What is the PreMaster program?
The PreMaster semester at the Karls is a full-time, one-semester preparation course in English which is offered every spring semester and fall semester. In this period you will get the relevant knowledge and skills in business management, economics, scientific working and others in modules from our Bachelor programs which prepare and qualify you for a successful start in our "Management" Master's program beginning in March of every year.
The PreMaster semester contains two tracks: One for German students and one for international students. Whilst the basis is the same in both tracks, German students will have an extra insight into the Global Economy in order to train you about international contexts. Students coming from international contexts will instead look into the German Business Culture in order to familiarize yourself with the context of your new home and to open possibilities to find a job in Germany already during your studies.
Once you have successfully completed the PreMaster semester you will receive an official PreMaster certificate and a corresponding Transcript of Records to show for your achievements.
So, on the one hand, the PreMaster semester is a means to help you gain and fulfil the possibly necessary formal requirements to enter into the Karls' Master's program. On the other hand, though, it gives you a lot more.
The PreMaster starts every spring semester in March and fall semester in September.

Elena Schmidt, BBA (Germany), voluntary PreMaster
"This program provides a unique opportunity to refresh my knowledge and get familiar with the Karls early on. The positive experiences I've made in the PreMaster confirm my decision to do my Master's here 100%!"
Admission requirements
Admission to the PreMaster is only possible in combination with admission to our "Management" Master's degree program. Please find all relevant information here.
In the online application you will find a tick box to let us know that you are interested in the PreMaster program, too.
If you are not sure whether the PreMaster is a mandatory requirement for your eligibility to the Master's program do not worry. If that is the case we will get in touch with you about it after we have reviewed your application.
PreMaster Application deadline:
Please note that the application deadline for the Master's program is different if you want to or need to do the PreMaster before!
- You come from within the European Union?
Then your application deadline is February 25 of each year.
- You come from outside the European Union but you already have a standing VISA for Germany?
Then your application deadline is February 25 of each year, too.
- You come from outside the European Union and you do not have a standing VISA for Germany, yet?
Then your application deadline is February 25 of each year*.
In order to guarantee a smooth and comfortable admission process, however, we recommend applying in good time as the number of available slots is limited.
*Exceptions may apply for the following countries:
Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, San Marino, Switzerland, and the USA.
In concrete cases, please kindly get in touch with our Student Admissions Service.

Silvia Vásquez, Bachelor in Law (Colombia), PreMaster
"The PreMaster, to me, means the chance to explore a field and a diversity I would otherwise not have been able to explore. It makes me appreciate and enjoy the challenge of studying abroad even more. This has definitely been the right choice for me."