FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s) - ADMISSIONS
- Applicant deadlines and information
- Necessary Application Documents
- Professional Experience
- Fees and Scholarships
- Disclaimer (AGBs)
1. APPLICATION DEADLINES & APPLICATION INFORMATION
What are the application deadlines?
The deadlines vary depending on the Program you are applying to. Please refer to Application Processing Timeline for the specific deadlines.
My email and/or mailing/contact information have changed since I applied. How can I update this information on my application?
It is the student’s responsibility to inform ICGS about any changes to their contact information. This should be done by sending an email to kaiser@icgs.de. Please make sure to use the following email reference: New Contact Information, your last name, program applied to. (i.e. New contact information, Smith, MIBE)
How will I know if my application has been received?
Applicants will receive an automatic response to their submitted online application form. Additionally, students will receive an email confirmation once the application materials have been received in the ICGS offices. We will inform you at this time what documents are missing to your file. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that their application is complete for processing. Due to the volume of applications received each year ICGS is unable to answer individual email questions.
Will my application be considered in the current round if it is not complete?
Students are encouraged to send their application once all documents have been gathered together. Applications can NOT be processed after the respective application deadlines or if an application is NOT complete at the time of the application deadline. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that their application is complete for processing.
Do you give feedback on denied applications?
We understand that being denied admission can be a disappointment, and it is natural to want to know the reasons behind the Admissions Board's decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive each year, we are unable to accommodate requests for personalized feedback on applications. Also, please understand that the decision of the Admissions Board is final, and we cannot advise you on whether or not you should reapply in the future.
What is ICGS’ deferral policy?
For exceptionally qualified candidates who have been admitted and would like to postpone their admission, a deferment is generally possible.
2. NECESSARY APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
What is TOEFL? Where can I take the TOEFL test?
The TOEFL test evaluates the English speaking proficiency of students whose
native language is not English and who want to pursue studies at a college
or university where English is spoken. A minimum TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based)
/ 213 (computer-based) / 550 (paper-based) is required for admission to all
programs, except for the M.A. Europäisches Wirtschaftsrecht und Management
(taught in German). ETS is the institution that administers the TOEFL test.
For further information on TOEFL test registration, centers and dates check
their website www.toefl.org.
What is IELTS? Where can I take the IELTS?
IELTS tests the complete range of English language skills that will commonly
be encountered by students when studying or training in the medium of English.
A minimum of 6.5 in the IELTS test is required for admission to all programs,
except for the M.A. Europäisches Wirtschaftsrecht und Management (taught
in German). For further information on IELTS test registration, centers and
dates refer to their website www.ielts.org.
Does ICGS accept any other alternative tests to TOEFL or IELTS?
Yes. The Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge in Advanced
English (CAE) are also accepted by ICGS. A grade C in all sections of the
CPE is the minimum required by ICGS. In the case of the CAE a grade B in all
sections of the paper is the minimum requirement. For further information
on these tests, registration, centers and dates refer to their website www.cambridge-efl.org.
Is it necessary to give proof of German language competence?
Only for the Program Europäisches Wirtschaftsrecht und Management, which
is taught in German, it is necessary to provide ICGS with a TestDaF 3 certificate
(or DSH). Applicants who have not yet taken these tests, may still apply should
they consider their German language skills as proficient enough to follow
university lectures. The Admissions Committee will contact you again in case
they require you to take the TestDaF for admission to the program. For all
other ICGS programs it is NOT necessary to give any proof of your German language
competence.
How long are my English/German test scores valid for?
All test scores proving English/German language proficiency must have a minimum
of two-year validity from the date of application submission. For example:
If your application materials are submitted in March 2004, then your English/German
test must have been taken any time between March 2002 to March 2004. Otherwise,
you are required to re-take the English/German language proficiency test and
submit the new scores to complete your application.
What is meant by ‘certified copy’?
A certified copy is an authenticated / authorized true copy of an original
document. All educational documents must be submitted as official certified
copies. Such official documents can be given by the institution that issued
the original document, at a notary public or lawyer’s office. Students are
highly encouraged to NOT send original documents since these original application
documents will NOT be returned to the applicants.
What is a university transcript and what should it include?
A university transcript should include: student name and university, classes
taken, and grades and specific degree awarded. International applicants should
make sure to include the university grading system with their transcripts.
