Master Financial Services Management

Apply now - Application deadline for the winter semester 31 May and 1 December for the summer semester

Shape Your Financial Future

 

Master Financial Services Management

Accelerate your career in banking or financial services

 

If you are interested in working in banking or financial services management, the Financial Services Management Master program is the perfect starting point for your career. You can start every winter and summer semester and after three semesters you will complete your degree with your master thesis. This course of studies offers an individual course selection, which means that you decide on your key areas. The master program Financial Services Management is internationally oriented and offers, in this way, a wide range of job opportunities in the financial services sector.

 

Application and Admission

Language requirements:

Applicants who are not native speakers of English need a comprehensive knowledge of English, at least at level B2 verified by TOEIC Listening and Reading with a score of at least 785, TOEIC Speaking and Writing with a score of at leat 310, TOEFL(iBT)-test score of at least 87 points, TOEFL(ITP)-test score of at least 543 points, IELTS 5,5, Cambridge English: First (FCE), Cambrigde English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage), LCCI EfB Level 2 (Distinction), LCCI EfB Level 3 (Pass) or equivalent.

If English was your language of instruction, please submit a confirmation of your previous university.

Academic requirements:

A prerequisite for admission to the Master's course of study is proof of a degree in an economics/business/management/finance course of study (210 ECTS) at a university of applied sciences and arts, a university or a similar institution of higher education with an average grade of at least 2.9. The course of study must include at least six theory semesters.

Professional competence must be verified by proof of relevant professional knowledge and competences, normally by a degree certificate. 
Personal suitability requires a distinctive interest in the selected course of study and is determined and recognised by the Admissions Panel by means of a positive vote. The Admissions Panel can base its decision on a selective conversation and may integrate professional suitability when making its decision. 
The Examinations Board may conditionally admit a student who has less than 210 ECTS but who can provide proof of at least 180 ECTS. These conditions can be met by the recognition of additional Bachelor modules, additional study-abroad modules, work experience after completion of the Bachelor degree or successful completion of additional modules at the HS Kaiserslautern - University of Applied Sciences. The Examinations Board will inform the admitted student in writing about the conditions before the beginning of the Master's study programme. The conditions can be fulfilled in advance or during the study of Master modules. The conditions must be fulfilled by the time the student wishes to register for the Master's degree at the latest. 
An applicant who has acquired an equivalent professional degree in another course of study may also apply for the Master's course of study. The examination board is responsible for determining the equivalence.

For applicants with a Bachelor degree from Germany

Apply now!

For applicants with a non-German Bachelor degree

Apply now!

General information for applicants

At a glance

Abschluss
Master of Arts

Studiengangsart
Konsekutiver Studiengang, Präsenzstudium

Studienmodell
Vollzeitstudium

Campus
Zweibrücken

Fachbereich
Betriebswirtschaft

Regelstudienzeit
3 Semester

Zugangsvoraussetzungen

B2 English level (CEFR)

Bachelor Degree in Economics or Business Administration

(minimum 210 ECTS) or

Degree with 180 ECTS

  • recognition of additional Bachelor modules
  • additional study-abroad modules
  • work experience after completion of the Bachelor degree
  • successful completion of additional modules at the HS KL

Vorpraktikum

Studienbeginn
Sommersemester und Wintersemester

Lehrsprache
English

Akkreditierung
akkreditiert bis Ende 30.09.2026, Hochschule Kaiserslautern (Systemakkreditierung)

Study Financial Services Management at Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences:

International orientation:

  • Master program in English language
  • No German language skills required
  • International student community
  • International and experienced Professors

Close to the European financial centres in

  • Frankfurt
  • Luxembourg

Low costs for students

  • No tuition fee
  • Enrolment fee 123.00€ per semester
  • Student residences right at the campus
  • Affordable rents and living costs

 

With a variety of fundamental finance courses as well as topics such as Quantitative Finance, Commercial Bank Management, and Asset Management, the wide range of the master’s program exceeded my expectations. The professors are very supportive and apply different teaching methods, including simulations with case studies. The knowledge imparted helped me get my internships and my full-time job in finance. I was very content with my student life at the University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern. We have our own student association for international students, but we are also welcome to participate in all activities for local students. Just like a family!

