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Chair of Management, People and Information
Chair of Management, People and Information

DSG Partnership: Corvinus-Passau

Two countries, two universities, one shared goal: top-notch economics education in German—from the Danube in the city of three rivers to the Danube in Budapest.
[Translate to Englisch:] Campus Passau Inn Donau
[Translate to Englisch:] Corvinus Budapest
[Translate to Englisch:] Logo DAAD AA

German-language degree program in Business Administration

Over 30 years of academic ties between Passau and Budapest

Since 1993, the German-Language Degree Program (DSG) has linked the University of Passau and Corvinus University of Budapest in a unique partnership. The collaboration between the two universities, which are historically connected by the Danube as a waterway, also includes joint research projects and international conferences (Source).

[Translate to Englisch:] Zeugnisverleihung 21

What began with just eight students is now one of the most successful bilateral university programs in Central Europe: Over 700 Hungarian graduates have completed the German-language DSG program to date and benefit in the job market from excellent German language skills, intercultural competence, and a solid business education—a decisive advantage given the strong presence of German companies in Hungary.

In turn, students from the University of Passau gain valuable insights into a dynamic economic hub in Central Europe through their studies at Corvinus University, gain international experience, and build intercultural competence in Central and Eastern Europe. Corvinus University is Hungary’s leading university in economics and social sciences, holding AACSB and AMBA accreditation. It is a member of the prestigious CEMS network, which brings together 33 of the world’s leading business schools.

This benefits both sides: Corvinus graduates are highly sought-after professionals among German-speaking employers, while Passau graduates bring a deep understanding of Central European markets to the table—a combination that is becoming increasingly important in today’s interconnected European economy.

Why DSG? — What students and graduates can expect

Graduates have excellent prospects with German-speaking and international employers—the degree gives them a competitive edge in terms of language and culture.
DAAD Journal, 2023
[Translate to Englisch:] Zeugnisverleihung 23
  • Two degrees, four semesters: In the dual master’s program, students earn master’s degrees from both universities without extending their study period.
  • International competitive advantage: German language skills and intercultural competence are in high demand in the Central European business world—especially at German companies in Hungary and at Hungarian companies with ties to the DACH region.
  • Scholarships: DAAD scholarships for exchange semesters in Passau, Erasmus funding, and Pannónia scholarships.
  • Strong network: The DSG Advisory Board, the German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DUIHK), and over 700 alumni form a valuable professional network.
  • Vibrant community: Study trips, conferences, company visits, and annual graduation ceremonies foster a sense of community across borders.
  • Research funding: Since 2024, DAAD research scholarships for faculty members at Corvinus University have been available through the DSG.

Overview of the two programs

The DSG is funded by the DAAD with funds from the Federal Foreign Office as part of the “German-Language Degree Programs” initiative and offers two degree programs: a supplementary bachelor’s program and a German-Hungarian dual master’s degree in Business Administration. The program was launched after the end of the Cold War because German had a long tradition as a language of scholarship in Central and Eastern Europe.

The DSG Bachelor’s program is designed for students at Corvinus University of Budapest who wish to earn an additional qualification in business administration in German alongside their regular Hungarian- or English-language undergraduate studies. The DSG is fully integrated into the Bachelor’s programs of the Faculty of Economics at Corvinus University.

Two levels of completion:

  • DSG Certificate — upon successful completion of ten business administration courses in German
  • DSG Mini-Certificate — upon completion of four business administration courses in German

Highlights for Hungarian students:

  • Attractive DAAD scholarships for an exchange semester at the University of Passau
  • Practice-oriented education with study trips, company visits, and workshops
  • Annual study trip to Passau
  • Close ties to German-Hungarian business practice (including through the DSG Advisory Board and the German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce)
  • The “Schmalen Plaque” as an award for the best graduates — named after the founder of the DSG, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Helmut Schmalen

Master’s students from both universities can earn two master’s degrees through a dual-degree program: the Master of Science in Business Administration from the University of Passau and a master’s degree from Corvinus University—either the M.Sc. in Marketing or the M.Sc. in Management and Leadership, depending on the chosen specialization.

More information about the dual master's program

How is the master's program structured?

Students spend two semesters at their home university and two semesters at the partner university, earning a total of 120 ECTS credits. Thanks to the mutual recognition of academic credits, students can earn the dual degree without extending their study period within the regular four semesters.

[Translate to Englisch:] Regulärer Aufbau BA Master

This overview allows for a direct comparison of the standard Master’s program in Business Administration with the DSG dual Master’s program.

