Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. An internationally recognized university is one that holds official accreditation from Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and has a strong global reputation for academic quality. The best way to confirm this is to check whether the institution is:

• Accredited by a recognized national or international accrediting body (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

• Partnered with other reputable universities worldwide.

• Respected by employers and alumni networks across borders.

Schiller International University meets all of these criteria. We are U.S.-accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), offer dual degree pathways with leading European universities, and have a 20,000+ alumni network working globally, ensuring your degree is valued wherever your career takes you.

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The American university system is flexible and designed to give students both a broad foundation and specialized expertise.

At the undergraduate (Bachelor’s) level, the degree takes four years to complete:

• Year 1: Students focus on General Education Courses (subjects such as writing, history, mathematics, and science). These courses provide a strong academic base and critical thinking skills before students move into their chosen major.

• Year 2-4: Students take more courses directly related to their chosen field of study, along with electives that allow them to explore other interests.

General Education Courses give students a strong academic foundation during their first year. This also means you can change your program in Year 2 without falling behind, since you won’t have missed any major-specific courses.

Both the Bachelor of Science (BSc) and the Bachelor of Arts (BA) are undergraduate degrees, but they differ in focus:

• A BSc emphasizes analytical, technical, and scientific approaches. Programs often require more courses in math, research, or specialized subjects tied to the field.

• A BA emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and a broader liberal arts foundation. Programs usually include more electives in humanities and social sciences.

Our Academic Model is a distinctive approach to higher education. It is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and globally oriented learning experience. This model encompasses several key elements and principles. It answers the WHY, WHAT, and HOW of our approach to learning, and also the end result: our graduate profile. It comprises 3 elements: our mission, our pillars and our fundamentals.

• Our educational mission is to prepare students personally and professionally, for future leadership roles in an international setting.

• It is comprised of 4 pillars:

• Global Programs in Business, STEM, and International Relations

• Immersive and Experiential Methodologies

• An exciting International Student Experience

• A Faculty of International Industry Experts

• It is sustained by 2 all-encompassing fundamentals:

• Partnerships

• Technology

It is designed to guarantee that students become: Global citizens ✓ Curious and innovative ✓ Diversity seekers ✓ Critical thinkers ✓ Committed leaders Analytical ✓ Data-driven ✓ Culturally agile ✓ Tech-savvy ✓ Globally employable ✓

Schiller’s intensive class schedule combines concentrated days of classes with extra days for other experiential learning activities designed to build the professional and employability profile. It empowers students to organize their time effectively and enabling them to work, pursue personal development, or participate in other formative experiences.

The intensive class schedule for undergraduates means that our students will concentrate classes in a two-day schedule in blocks of six hours each day. During the remaining three days, when no formal classes are scheduled, students will work to enhance their personal and professional development or engage in part-time work, if applicable. This includes participating in on-campus career workshops, industry engagement, and skill-building activities, all carefully designed by our campuses and academic teams to strengthen their employability and professional profiles.

The term system implies that students take four courses simultaneously in each term (4 consecutive months in the Fall and Winter terms). The Summer term is shorter, spanning two months, and will feature only two courses.

The intensive class schedule offers UG students more time to process information, increased flexibility for professional and personal endeavors, and enhanced opportunities for career development and industry engagement. It prepares students for professional environments where longer timelines and iterative processes are common, while also aligning seamlessly with dual degrees.

Schiller’s monthly system is designed to offer graduate students compatibility between their work and studies. Graduates study one course intensively for the entire month, dedicating three hours each day in class from Monday to Thursday (in an afternoon/evening shift – from 6 pm to 9 pm) to better fit their full-time working schedule.

Fridays are free of classes, and we encourage students to participate in language, social and cultural activities on campus as well as traveling and exploring cities, allowing them to further build their international profiles.

This system is an advantage not only for the study-work balance it provides, but also because it allows students to concentrate on key concepts in-depth. Each day, they will dedicate 2 hours for each hour of class to individual and collaborative work. The idea behind this workload distribution is that, in an intensive format, in one month they will have completed that specific course, earned their credits, and they are ready to focus on the next subject. The monthly system allows our students to work on real projects with companies, which contributes to our immersive and experiential learning methodology.