Thuy Mommsen, Financial Analyst (Foto: privat)

As the program head of the Financial Services Management (FSM) Master's program, I am excited to offer a curriculum designed for careers in banking or finance departments, featuring:

  1. Individual Course Selection: Tailor your studies to your career goals.
  2. Intercultural Environment: Develop cross-cultural skills through diverse interactions.
  3. High Practical Relevance: Gain hands-on experience for real-world success.
  4. Double Degree Possible: Expand your global network with international partnerships.

Prof. Dr. Christian Armbruster, Head of the study programme (Foto: HSKL)

If you are interested in working in banking or financial services management, the Financial Services Management Master program is the perfect starting point for your career. You can start every winter and summer semester and after three semesters you will complete your degree with your master thesis. This course of studies offers an individual course selection, which means that you decide on your key areas. The master program Financial Services Management is internationally oriented and offers, in this way, a wide range of job opportunities in the financial services sector.

  • Start in winter or summer semester
  • Complete your degree after three semesters with your master thesis
  • Choose between courses in English and German as well as choose from a variety of modules
  • Elect from eleven core and five supplement modules and choose six of them, at least three of which have to be core modules

This concept gives you the chance to put the main emphasis on your interests and, in this way, develop your skills and competences to perfection.

The Financial Services Management Master program provides flexibility, customisation, and global emphasis, ideal for careers in banking and financial services. The programme consists out of these modules:

Core modules:

in English:in German
 
  • Asset Management
  • Cash and Treasury Management
  • Commercial Bank Management
  • Financial and Managerial Accounting
  • International Finance
  • International and Monetary Economics
  • Quantitative Methods in Finance
  • Reinsurance
 
 
  • Merger & Acquisition: Quantitative und qualitative Methoden
  • Operatives Bankgeschäft
  • Prüfungswesen und Bankenaufsicht
 

    Supplementary modules:

    in Englishin German
     
    • Intercultural Management and International Business Ethics
    • International Marketing and Corporate Communication
    • Management and Organisational Behaviour
     
     
    • Compliance für KMU
    • Strategisches Personalmanagement 
     

     

    With the Master of Arts (M. A.) in Financial Services Management, you will obtain a professionally qualifying academic degree from a state university.

    The degree:

    •  qualifies you for a successful career in business and administration and makes you highly attractive on the labour market.
    •  gives you access to the higher civil service.
    •  gives you the authorisation to do a doctorate.

    Mobility module

    Besides studying at our campus, you have the possbility to go for a mobility module:

    • 2nd or 3rd semester
    • Study at an international Partner School
    • Courses are defined in coordination with the Program Director

     

    International Joint Doctoral Programme

    After graduating, you can apply for the PhD programme at our parter University BA School of Business and Finance in Riga.
     

    Duration

     
    • 1st and 2nd year
    • 3rd year
     
     

    3 years

    • Theory Studies (60 ECTS)
    • PhD Thesis (120 ECTS)
     
    LanguageEnglish

    Tuition Fee

    The tuition fee varies between 3190,- EUR and 4.235,- EUR per year depending on the individual programme

    More informationPhD programme

     

    Career prospects

    With a successfully completed master degree in financial services management

    • you have the opportunity to work in a dynamic, innovative and multicultural work environment.
    • you can start your career perfectly prepared in the financial services sector. 
    • you can apply your theoretical knowledge in practice.
    • you are able to work independently and contribute your ideas to financial services projects.
    • you have a master degree from a certified recognised university. 

    Every field of work has to develop, be dynamic and react to the economy; therefore, the concept of internationalisation and a fundamental theoretical basis qualify you to start your career in the financial services sector with a variety of possibilities. 

    For applicants with a Bachelor degree from Germany

    Apply now!

     

    For applicants with a non-German Bachelor degree

    Apply now!

