southern Africa, graduates, professors and local partners helped extend its reach. Some graduates returned to their own academic institutions with an interest in creating new forms of cooperation.
These relationships continue to connect the Global MBA experience with new opportunities for universities and students.
We welcome conversations with universities seeking to develop their international relationships and translate shared ambitions into active cooperation.
