Business

Master of International Business Administration

The Master of International Business Administration is a postgraduate programme that equips professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in international business, global trade, and cross-border business management. The programme prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of international business environments, manage global operations, and lead organisations in an increasingly interconnected world.

Core areas of study include international business strategy, global marketing, international finance, cross-cultural management, international trade law, global supply chain management, international economics, multinational corporate strategy, business research methods, and thesis or project writing. Students engage with both business fundamentals and their international dimensions.

The programme is offered by Moi University, Chuka University, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, with United States International University Africa listed as a college. USIU-Africa's Chandaria School of Business prepares students to manage and operate effectively in international business environments. The programme combines business administration with international business specialisation.

Students develop competencies in international business strategy, global marketing, international finance, cross-cultural management, trade law, global supply chain management, international economics, multinational strategy, negotiation, and research methodology. The programme includes coursework, examinations, and a research thesis or project.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time and part-time modes available. Moi University offers the programme through its School of Business and Economics. The programme is designed for business professionals, managers, entrepreneurs, and government trade officers seeking international business expertise.

Graduates pursue careers as international business managers, global marketing managers, trade analysts, export managers, multinational corporate managers, and international business consultants in multinational companies, trade organisations, government trade departments, and international financial institutions.

Skills Required

International Business Strategy
Global Marketing Management
International Finance and Banking
Cross-Cultural Management
International Trade Law and Policy
Global Supply Chain Management
International Economics
Multinational Corporate Strategy
International Business Negotiation
Business Research Methods

Key Subjects

International Business Strategy
Global Marketing Management
International Finance
Cross-Cultural Management
International Trade Law
Global Supply Chain Management
International Economics
Multinational Corporate Strategy
Business Research Methods
International Business Negotiation

Certifications

ICC International Trade Certification
ITC Trade Intelligence Certification

Specializations

International Business Strategy

Focuses on international business strategy formulation, global market entry strategies, competitive positioning in international markets, and managing multinational operations.

Global Marketing

Examines global marketing strategy, international market research, cross-cultural marketing, global brand management, and adapting marketing for international markets.

International Finance

Covers international finance, foreign exchange management, international financial markets, multinational capital budgeting, and managing financial risks in global operations.

Cross-Cultural Management

Focuses on cross-cultural management, managing diverse teams, cultural intelligence, international human resource management, and leading across cultures.

International Trade

Examines international trade theory, trade policy, WTO frameworks, regional trade agreements, and managing import-export operations.

Global Supply Chain Management

Covers global supply chain design, international logistics, procurement across borders, and managing supply chain risks in global operations.

Multinational Corporate Strategy

Focuses on multinational corporate strategy, managing foreign direct investment, international joint ventures, and strategic alliances across borders.

International Business Law

Examines international trade law, international commercial law, dispute resolution in international business, and legal frameworks for cross-border transactions.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 187,200
Private, up to: Ksh 479,250
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Evening
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

International Business Strategy
Global Marketing Management
International Finance
Cross-Cultural Management
International Trade Law
Global Supply Chain Management
International Economics
Multinational Corporate Strategy
Business Research Methods
International Business Negotiation

Modules

10 in the programme

International Business Strategy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines international business strategy formulation, global market entry strategies, competitive positioning in international markets, and managing multinational operations.
Global Marketing Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers global marketing strategy, international market research, cross-cultural marketing, global brand management, and adapting marketing for international markets.
International Finance
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines international finance, foreign exchange management, international financial markets, multinational capital budgeting, and managing financial risks in global operations.
Cross-Cultural Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers cross-cultural management, managing diverse teams, cultural intelligence, international human resource management, and leading effectively across cultures.
International Trade Law
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines international trade law, WTO frameworks, regional trade agreements, international commercial law, and legal frameworks for cross-border transactions.
Global Supply Chain Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers global supply chain design, international logistics, procurement across borders, managing supply chain risks, and optimising global supply chain operations.
International Economics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines international economics, trade theory, balance of payments, exchange rate dynamics, and economic factors affecting international business decisions.
Multinational Corporate Strategy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers multinational corporate strategy, managing foreign direct investment, international joint ventures, strategic alliances, and managing multinational corporate structures.
Business Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers qualitative and quantitative research methodologies for conducting original research in international business, including research design and data analysis.
Research Thesis or Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis or project on an international business topic, demonstrating mastery of international business concepts and research methods, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

International Business Strategy
Focuses on international business strategy formulation, global market entry strategies, competitive positioning in international markets, and managing multinational operations.
Global Marketing
Examines global marketing strategy, international market research, cross-cultural marketing, global brand management, and adapting marketing for international markets.
International Finance
Covers international finance, foreign exchange management, international financial markets, multinational capital budgeting, and managing financial risks in global operations.
Cross-Cultural Management
Focuses on cross-cultural management, managing diverse teams, cultural intelligence, international human resource management, and leading across cultures.
International Trade
Examines international trade theory, trade policy, WTO frameworks, regional trade agreements, and managing import-export operations.
Global Supply Chain Management
Covers global supply chain design, international logistics, procurement across borders, and managing supply chain risks in global operations.
Multinational Corporate Strategy
Focuses on multinational corporate strategy, managing foreign direct investment, international joint ventures, and strategic alliances across borders.
International Business Law
Examines international trade law, international commercial law, dispute resolution in international business, and legal frameworks for cross-border transactions.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on international business strategy, global marketing, or international finance. Students engage in seminar discussions analysing international business case studies, global market entry strategies, and cross-cultural management challenges. Group projects involve developing international business plans, analysing foreign markets, or designing global marketing strategies. Practical sessions include international trade data analysis, foreign exchange risk management exercises, and cross-cultural negotiation simulations. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis or project, with practical training in international business research methods. The programme connects business theory to international practice, with students examining real-world global business scenarios. Guest lectures from multinational company executives, trade ministry officials, and international business practitioners provide real-world insights. Those in the thesis phase conduct independent international business research, working under faculty supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's position as East Africa's trade hub and AfCFTA implementation create strong demand for international business expertise.
Programme combines business administration with international specialisation, providing versatile expertise for global business roles.
USIU-Africa as a college provides international perspective and global networking opportunities through its international accreditation and partnerships.
Graduates can pursue diverse careers in multinational companies, trade organisations, government, and international financial institutions.