An American degree is one of the most internationally recognized qualifications in higher education. Employers and universities around the world value the U.S. approach to learning, which emphasizes critical thinking, adaptability, and a global perspective. This makes an American degree a strong foundation for pursuing career and academic opportunities worldwide.

At Schiller International University, we make sure you have everything you need to succeed both academically and personally. Each campus offers access to libraries, study spaces, and modern technological resources to support your coursework. Beyond the classroom, you’ll benefit from personalized academic advising, career services, and networking opportunities through our active alumni community spread across the globe.

Schiller International University has adopted an experiential learning methodology, emphasizing hands-on, practical experience as a crucial part of the educational process. This approach goes beyond traditional classroom learning, encouraging students to engage directly with real-world scenarios and challenges relevant to their field of study. By integrating internships, fieldwork, and interactive projects into the curriculum, Schiller aims to provide students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.

This immersive form of learning is designed to enhance students' understanding and retention of course material, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and better prepare them for professional success after graduation. The university's commitment to experiential learning reflects a broader educational philosophy that values active, student-centered learning experiences as essential for developing well-rounded, highly competent professionals.

Challenge-based learning is a methodology whereby the student acquires knowledge and competencies through solving real-world challenges, engaging in true teamwork, research, consultation, and presentation skills needed in the professional world. It focuses heavily on soft skills such as communication, cross-cultural agility, and resilience.

The challenge-based learning framework originated from the Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow—Today by Apple, Inc. to identify the essential design principles of a 21st-century learning environment. The framework includes innovative ideas from education, media, technology, entertainment, recreation, the workplace, and society. It focuses on 3 phases: Engage, Investigate, and Act.

One of Schiller’s signature events within our star methodology of Challenge-based Learning is our Global Innovation Challenge. It is an extracurricular, cross-campus and multidisciplinary challenge in which Schiller students from all campuses are invited to participate to solve a real problem presented by a company.

LOEWE Perfumes, Metro Madrid, EY, ING or Goya Foods are some examples of companies Schiller has carried out challenges with in past editions of global challenges. Groups are mixed from the 4 campuses, and together they solve a real challenge brought forth by the collaborating partner, applying innovative methodologies – Design Thinking, Lean Startups and Agile, and using collaborative tools to learn how to work in a differential manner (from Problem to Solution).

It is competency-based learning beyond the classroom: cultivating competencies such as Teamwork, Leadership, Adaptability, or Public Speaking. As part of their Global Employability Path, upon completion, students get a Schiller certificate attesting for the skills acquired

Undergraduate programs typically take four years to complete.

Graduate programs are usually finished in 12–15 months.

Schiller operates under the U.S. higher education system, whilst having campuses in Europe, so understanding credits is important:

• U.S. credits measure the number of contact hours per week over a semester (usually 1 credit = about 15 contact hours).

• ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) is used across Europe to standardize learning achievements (1 ECTS credit = roughly 25–30 hours of total work, including class time and self-study).

As a rule of thumb, 1 U.S. credit equals about 2 ECTS credits. This dual system makes your degree more versatile and easier to recognize worldwide.

We do not have a maximum number of retakes; however, course failures have a negative consequence for the students’ SAP (satisfactory academic progress) requirement that they need to maintain.

Schiller International University offers several of its programs through flexible online (distance learning) delivery, making it possible to study from anywhere in the world while still benefiting from our international learning model.

Currently, the following programs are available fully online:

• BS in International Business

• BA in International Relations and Diplomacy

• MBA

• MA in International Relations and Diplomacy

Schiller International University does not offer double degrees. Each program is designed to provide a complete and specialized academic experience on its own.

However, if you decide to pursue a second degree at Schiller, you must first complete all requirements for your first program. Some courses may count toward both degrees if they are equivalent and were successfully completed within the last ten years before registering for the second degree.

Schiller International University's campuses are located in 4 countries: United States (Tampa campus in Florida), Spain (Madrid campus), France (Paris campus), and Germany (Heidelberg campus). Additionally, we also offer online (Distance Learning) programs.

