Practical Term Module

Meaning of the "Practical Term Module"

Term & Duration - Students whose undergraduate degree (Article 3 paragraph 1 of the latest Examination Regulations of 2021) comprises fewer than 210 credits, but a minimum of 180 credits must complete the Practical Term module during their MBA studies. This should take a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 27 weeks of practical experience in a Company, Organization, or Institution with a relevant focus on the CSR or NGO sector. The MBA Support Team informs students within their first semester about the Practical Term conditions via E-Mail and informs students individually on the requirement of a Practical Term.

Registration of the Practical Term Module
​Students who have to complete a Practical Term Module have to submit a registration form to the MBA Support Team via E-Mail. This registration form has to be filled in by the student and the student´s supervisor from the company or organization where the student is undertaking his / her Practical Term Module. 
Click here to download the Registration Form for your Practical Term Module. 

Supervisor - During the practical term students need to be supervised by a university lecturer appointed by the Examination Board from the ranks of the teaching staff who are entitled to conduct examinations. Students are also free to choose one of both supervisors from the MBA Support Team via a prior E-Mail request. Participation in the Practical Term shall be confirmed by the supervisor if:

1. A qualified testimonial of the student’s project-related employment is provided by the Organisation where the student completes the Practical Term,

2. The student has written a detailed report, duly signed by the Organisation responsible, on his or her placement during the Practical Term,

3. The placement has fulfilled the purpose of the Practical Term and the student has completed the tasks assigned to him or her.

Written Report - After completing the Practical Term Module, each student has to submit a written report of roundabout 3.500 words / 10-15 pages about their specific area and responsibilities, and tasks they have been conducting. The report should reflect on how the work experience is connected to the study program and vice versa.
​Click here to download the Word-Template for your Practical Term report. 

Interruption - If the Practical Term is interrupted or shortened for more than two weeks due to illness or other reasons and if, as a consequence of this interruption or shortening, the purpose of the Practical Term is not (entirely) fulfilled, the practical term shall be extended accordingly. The supervisor decides on the time required for this extension. Only in exceptional circumstances may students be granted permission to extend the period of their agreement for the purpose of attending lectures; the corresponding application must be filed with the Examination Board, specifying the reasons.

Repetition - The Practical Term may be re-taken once if participation in the Practical Term is not confirmed by the supervisor.

Recognition of working experience - Upon request, previous qualifications from a minimum of twenty months of relevant employment can be credited up to a total of 30 credit points on the Practical Term, if the professional experience can be considered equal in nature and standards to the examination it is to replace. The admission commission is conducting all matters regarding the recognition of previously earned qualifications. General recognition is not possible. It is for the candidate to provide all necessary information regarding the previous qualifications.

In case of questions regarding the Practical Term, please contact max.bolz@h-brs.de

Working Opportunities in Germany for international Students

As our MBA Programme has seminars Friday evenings and Saturdays only, the other way to support yourself while you study and simultaneously get more international work experience is to make use of Bonn’s Internationality. Bonn might not sound like it, but it is an international hub for organizations and enterprises. This city is the home of the United Nations (UN Germany) in Germany and hosts around 150 non-governmental organizations, as well as international scientific institutions and companies, federal ministries, and authorities. The website of the City of Bonn provides a comprehensive listing of companies and organizations in the region, where MBA Students can find direct links to employers search for paid internship vacancies:
​Bonn International
Bonn International Profile
​Bonn Economic Profile
International Organizations
United Nations in Bonn

Restricted Working Permission for International Students in Germany

There are lots of places to look for jobs in Germany and many can be contacted before students arrive on site. However, if you come from a non-EU country the amount of time you are allowed to work is limited to 90 days per year with 8 hour working days, or 180 half days per year. Students coming from within the EU have the same free access to the labour market as German students have. Please inform yourself particularly on the on working permit regulations that apply to you.  There are numerous reliable information on the internet to that issue. As follows, please find a list of URL-List official websites that offer appropriate information for international students:

1. Justlanded.com
The German job market for foreigners
Working in Germany - Management culture, salaries and labour regulations
Work permits - When and how to apply for them
Student jobs - How to finance your studies in Germany
Finding a job - Where to look for a job in Germany
Job applications - How to apply for a job in Germany

​2. Study-In.de
Legal regulations​ for International Students
Earning money during your studies
Internship: Getting your foot in the door
The application portfolio: The first impression counts

3. Deutsches Studentenwerk e.V.
How much are you allowed to work?
Social insurance contributions and taxes
Information on Employment contracts​ in Germany

After MBA Graduation in Germany - Stay or Leave?

A number of international students in our MBA Program stays in Germany once they have graduated. Some students enter the private labour market, other decide to apply within the NGO sector in organizations or institutions.

Students from the old member states of the European Union generally have free access to the German job market. Students from the new EU member states and all other international students can extend their residence for a further 18 months after successful completion of their MBA Studies. Within the time period of the given 18 months, graduates have to find a job which is appropriate to their education level and their professional specialization. In order to extend the residence permit for the purpose of seeking a job, graduates must provide evidence that their livelihood is secured. Since 2012, graduates are allowed to work without restriction while looking for an appropriate employment.

After finding a suitable position, the previous residence permit can be converted to a temporary residence permit for the purpose of employment. A permanent residence permit can be obtained after five years of working. Please inform yourself in detail on the respective conditions and regulations. Here are some trustable official websites that offer valuable information about working in Germany for international graduates:

Make it in Germany - a campaign to keep and gain international experts
Working in Germany
EU Blue Card Germany
Alumniportal Deutschland - jobs and careers
EXIST Support for start-ups of postgraduates