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Frequently Asked Questions

In order to successfully complete a part-time study program, participants should know in advance what to expect. We have addressed questions that interested parties often ask in our FAQ on part-time study. We have also summarized for you how you can register, which study location is most suitable for you and how you can finance your studies.

Before studying

How can I register?
How can I register?

To register, please use our online form and upload the necessary documents. You will find the form on the page of the respective degree programme.

What documents are required for registration?
What documents are required for registration?

We need from you

  • the completed and signed form
  • a curriculum vitae with educational and professional history
  • a scan of the qualification qualifying you for admission (e.g. a university certificate, a comparable qualification or the relevant professional background)
  • a recent portrait photo


If you are not sure whether you have a qualification that qualifies you for admission, please contact us - we will be happy to advise you.

Do I have to send the original application documents to IREBS Immobilienakademie?
Do I have to send the original application documents to IREBS Immobilienakademie?

Only for the Executive MBA in Real Estate course do we require your documents as a certified copy by post. Scans are generally sufficient for the application.

By when do I have to have applied?
By when do I have to have applied?

You can apply for any degree programme at any time, even for programmes that do not start until next year, for example. There is no application deadline in the classical sense, but it is still worth applying early:

  • For some degree programmes, we offer you a reduced early bird price until the respective early bird deadline - usually around three months before the start of the degree programme.
  • Applications are processed in the order in which they are received. All degree programmes have a limited number of participants.
  • If the number of registrations is too low, the start of a programme may be cancelled a few weeks before the start date (see respective terms and conditions).


If you are planning to enrol but still have to wait for your employer's approval or are unable to enrol for other reasons, you have the option of reserving a place on the course without obligation.
We have compiled further information on registration here.

What are the admission requirements for the degree programmes?
What are the admission requirements for the degree programmes?

The subject-specific admission requirements differ for each degree programme; detailed information can be found in the degree programme descriptions.

Costs and funding

How much does the degree programme cost?
How much does the degree programme cost?

The prices for the individual study programmes can be found in the respective programme description. There you will also find the early bird prices and the discounts for cooperation partners such as IMMOEBS, RICS, IREBS CORE, DVFA, GCSP, .
Many companies pay all or part of their employees' tuition fees. Some companies also support their employees in other ways, for example through compensatory time off. If you finance your studies privately, you can claim the costs against tax.

How can I finance part-time studies?
How can I finance part-time studies?

There are basically four ways in which a course of study is usually financed:

  • Either the participant pays the costs himself or
  • the participant is financed by his/her employer.
  • Some participants are also partially financed by their employer and cover the remaining costs themselves. Some employers also provide other support such as compensatory time off.
  • The fourth option is scholarships, for example for the intensive study of commercial real estate.
Does my employer cover the costs?
Does my employer cover the costs?

This is usually handled absolutely differently and depends on the respective employer. The vast majority of employers combine financial support with time support. Without exception, all employers offer arrangements that guarantee successful study at a reasonable cost.

Are there tax advantages for companies and private payers?
Are there tax advantages for companies and private payers?

Basically, the proportion of self-payers and partial payers in relation to company-funded students has increased steadily since 2008. Regardless of who pays the costs, tax advantages can be claimed: Private payers can usually count the costs of studying, including travel, accommodation and teaching materials, as income-related expenses. Companies deduct the expenses as business expenses.

Study locations

How (well) can I reach the study locations?
How (well) can I reach the study locations?

The study locations in the major cities are always in the city centre and are very easy to reach by public transport.

What kind of accommodation is available at the study locations?
What kind of accommodation is available at the study locations?

We have put together a list of recommended hotels and guesthouses for each study location, which are suitable for different price categories. Our study managers will be happy to send you an overview on request.

Are there any registrations from near my place of residence?
Are there any registrations from near my place of residence?

The study managers will be happy to put you in touch with them, subject to data protection regulations.

Can I change my place of study during my studies?
Can I change my place of study during my studies?

The IREBS Real Estate Academy offers its degree programmes at different locations such as Berlin, Düsseldorf, Eltville, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Munich and Vienna. If the same study programme is held at different locations, it is generally possible to change the place of study during the programme. Together with the participant, we will find a solution that meets the personal or professional challenges. The final decision is made by the director of studies on a case-by-case basis.

In the study

How does the study programme take place?
How does the study programme take place?

Participants in the part-time degree programmes at the IREBS Real Estate Academy have demanding jobs. The time for the lectures is precisely calculated: Most study days are therefore combined, for example from Thursday or Friday to Saturday, in order to optimise the travel and accommodation times of our participants. During the contact study programme in real estate economics, there are also two-week attendance phases in which related content is taught in a concentrated manner.

How long does a day of attendance last?
How long does a day of attendance last?

A study day usually comprises eight to ten academic hours of 45 minutes each. As a rule, individual attendance days are combined into blocks. The start and end times of the first and last days are optimised to allow students to arrive and depart on the same day.

How many days of attendance does a lecture block contain?
How many days of attendance does a lecture block contain?