Yes, Schiller International University makes all programs available across our four global campuses (Tampa, Paris, Madrid, Heidelberg). However, program availability may vary by intake depending on enrollment demand, scheduling, and academic planning.

At Schiller International University, we make sure you have everything you need to succeed both academically and personally. Each campus offers access to libraries, study spaces, and modern technological resources to support your coursework. Beyond the classroom, you’ll benefit from personalized academic advising, career services, and networking opportunities through our active alumni community spread across the globe.

Schiller maintains small class sizes across all campuses to ensure personalized attention and an interactive learning experience, though exact sizes may vary depending on the program and intake.

Yes! Each campus hosts student clubs, cultural events, networking sessions, academic workshops, and excursions within the local city. Activities vary by campus but all support community building.

Each campus has its own cultural atmosphere. Tampa offers an American campus experience, Madrid provides a vibrant European lifestyle, Paris blends academic life with a historic cultural setting, and Heidelberg offers a traditional German university-city feel. All campuses foster an international, multicultural environment.

Yes! While classes are taught in English, some campuses offer optional language workshops (e.g., Spanish in Madrid, French in Paris, German in Heidelberg) to help students integrate into the local community.

All Schiller campuses meet accessibility standards and offer reasonable accommodations for students with documented needs. Students are encouraged to contact Student Services prior to arrival.

Absolutely. Prospective students are welcome to schedule a campus tour or attend open-house events. To book a visit, simply find a space on the calendar at the top of each campus page on our website.

Yes, as long as your chosen degree program is offered at that campus, you can begin your studies there.

Absolutely! One of Schiller’s unique advantages is our Intercampus Mobility option, which allows you to seamlessly continue your studies across our four international campuses.

The total cost of studying at Schiller depends on your chosen program, campus location, and personal lifestyle. While tuition is the same for all students, living expenses such as housing, food, and transportation vary from city to city. To help you plan ahead, we provide a detailed cost-of-living guide for each of our campus locations (Tampa, Paris, Madrid, and Heidelberg) in our student handbooks, so you can estimate your expenses and budget with confidence.

• Tampa Student Handbook

• Madrid Student Handbook

• Tampa Student Handbook

No, Schiller International University does not provide on-campus housing. However, we do assist students by recommending trusted resources and platforms to help them find accommodation near each of our campuses. Each location has its own housing options, from student residences to private rentals, and we provide guidance to make the search easier. You can explore recommended options for each campus in the campus student handbooks.

You can apply directly through our website. Simply click here to start your application and an enrolment advisor will be in touch.

Admission requirements include:

• A completed application

• Copy of official ID or passport (if studying on a visa)

• Official transcripts (translated to English if not the original language)

• Proof of English Proficiency

• Successful Academic Interview

• Signed Enrollment Agreement

• A satisfactory score on the Online Readiness Test.

Find more detailed information on the Schiller International University catalogue.

Yes. Application deadlines vary depending on your program, campus, and whether you require a visa.

Visa applicants must submit their application, complete interviews, and provide all necessary documents several weeks before the intake to allow time for visa processing. Visa applicants must apply approximately three to four months before the program start date. However, non-visa applicants have slightly later deadlines and a more flexible timeline.

For example, for the February 2026 intakes, deadlines range from October 2025 to January 2026, depending on your situation. We recommend applying as early as possible to secure your place and allow sufficient time for visa processing (if applicable).

Our central Admissions team manages applications for all campuses, so you only need to submit your transcripts once. You’ll receive specific instructions on how to upload or send your documents after starting your application. The Admissions team will then ensure your transcripts are processed for your chosen campus.

Yes, transfer credits are evaluated based on course equivalency and the institution’s policies.
Please note that the credit transfer process may take some time and must be completed before
enrollment can be finalized.

No. Neither score is required to apply to Schiller International University.

If you are not a native English speaker, you will need to provide proof of your English proficiency through one of the following:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): score of 80 for Bachelors and 89 for Masters.

• TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) score of at least 650 for Bachelors and at least 700 for Masters.

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 6.0 for Bachelors and at least 6.5 for Masters.

• CAMBRIDGE FCE (First Certificate in English) grade of “B” (B2 level) or higher -Cambridge Advanced (CAE) or Proficiency (CPE) preferred- in both cases.

• Duolingo English Exam: score of at least 95 for Bachelors and at least 105 for Masters.

• If you have successfully graduated from the Tampa Language Center with a Level 6 program, you are eligible for admission.

This may be waived for students who have graduated from a secondary school or university where English is the language of instruction.

You can see visit the Tuition & Fees webpage for a full breakdown, but here’s a summary of our current pricing structure:

On-Campus (Bachelor’s & Master’s)

Bachelor’s Programs (On-Campus)

• European campuses: €15,420 / year

• Tampa campus (USA): USD 17,610 / year

• Dual-degree options may add extra fees (e.g. ~€3,000 / year in Europe)

Master’s Programs (On-Campus)

• MBA (European campuses): €16,560-20,700 / year

• MBA (Tampa): USD 19,620-24,525 / year

• Other master’s (e.g. Digital Marketing, Global Finance, Data Science, International Relations): €16,500 – €16,560 / year

Online / Distance Learning

• Bachelor’s (online): USD 8,850 / year

• Master’s (online): USD 11,160 / year

Important notes:

• These figures represent standard tuition before scholarships or financial aid.

• Scholarship opportunities are available and can significantly reduce your actual cost.

• For the most up-to-date details (by campus, program, or term), please refer to our official Tuition & Fees page.

No, international students do not have to pay more than other students at Schiller International University. Tuition fees are the same for all students, regardless of nationality. The total cost depends on the program of study, the chosen campus, and whether the student has a scholarship, but the price itself does not change based on where the student is from.

It isn’t harder at all. At Schiller International University, the admissions process is the same for all applicants, whether they are local or international. Everyone follows the same requirements and has equal opportunity for admission.

No minimum GPA is necessary and If an applicant delivers all the information required, he/she will be considered for enrolment.

However, our undergraduate students will need to maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) OF 2.00 (on a scale of 1 to 4) every year.

In today's globalized world, the movement of students across borders to pursue higher education is more prevalent than ever. Schiller International University, with its multiple campuses worldwide, robust accreditation from Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), and various scholarship opportunities, is a prime example of a higher education institution that actively welcomes international students.

While the visa process depends on your home country, we have created an in-depth step-by-step guide on how to get your visa for each of our campus locations:

• Spain
• France
• Germany
• USA

All students are expected to have access to a personal computer to complete coursework, whether studying on campus or online. Reliable internet access is also essential, especially for online students.

Yes! We provide a variety of scholarship opportunities to support our students. Click here to find out more

Schiller provides merit-based, need-based, and special-program scholarships, depending on each campus and program. See all of our scholarships below:

• Global Citizen Scholarship (Up to 50%) – Designed for Undergraduate and Graduate students who embody academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong global mindset.
• Distance Learning Global Citizen Scholarship (Up to 75%) – A merit-based scholarship for high-achieving Undergraduate and Graduate students enrolled in Distance Learning programs.
• Academic Excellence Scholarship (90%) – A highly selective, merit-based scholarship awarded to top-performing undergraduate applicants. Reserved for exceptional students graduating from accredited international schools who demonstrate outstanding academic results and leadership through extracurricular involvement.
• Academic Honors Scholarship (50%) – A merit-based scholarship for high-performing Undergraduate students entering their second year. This scholarship rewards students who have demonstrated strong academic progress during their first year at Schiller.
• Academic Merit Scholarship (25%) – A merit-based scholarship for motivated and academically solid Undergraduate students progressing into their second year. Designed to support students demonstrating steady academic achievement.
• Alumni Scholarship (Up to 50%) – A scholarship for Schiller and GEDU partner institution graduates returning to pursue another degree at the Undergraduate or Graduate level. Designed to support lifelong learning and professional development.
• Seeds of Peace Scholarship (Up to 50%) – A mission-driven scholarship supporting students from regions in active or recent conflict who are committed to promoting peace and intercultural understanding. Open to Undergraduate and Graduate applicants.