This grading system is normally found on the backside of each page. Otherwise,
applicants are required to submit an official statement from their university
explaining that university’s specific grading system.
Do I need to submit an APS certificate with my application since I am a
Chinese national?
ICGS does not yet require an APS certificate from Chinese applicants.
What should I do about my graduation certificate and university transcripts
since they haven’t been issued yet?
Students who are currently in the last semester of a bachelor or master’s
program are required to provide ICGS with a provisional transcript. This provisional
transcript should include all semesters completed to present. Additionally,
students should submit an official letter from their university stating the
expected date of graduation and degree to be awarded.
What language should my application documents be written in?
All application documents must be submitted in either English or German. If
documents are not in English or German, officially authenticated translations
should be submitted along with the certified copies of the corresponding documents.
What should my resume / curriculum vitae include?
All applicants are required to submit a resume / curriculum vitae. Students
applying to MIBE – China Focus should make sure to place special attention
to their resume, especially to the section professional experience.
What should I include in my statement of purpose?
Your statement of purpose should be approximately one to two pages in length
and detail your reasons for undertaking graduate work in the chosen field
of study. Also include an explanation of your interest in the specific program
and how the planned work relates to your undergraduate study and professional
goals.
Is my application fee refundable?
The application fee is not refundable. Students who are not admitted to one
of ICGS programs unfortunately will NOT be refunded the application fee.
When should I apply?
Due to the high volume of applications we receive each year, candidates are
highly encouraged to submit their complete applications as early as possible
prior to the program deadlines. This is especially important for applications
from international students.
Will ICGS return my application documents if I don’t get admitted to my
program of choice?
Due to the large number of applications received each year, we are unfortunately
unable to return application documents. We therefore highly encourage students
to send only certified copies of their educational documents. Original documents
will not be returned to the applicant.
Where should I send my application documents?
Please send your application documents to ICGS Admissions Office as follows:
International Center for Graduate Studies (ICGS), Admissions Office, Rentzelstraße
17, 20146 Hamburg, Germany.
3. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
What are ICGS' prerequisites for admission concerning the applicant's
work experience?
1. MIBE-China Focus Program: In order to be admitted to both the Master degree
by the University of Hamburg and the MBA degree by Fudan University, applicants
with a Bachelor's degree have to give proof of at least 3 years of relevant
work experience. Applicants with a Master's degree need at least 1 year of
work experience. However, students who do not have any concrete professional
experience are still invited to apply. Such candidates should however provide
us with the following:
- A personal list of any internships or student jobs that they took part in
during their studies, including the exact duration in months and indication
whether this was part-time or full-time.
- Any corresponding reference letters for the above internships or student
jobs (regardless of the nature of the tasks).
Please understand that the official admissions decision will be made by the
academic committee. The committee would take into consideration your entire
profile including academic grades, extracurricular activities, etc. To do
this though they must receive a completed application including the above-mentioned
documents. Applicants whose work experience does not match the requirements
might still be offered to study for the Master’s degree by the University
of Hamburg (and not for the MBA degree by Fudan University).
2. All other ICGS programs: Professional work experience of one year, preferably
after finishing your university degree, is a definite plus for all applications.
However, students who do not have any concrete professional experience are
still invited to apply and should provide us with the documents mentioned
above.
Is the GMAT a requirement for admission to one of ICGS’ MBA programs?
The GMAT is not yet required for admission to any of ICGS’ programs.
4. FEES AND SCHOLARSHIPS
What are the fees for the ICGS programs?
For further information, please refer to the programs' websites.
Does ICGS offer any scholarships?
Some scholarships, grants and educational loans are available. Eligibility for these scholarships and grants is based on merit and on availability of funds. Applicants interested in an ICGS scholarship should include a scholarship motivation letter in their application documents, detailing why they merit an ICGS scholarship.
Please note: ICGS offers a limited amount of scholarships for Israeli citizens. Please refer to the following document for further information on these "Rosenbaum Scholarships"
.Where else should I look to find assistance with scholarships?
ICGS highly encourages applicants to look into other financial aid possibilities up to a year in advance of when you want to start one of the graduate programs. Your local office of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), German embassy or Goethe-Institute in your country may be of further help.
5. DISCLAIMER (AGBs)
All students applying for and/or admitted to one of ICGS' programs should read carefully the legal conditions described in the disclaimer (in German: AGBs).