    General information for applicants

    1. How can I apply?

    The University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern has authorised uni-assist to pre-check the credentials. Please use uni-assist and start your application at: https://my.uni-assist.de/

    • If you are a student without a German bachelor degree please use uni- assist. Students with a German Bachelor please use the Online-application portal of our university.
    • Students that already applied a semester before via uni-assist and got admission, but didn´t start to study at Hochschule Kaiserslautern, can use our online- portal, instead of uni-assist. Please contact us before applying !
    • Please notice that we don´t check the credentials in advance.

    https://www.hs-kl.de/en/studying/application/applying-with-foreign- education-certificates

     

    2. When can I start to study?

    This program starts twice a year (winter semester in September/October and summer semester in March). Deadline for application is

    May 31st for winter semester and December 1st for summer semester.

    There is no master study fee only 123,00 Euro social fees per semester (if you already have a master degree, master study fee is 700,00 Euro per semester for a second study course).


    3. When does the window for Application start?

    You can send your application as soon as the application portal has been opened. This usually happens 4-6 weeks before the application deadline ends.


    4. What is the entry requirement?

    The admission requirements are:

    1.) Degree (Diploma or Bachelor) from an accredited institution in Economics or Business Administration with an average grade of at least 2.9. Studies have to contain 6 theoretical semesters with a workload of 210 ECTS credit points (with a workload of 180 ECTS upon request to the Admissions Board). Candidates having less than 210 ECTS credit points from the bachelor are obliged to do a tailor-made study plan to reach the absent ECTS. The equivalence of a foreign first degree has to be verified individually.
    2.) If English is not native language: Sufficient knowledge of the English language (Level B2 GER) verified by TOEIC Listening and Reading with a score of at least 785, TOEIC Speaking and Writing with a score of at leat 310, TOEFL(iBT)-test score of at least 87 points, TOEFL(ITP)-test score of at least 543 points, IELTS 5,5, Cambridge English: First (FCE), Cambrigde English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage), LCCI EfB Level 2 (Distinction), LCCI EfB Level 3 (Pass) or equivalent.
    If English was your language of instruction, please submit a confirmation of your previous university.
    3.) Approval by the Admissions Board normally based on interview.


    5. Do I need to send my IELTS certificate directly from test centre to you? Do I need to add motivation letter too? What are the required documents for this?

    Required documents:

    • Photo of your passport with family name / surname and first / given name on the back
    • Curriculum vitae / Resumeé
    • Motivation letter
    • Module choice
    • photocopies of:
      • School leaving certificate with a German or English translation
      • Bachelors Diploma(s) or equivalent diploma(s) from a national/international higher education institution with a German or English translation including final transcript(s) or equivalent marks/grades
      • Proof of English
      • APS Certificate (only for Chinese, Mongolian, Indian and Vietnamese applicants)


    6. What’s the course language? Are the courses in English or German?

    For the master´s program “Financial Service Management” the courses are in English.


    7. Do I have to do the language proficiency test?

    Applicants who are not English native speakers:

    • Sufficient knowledge of the English language (Level B2 GER) verified by TOEIC Listening and Reading with a score of at least 785, TOEIC Speaking and Writing with a score of at least 310, TOEFL(iBT)-test score of at least 87 points, TOEFL(ITP)-test score of at least 543 points, IELTS 5,5, Cambridge English: First (FCE), Cambrigde English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage), LCCI EfB Level 2 (Distinction), LCCI EfB Level 3 (Pass) or equivalent.
    • If all the courses of your Bachelor course of study have been in English, you can provide a diploma supplement or an equivalent document from your university and you don’t have to do an English test.

     

    8. How long are the English certificates valid?

    The results of your English certificates like TOEIC, TOEFL and IELTS are generally valid for around 2 years.

     

    9. I obtained my 2nd degree while I was studying in an EU-Country. The course was taught entirely in English. We wrote our bachelor thesis in English as well. Is it a good proof of English proficiency, or it's not sufficient enough?

    If all the courses of your Bachelor course of study have been in English, you can provide a diploma supplement or an equivalent document from your university and you don’t have to do an English test.