Yes. Schiller welcomes applicants from around the world and offers scholarships specifically designed for international students, such as the Seeds of Peace scholarship.

No. Students cannot combine multiple scholarships. However, recipients of the Global Citizen Scholarship may receive an additional 5–10% tuition reduction when paying their full tuition upfront

Many scholarships are renewable as long as students meet academic performance and enrollment requirements.

Yes. Several scholarships have specific academic conditions. E.g. The Academic scholarships for Year 2 students, students must maintain the required GPA to retain their awar

All scholarships provide partial tuition assistance, though some exceptional awards may cover a larger portion.

Yes. Schiller offers financial assistance options for both on-campus and online students. Online students may be eligible for the Distance Learning Global Citizen Scholarship.

Some scholarships are available for current students starting from Year 2, but availability varies and is depending on their GPA.

Yes. Scholarships exist for both undergraduate and graduate-level students.

No. Scholarships are not loans and do not require repayment.

Check the below requirements for the scholarship application process. Please review the information carefully, and if you have any questions, contact our Admissions team for further assistance.

1. Review Eligibility
   Identify which scholarships you qualify for based on your campus, program, and academic record.
   

2. Submit the Scholarship Application
   Using the correct form for your scholarship category.

3. Admissions Assessment
   Your application will be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee based on available spaces, merit, and alignment with scholarship criteria.

4. Receive Your Scholarship Decision
   Final decisions are communicated by the Admissions Office and included in the Enrollment Agreement.

(Note: Academic scholarships are awarded from the second year onwards through an internal process.)

Not all programs are approved for Title IV aid. For a student to be eligible for Federal Financial Aid, the student must be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen. To apply for Federal Financial Aid, students will be required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility. Additionally, students must provide a Master Promissory Note and take entrance counseling for loan eligibility.

Schiller will prepare a summary for the student to sign, anticipating the amount for which they qualify. Students are required to complete loan counseling regarding their rights and responsibilities for repayment on any loan funds received. Students may be selected for additional verification to establish their eligibility.

Our school FAFSA school code is 023141 and the FAFSA website is www.studentaid.gov.

You should contact your Financial Aid Advisor to check the status of your financial aid application.

For general financial aid questions: [email protected]

No. Federal Financial Aid (Title IV) is only available to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. International students may explore scholarships, private funding, or personal financing options.

Yes. Students receiving Federal Aid must complete a new FAFSA application annually.

Yes, Schiller International University is dedicated to supporting our military students. We understand the cost of a post-secondary education is part of the decision-making process of attending any college. We strongly advise all military members to reach out to their Education Advisor, Educational Service Officer (ESO), or installation commander prior to enrolling into college. They can assist with any questions regarding tuition assistance (TA) as that must be approved prior to attending college. In addition, Veteran students (and their dependents) can call the Veterans Education Student line (1-888-442-4551) for any questions regarding Veterans Education benefits.

All our campuses are eligible to enroll U.S. Veterans Administration, Tuition Assistance, and Federal Student Aid participating students. The following eleven programs are approved for these assistance programs at Schiller (VA WEAMS Link):

• BA International Relations and Diplomacy
• BS Computer Science
• BA International Business
• BS International Marketing
• MA International Relations and Diplomacy
• MBA Business Administration
• MBA International Business
• MS Data Science
• MS Digital Marketing and E-Commerce
• MS Global Finance
• MS Sustainability Management

If you have not done so already, we encourage you to explore any educational assistance you qualify for with the Veterans Affairs Administration. This begins with your application for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You can find more information and registration instructions on the VA benefits website. Your COE will state your percentage of eligibility and your months of entitlement.

Once you receive this certificate from the VA, please email it to our Veterans Assistance Advisor at [email protected].

