Business

Bachelor of Science in International Business Management

The Bachelor of Science in International Business Management is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in international business management. The programme falls under the Business & Economics category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers International Business Management, International Business, Global Trade, Cross-cultural Management, International Marketing, Global Strategy. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Advertising, Business Process Modeling, Data Visualization, Entrepreneurship, Financial Analysis. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Introduction to International Business Management, International Business, Global Strategy, Cross-cultural Management, International Business Ethics. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Global Trade, International Marketing, Cross-cultural Management. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in International Business Management pursue careers as International Business Manager, Global Marketing Manager, Trade Specialist, International Consultant. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 183,600
Private, up to: Ksh 295,500
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 6 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

6 subjects

International Business Management
International Business
Global Trade
Cross-cultural Management
International Marketing
Global Strategy

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to International Business Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Comprehensive introduction to international business management, covering global concepts, trade principles, and approaches to international business.
International Business
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of international business, covering global business environment, international trade, foreign investment, and global operations.
Global Trade
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Examination of global trade, covering trade policy, trade agreements, export-import, and trade finance.
Cross-cultural Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of cross-cultural management, covering cultural intelligence, global leadership, multicultural teams, and cultural adaptation.
International Marketing
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Analysis of international marketing, covering global marketing, market entry, international branding, and global consumer behavior.
Global Strategy
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Development of global strategy skills, covering strategic planning, global competition, international expansion, and strategic alliances.
International Finance
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of international finance, covering foreign exchange, international banking, global capital markets, and financial risk management.
International Law
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Examination of international law, covering international trade law, international contracts, legal frameworks, and compliance.
Strategic Management
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Study of strategic management, covering strategic analysis, strategy formulation, and strategic implementation in international context.
International Business Ethics
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Analysis of ethical issues in international business, covering business ethics, corporate social responsibility, and ethical decision-making in global practice.
International Business Management Practice
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Practical international business work where students apply learned skills in international business, global trade, and cross-cultural management.
International Business Management Research Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Independent research project on international business topic, demonstrating mastery of international business management theory and practice.

Specialisations

Global Trade
Focus on trade policy, trade agreements, and export-import for global trade careers. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
International Marketing
Specialization in global marketing, market entry, and international branding. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Cross-cultural Management
Focus on cultural intelligence, global leadership, and multicultural teams. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

Students attend lectures, conduct international business, participate in case studies, and engage in global trade.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing demand for international business professionals due to globalization and trade development.
International business offers diverse career opportunities in multinational corporations, trading companies, and international organizations.
International business and global trade provide hands-on experience with cross-cultural management and global strategy.

Against it

International business involves frequent travel and exposure to different cultures and time zones.
International work requires understanding of complex global regulations and cultural differences.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 331 business courses

Public184k to 184k

184k at Kenyatta University184k at Kenyatta University

Private186k to 296k

186k at Management University of Africa296k at United States International University Africa

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KU B.Com 184K/yr (mawese). MUA 186K/yr (eafinder), USIU Int'l Business 296K/yr (USIU)

HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Scholarships

3 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry: Diploma holders in Business Administration, International Business, Management, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

English/Kiswahili
C+
Mathematics
C
Business Studies/Economics
C
Any Group II subject
C

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and international business exercises throughout the semester evaluating knowledge and practical skills.
Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of international business skills, global work, and practical applications through international business and case studies.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on international business topic, demonstrating mastery of international business management theory and practice.
End of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester testing understanding of international business, global trade, and cross-cultural management.

Accreditation

Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

International Business Manager
High demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000
Manage international operations, develop global strategies, and coordinate international business and global trade.
Global Marketing Manager
High demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 130,000
Manage international marketing, develop global marketing strategies, and oversee international branding and market entry.
Trade Specialist
High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000
Support global trade, implement trade programs, and work in export-import and trade policy.
International Consultant
Medium demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 130,000
Provide international business expertise, consult on global strategy, and support organizations in international expansion.
Export Manager
High demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 125,000
Manage export operations, develop export strategies, and coordinate export development and international sales.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in international business management across Kenya's international business and trade sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

ChatGPT / Claude
Ai
Google Workspace
Cloud
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
Power BI
AnalyticsPrimary
QuickBooks
Accounting
SAP
Enterprise

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.
The programme is only for top-performing students.
While academic excellence is valued, the programme accepts students meeting the minimum KCSE requirements and supports diverse learners.
Graduates cannot find employment in Kenya.
Kenya's growing economy creates demand for qualified graduates across public, private, and NGO sectors.
The degree is not recognised internationally.
The programme is accredited by CUE and is recognised under regional and international qualification frameworks.