     

    10. Do I need a GMAT or GER to apply?

    No.

     

    11. Where can I get help to find an apartment in Zweibrücken?

    There are no apartments offered by the University. You will have to apply for a room in the student dorm via the following website https://www.studierendenwerk-kaiserslautern.de/en/housing/international
    If there is no room available you will have to live in a private apartment. (https://www.studierendenwerk-kaiserslautern.de/en/housing/private-residential-market)

     

    12. How much is the tuition fee?

    There is no tuition fee, but you will have to pay for the enrolment every semester and the student card once. At the moment the enrolment fee is about 123,00€ and the student card is about 8,00€. (if you already have a German master degree, master study fee is 700,00 Euro per semester for second study course). These costs are mandatory also for non-EU students.


    13. Is it possible to receive financial aid as an international student?

    Also the international students can apply for the following scholarship:
    https://www.hs-kl.de/hochschule/referate-stabsstellen/wirtschaft-und-transfer/deutschlandstipendium/deutschlandstipendium-studierende

     

    14. Is it possibly to apply for one of that programme having two bachelor degrees (both in the field of tourism (tourism + hospitality management)?

    The academic requirements for the admission are a proof of a degree in an economics, business, management, or finance degree program or equivalent. If your degree is equivalent needs to be decided by the admission boards of admission.


    15. Besides the Bachelor's degree I also have a Master's Degree in Economics. So can I again apply for a Masters' program?

    Yes, you can apply for a master´s program at the University of Zweibrücken. If that is a second master program, the tuition fees are 700,00Euro per semester (only in case your 1st Master was obtained in Germany).


    16. Do you offer any Language courses like IELTS preparation course?

    The University in Zweibrücken offers language courses during the semester breaks. There are also international known skill tests for English (TOEIC) and French (TFI)

     

    17. Can I enrol through the online-portal or do I have to contact uni-assist?

    Applicants with a first degree from outside of Germany have to send their application with all needed documents to uni-assist (Arbeits- und Servicestelle für Internationale Studienbewerber). The steps of application are well explained on the website of uni-assist (www.uni-assist.de). During the online application process at uni-assist you will get all information about admission requirements and required documents. The online application board will open at the beginning of April / October


    18. Am I eligible to apply for the program if I am from a non-EU member country?

    The country of origin, if EU or non- EU, is irrelevant for the admission. Applicants with a first degree from outside of Germany have to send their application with all needed documents to uni-assist.


    19. In the program´s website it is mentioned that the intake of this program is typically 15 students per semester. Is this number fixed for every semester?

    No. The program is not restricted. The number of admissions is based on the quality of the applications and the proved requirements of the applicants.

     

    20. Do you do a preliminary check of documents before application?

    Please understand that we can’t check eligibility in advance and without an official application. uni-assist is responsible for the verification and assessment of foreign degrees, marks and certificates. Please note that we don’t offer any preregistration, admission will only be granted if all admission requirements are fulfilled (first degree has to be completed).

     

    21. What kind of documents do I have to submit ?

    • (All submitted materials have to be in English or German.) Photo of your Passport with family name / surname and first / given name(s) on the back
    • Curriculum Vitae / Resumeè
    • Motivation letter
    • https://www.hs-kl.de/en/studying/application/translate-to-englisch-wichtige-unterlagen
    • - bachelor's Diploma(s) or equivalent diploma(s) from a national/international higher education institution with a German or an English translation including final transcript(s) or equivalent marks/grades
    • School leaving certificate with German or English translation
    • Proof of English language proficiency (see above: No 7)
    • APS certificate (only for Chinese, Mongolian, Indian and Vietnamese applicants)
    • Filled in and signed form of module choice (will be provided in application portal to download)

    For students of postgraduate studies in Germany additional

    • „Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung“ ( clearance certificate ) for programs which are not completed
    • Deregistration / withdrawal certificate
    • If completed: Certificates of Master's degree


    22. Who do I have to send the requested documents to ?

    • If you apply through uni-assist website, you will have to send all required documents directly to uni-assist ( online upload )
    • If you apply through our university application portal ( only possible with a bachelor degree obtained in Germany ) you will have to send all required documents to our university.