With or without using VA or TA educational benefits, Schiller is committed to recognizing the leadership and learning inherent to military service. Your military education and job specialization may qualify you for university transfer credits that reduce the time and cost of your degree. Schiller follows the American Council on Education’s Military Guide to grant transfer credits for prior service training and experience. To complete the transfer credit evaluation, our Veterans Assistance Advisor requires an official copy of your military service transcript.

For US Army, US Navy, US Marine Corps, Army National Guard, and US Coast Guard veterans, please forward us a copy of your Joint Service Transcript by going to the JST website and follow the instructions.

For US Air Force, Air National Guard, and US Space Force veterans, please forward us a copy of your Community College of the Air Force/Air University Transcript by going to their website and follow the instructions.

Students who attend classes greater than half-time receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA). The MHA is based on the DoD's Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. The MHA is paid based on the number of days the student was enrolled for the previous month. For students enrolled full-time for an entire month the MHA payment will be disbursed directly to the student at the beginning of the following month.

Your payment should arrive around the first of each month. You will be paid for the days enrolled for the previous month.

For example:  If a term starts on January 16, you are enrolled for 50% of the month from January 16 through January 31, you will receive a payment for those specific days only. If a class is in session Feb. 1-28, the payment would be for the full monthly amount. The VA considers all months to be 30 days, including February.

First and foremost, thank you for your service. Connecting you with your well-earned benefits and recognizing your prior learning is just the beginning. Schiller is committed to helping you throughout your application, academic studies, and the journey beyond with qualified veteran-oriented services. If you have further questions, please contact our Veterans Assistance Advisor by email [email protected].

All Schiller students are encouraged to pursue internships as part of their professional development. Our Career Services team actively supports students in finding opportunities through our close connections with industry partners worldwide. While not every program includes a mandatory internship component, all students have access to guidance and resources to secure valuable hands-on experience in their field.

Yes. Schiller’s Career Services team assists students with internship placement, resume preparation, interview coaching, and networking opportunities.

Absolutely. While Schiller offers guidance and maintains strong connections with various industries, students are also encouraged to take initiative and secure internships with external companies. This flexibility allows you to explore opportunities that best match your career aspirations while benefiting from Schiller’s academic and professional guidance.

Schiller forms strategic partnerships across a wide spectrum of industries and organizations to enhance student learning, provide internship and career-path opportunities, and strengthen global employability. These partnerships include:

• Technology & Data Firms – Leading companies like IBM, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, SAP, and SAS collaborate with Schiller students through masterclasses, real-world project challenges, and tool certifications.

• Hospitality, Tourism & Service Industries – With Schiller’s BSc in International Hospitality & Tourism Management, we partner with global hospitality groups like Radisson to give students exposure to service operations, global guest-experience environments and customer-centric business models.

• Sustainability, Social Impact & NGOs – In line with our MSc in Sustainability Management and MA in International Relations and Diplomacy, Schiller engages with UNITAR, along with NGOs and purpose-driven organisations where students can work on sustainability projects, social innovation challenges and global development initiatives.

Yes. Schiller's Career Services provides workshops and individual guidance on creating professional CVs, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.

Every Schiller program is designed with employability at its core, equipping students with the skills and international perspective employers value most. Career opportunities vary by program, and you can explore specific career paths and roles directly on each program page.

With a network of 20,000+ alumni worldwide, Schiller graduates gain access to a powerful community that helps open doors across industries and borders. In addition, we regularly host career-focused events, workshops, and networking sessions with leading global companies—providing students with direct opportunities to connect with potential employers.

Schiller graduates have access to post-study work opportunities in each of our campus locations:

• United States (Tampa Campus): International students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after completing your degree. Certain STEM programs may qualify for a 24-month extension.
• Germany (Heidelberg Campus): Graduates can apply for a Residence Permit for Job Seekers, valid up to 18 months, to look for employment. Once employed, you may also be eligible for the EU Blue Card, which offers long-term residence and mobility within the EU.
• Spain (Madrid Campus): Non-EU students can apply for a Residence Authorization for Internships or a Post-Study Work Visa, which allows them to remain in Spain and work after graduation.
• France (Paris Campus): Students who complete a Master’s or higher may apply for the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour), a one-year temporary residence permit to seek employment.