Against it

Programme is offered at only three public universities with USIU as a college, limiting options for prospective students.
USIU-Africa private fees of approximately KES 479,250 per year are significantly higher than public university fees.
Programme may overlap with general MBA programmes, potentially causing confusion about distinct value.
International business roles may require travel and relocation, which may not suit all graduates.

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

Public187k to 187k

187k at Moi University187k at Moi University

Private238k to 479k

238k at KCA University479k at USIU-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

Moi 187,200/yr (worldscholarshipforum). USIU-Africa ~479,250/yr from USIU fee schedule. KCA unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. AfCFTA may sponsor trade-related training for African professionals. ITC offers trade capacity building grants. The programme's international business focus attracts trade and development funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
AfCFTA Trade Training Sponsorship
ITC Trade Capacity Building Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
AfCFTA Trade Training Sponsorship
ScholarshipKsh 300,000
AfCFTA may sponsor trade-related training for African professionals supporting continental trade integration.
ITC Trade Capacity Building Grants
ScholarshipKsh 250,000
ITC offers trade capacity building grants for professionals in developing countries pursuing international business education.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme is designed for business professionals, managers, entrepreneurs, and government trade officers. Full-time and part-time modes available. USIU-Africa offers the programme with international accreditation and global perspective.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
CATs, international business case analyses, market entry strategy assignments, cross-cultural management exercises, and seminar presentations conducted throughout each semester.
Practical Projects
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment involving international business plan development, foreign market analysis, global marketing strategy design, and trade data analysis exercises.
Final Examination
Examination40% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering international business strategy, global marketing, international finance, and trade law, including essay and case analysis questions.
Research Thesis or Project
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis or project on an international business topic, demonstrating mastery of international business concepts and research methods, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Moi University, Chuka University, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology are all CUE-accredited public universities. USIU-Africa is a CUE-accredited private university listed as a college for this programme.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Moi University, Chuka University, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology are all CUE-accredited public universities. USIU-Africa is a CUE-accredited private university.
International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
Professional accreditation
USIU-Africa's Chandaria School of Business holds international business accreditation. The programme aligns with international business education standards.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

International Business Manager
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 600,000
Manages international business operations for multinational companies, overseeing cross-border operations, market expansion, and global business development.
Global Marketing Manager
High demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 500,000
Develops and implements global marketing strategies, managing international brands, cross-cultural marketing campaigns, and market entry strategies.
Trade Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 400,000
Analyses international trade data, market trends, and trade policies for government, trade organisations, or private companies.
Export Manager
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages export operations for companies, overseeing export strategy, compliance with trade regulations, and developing international market channels.
Multinational Corporate Manager
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 600,000
Manages operations for multinational corporations in Kenya or abroad, overseeing regional operations, cross-border teams, and international business development.
International Business Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 550,000
Provides consulting services on international business strategy, market entry, cross-cultural management, and global operations for companies expanding internationally.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as international business managers, global marketing managers, trade analysts, and export managers in multinational companies, trade organisations, and government trade departments.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SAP
SoftwarePrimary
Enterprise resource planning software used by multinational companies for managing global operations, supply chains, and international business processes.
Bloomberg Terminal
SoftwarePrimary
Financial data and analytics platform for international finance, foreign exchange analysis, and global market intelligence.
Microsoft Excel
Software
Spreadsheet software for international business analysis, financial modelling, trade data analysis, and business planning.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for international business research, market analysis, and quantitative research projects.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

International business administration is just an MBA with a different name.
The programme specifically focuses on international business dimensions including global marketing, international finance, cross-cultural management, trade law, and multinational strategy, distinct from a general MBA.
This programme is only for people working in multinational companies.
Graduates work in diverse organisations including local companies expanding internationally, government trade departments, NGOs, export businesses, and entrepreneurial ventures targeting global markets.
International business has limited relevance in Kenya.
Kenya's strategic position as East Africa's trade hub, AfCFTA implementation, and expanding export sector create strong demand for international business expertise.
You need international experience to study this programme.
The programme develops international business expertise from foundational levels and accepts graduates with relevant business backgrounds, building cross-cultural competence through coursework.
This programme is only about import-export trade.
The programme covers comprehensive international business including strategy, finance, marketing, supply chain, law, and cross-cultural management, beyond just trade operations.
Online global business courses make this programme unnecessary.
This programme provides contextualised African business knowledge, professional networking, and practical exposure to regional trade dynamics that online international courses cannot replicate.