Further information about the Master’s program in Business Administration can be found on the program's website.

  • Application deadline: February 1 of each year at the International Office
  • Requirements for admission to the dual master’s program: A cumulative GPA of 2.3 based on all completed master’s coursework, as well as at least 10 ECTS credits in the Methods track (which may be submitted later, provided the relevant exams are taken during the winter semester).
  • Maximum of six spots

After successfully completing their master’s degree at the University of Passau, students may apply to have their Corvinus diploma issued. In accordance with Hungarian higher education law, this requires an oral (online) final examination to be taken within five years of graduation. For more information, please refer to the Corvinus University guidelines.

The people behind the DSG

The DSG owes its success over the past three decades to the dedication and foresight of a number of outstanding individuals on both sides of the partnership.

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Helmut Schmalen (Founder and Director, 1993–2002)
Helmut Schmalen, holder of the Chair of Business Administration with a focus on Marketing and Trade at the University of Passau, was the visionary behind the DSG. As early as the 1980s, he established contacts in Budapest and, in 1993, initiated the German-language degree program in collaboration with what was then the Budapest University of Economics. Corvinus University awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1996. His commitment extended far beyond Budapest—he also founded a German-language degree program at the State University of Management in Moscow. Schmalen passed away unexpectedly in October 2002. The University of Passau honored him with a memorial symposium in 2003. His legacy lives on in the DSG, among other things through the “Schmalen Plaque,” named after him, which is awarded to the best graduates.

Prof. Dr. Jochen Wilhelm (Director, 2003–2011)
After Helmut Schmalen’s death, Jochen Wilhelm, Professor of Finance at the University of Passau, took over responsibility for the DSG and continued to lead the program with great dedication. In 2012, he was awarded the highest honor of Corvinus University—the “Silver Corvina”—for his services to German-Hungarian university cooperation.

Prof. Dr. Niklas Wagner (Director, 2012–2026)
Under the leadership of Niklas Wagner at the Chair of Financial Controlling, the DSG was continuously developed, particularly through the establishment and expansion of the dual master’s program; under his leadership, the number of DSG graduates grew to over 700. During his tenure as DSG Director, the anniversary celebrations for the 20th DSG anniversary in 2013 in Bonn, as well as for the 25th (2018) and 30th anniversaries (2023), were held at Corvinus University. For the first time, official agreements on research cooperation, as well as the cooperation agreement and the study regulations for the master’s program, were prepared and coordinated between the two universities.

Prof. Dr. Marina Fiedler (Director, since 2026)

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Judit Simon (Founding Director, 1993–2016, Director Emerita, 2017-2023)
Judit Simon was the driving force behind the DSG on the Corvinus side. Over more than two decades, she built up the program and made it a hallmark of Corvinus University. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, the University of Passau awarded her an honorary doctorate (Dr. rer. pol. h.c.) in 2014 and honorary citizenship in 2019—an extraordinary double honor that reflects the depth of the partnership.

Prof. Dr. Ágnes Zsóka (Director, 2016–2021)
Ágnes Zsóka took over as director of the DSG in 2016—as a former DSG graduate, a symbolic choice that demonstrates the program’s lasting impact. Under her leadership, the cooperation agreement for the dual master’s program was further strengthened.

Dr. Patrick Bohl (Director, 2022)
Patrick Bohl led the DSG in 2022, bringing his many years of management experience from the business world to the role and focusing in particular on expanding the German-language course offerings and the program’s practical orientation.

Dr. Loretta Huszák (Director, since 2022)
Loretta Huszák has led the DSG at Corvinus University since 2022. Under her leadership, the cooperation agreement was expanded in 2023 to include a focus on supply chain management. Today, the DSG is integrated into eight bachelor’s and two master’s degree programs.

The former president of the University of Passau, Prof. Dr. Walter Schweitzer, was also honored in 2012 with the “Silver Corvina”—the highest award bestowed by Corvinus University—for his contribution to German-Hungarian cooperation.

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Contact

Management on the Passau side

Prof. Dr. Marina Fiedler
Chair of Management, People and Information
Room WIWI 202
Innstraße 27
94032 Passau

Phone: +49 851 509-2490
Fax: +49 851 509 37-2490

Program support at the Passau campus

Christina Schäfer
Room WIWI 308
Innstraße 27
94032 Passau

Phone: +49 851 509-2493

Please send inquiries exclusively via email

DSG Office at Corvinus University of Budapest

Last updated: | Page ID: 157799
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