    We recommend to start learning German for an easier access to the German job market. So, our department and the department for International Relations and Languages supports you in learning German. Individually or as a part of a group, online or in the classroom: This is the right place for you.

    Our offer services are open for all international students of Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences who want to improve their German language skills.

    You can find more information here

    Furthermore, the department offers German-courses during the semester to get your German rolling.

    It's not just our campus in Zweibrücken that has a lot to offer, the city also has a lot of charm. Zweibrücken offers you many opportunities to find a balance from everyday student life.


    With a population of around 34,000, Zweibrücken is very familiar and close to home. Due to its special location, the city of roses forms a central centre for the many surrounding communities. The town is also located directly on the border with France.


    Culture and tourism are not neglected here. Annual events such as the town festival, various concerts and theatre performances are firmly established. There are also countless activities on offer. These range from climbing, hiking and bowling to shopping in one of Germany's best-known outlets. You can also enjoy a cosy evening in one of the many cafés and bistros. Let the "Zwebrigger dialect" convince you!

    Leisure time

    Thanks to the many leisure facilities, there is always something to experience. Here is a small selection:


    - Indoor and outdoor pool
    - Climbing centre
    - Leisure centre (bowling, minigolf, kids' arena, ...)
    - Go-kart track
    - Ice arena
    - Cinema

    Sport

    SPORT is very important in the City of Roses, but also in the district.


    Support the regional clubs and teams. Whether ice hockey, handball, football, judo, athletics or horse racing and show jumping tournaments take place on a regular basis.


    Do you prefer to be active yourself? The choice of clubs and memberships is limitless!
    Find your hobby here

    Events

    With so many events throughout the year, there's never a dull moment in Zweibrücken.


    - Carnival parade
    - Euroclassic Festival
    - City festival
    - Theatre
    - Concerts
    - Christmas market

    HikingNestled between the Palatinate Forest, Vosges and Bliesgau biosphere reserves, Zweibrücken offers you a wide range of hiking trails.
    More information and tips on hiking trails can be found at Wanderarena
    ShoppingThe outlet is particularly well-known, but the many small boutiques and shops in the pedestrian zone also invite you to stroll and shop.
    Further informationCity of Zweibrücken
    State of Zweibrücken
    West Palatinate region

     



     
     

     

    You have successfully enroled at Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences and are starting your degree programme. If only there weren't so many questions about what to do next, who to contact if you have any doubts and what support measures are available. The Student Life Cycle department will help you to orientate yourself from start to finish and will guide you through your studies with various offers.

    Furthermore, our international office supports you with accommodating in Germany and surviving your first few days

    • Find the international office here
    • And go through their FAQ

    Point of contact for the study programme

    HSKL
    Prof. Dr. Christian Armbruster

    Programme Director

    HSKL
    Tim Colberg, M.A.

    Assistent FB BW, externer Doktorand

    HSKL
    Romina Schunck

    Prüfungsamt, Studierendensekretariat, ZW

    HSKL
    Beatrice Melendez

    International Office, Referat Internationales und Sprachen

    Related degree programmes

    International Management and Finance (Double Degree)

    The double degree master program "International Management and Finance"/"Maestría Internacional en Administración y Finanzas" in cooperation with the Argentinian Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) creates with the combination of theory, practice and intercultural learning an excellent opportunity for you to build up your career in the financial services sector.

    Information Management

    Der Master of Science in Information Management verschafft dir die Kompetenzen, die du brauchst, um ein Unternehmen im Bereich der IT zu managen oder zu engineeren.

    Mittelstandsmanagement

    Unser Studiengang bereitet dich gezielt auf Führungspositionen in jungen Unternehmen, Mittelstandsbetrieben und Familienunternehmen vor. Zusätzlich eröffnet er dir berufliche Perspektiven in der Unternehmensberatung und Wirtschaftsprüfung.