The length of a block depends on the degree programme. The contact studies, for example, include a two-week lecture block at the beginning of each semester. In the intensive study programmes, the attendance days are usually grouped from Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday. Detailed schedules can be downloaded from the respective degree programme.

How much learning effort do I have to allow for in addition to the attendance days per degree programme?
How much learning effort do I have to allow for in addition to the attendance days per degree programme?

The learning effort depends on the individual's previous education or training, professional experience background and the commitment of the year group to efficiently follow up lectures.

How long can I access the scripts?
How long can I access the scripts?

The scripts are made available on the learning platform via access data and are available to the students there until they receive their certificates. The participant area will be closed after the presentation of certificates.

Can I view an exam or a script without registering?
Can I view an exam or a script without registering?

During the IREBS Student Advisory Service, interested parties can view sample exams and scripts. Please let us know in advance for which course of study you would like us to prepare documents. Further information on the procedure, dates and registration can be found on the IREBS Student Advisory Service page.

How do I prepare for exams?
How do I prepare for exams?

The most difficult exam - regardless of the degree programme and subject area - is always the first one. Participants come from a practical background and first have to relearn how to study. We support you in this process: Our study managers will give you valuable tips on transcripts, study groups and learning methods, as well as recommendations on where you can best relax near your place of study. Don't be put off by the challenges of part-time study: We provide you with the necessary tools.

Can exams be repeated?
Can exams be repeated?

As a rule, exams can be repeated twice. The exact procedure is regulated by the examination regulations of the respective degree programme.

What is project work?
What is project work?

The Contact Studies in Real Estate Economics and the Intensive Studies in Commercial Real Estate include lectures as well as exam-relevant project work. The results are not only important for the successful completion of the degree programme: rather, strong working communities are formed within the project groups, which often outlast the time of the degree programme. Moreover, the results of the project work are usually not only relevant to the study programme, but also to practice and are used by the participants as a reference for developing their careers.

Who supports me during my studies?
Who supports me during my studies?

During their studies, our participants have several contact persons at their disposal: Prof. Dr. Tobias Just, the academic director, is available to answer questions about the subject and the study programme. The study managers take care of organisational matters directly at the study location. In addition, there is a year spokesperson for each year group, who is elected from the year group, and a support assistant, who acts as an interface between the participants and the IREBS Real Estate Academy. Both ensure a lively exchange between participants and the academy.

What is an advisory board?
What is an advisory board?

The advisory board of each IREBS Immobilienakademie course is made up of renowned experts from the industry. It acts as an interface between science and practice: The advisory board members regularly update the contents of the degree programme together with the academic directors and the course leaders. The regular updating of the study programmes according to the needs of the industry is an important component of the quality management of the IREBS Real Estate Academy. You can find the members of the advisory boards directly on the respective study programme page.

What does a supervisory assistant / year spokesperson do?
What does a supervisory assistant / year spokesperson do?

The ambitious daily study routine requires efficient processes and information channels. The IREBS Real Estate Academy meets this challenge with a system that has been tried and tested over many years: On the one hand, there are study managers directly at each study location who have experience in further education and in the real estate industry. On the other hand, it has proven successful to appoint support assistants and year spokespersons in order to optimise communication between the year group and the academy. The support assistant is selected by the IREBS Real Estate Academy, supports the study manager in everyday study and informs the cohort on organisational issues, among other things. The year spokesperson is elected by the year group and discusses the wishes and concerns of the participants with the Academy.

Are there problems if individual lectures cannot be attended?
Are there problems if individual lectures cannot be attended?

Attendance at lectures is not compulsory. Nevertheless, we recommend that you do not miss any lectures if possible: The spoken word in the lectures is relevant to the examination!

What happens if my studies have to be interrupted?
What happens if my studies have to be interrupted?

In exceptional cases, studies can be interrupted. Reasons may include illness, pregnancy or urgent business matters. To do this, the student must submit an application and consult with the study manager. As with changing the place of study, we attach great importance to finding a solution that suits the participant. The final decision is made by the study manager in each individual case.

Please note that, despite an interruption, the study programme must generally be completed within a two-year period. The academic director decides on exceptions upon application.

After graduation

When do graduates receive their certificates?
When do graduates receive their certificates?

Certificates are awarded once every six months in the form of an academic ceremony at Eberbach Monastery.

Those who are unable to receive their certificate in person can request to have it sent by post.

What does the Master's degree do for my professional career?
What does the Master's degree do for my professional career?

The Executive MBA in Real Estate is the stepping stone to an international career for our participants: The programme prepares students for management tasks and deepens their international real estate know-how. With the Executive MBA in Real Estate, you will recommend yourself for your next career step. Further information can be found in the programme description of the Executive MBA in Real Estate (MBA).

Studying abroad

Do I need a visa to travel to the UK?
Do I need a visa to travel to the UK?

Since Brexit in 2022, all those entering the UK will again require a visa. You can read about what type of visa here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y

Do I need a visa to travel to Singapore?
Do I need a visa to travel to Singapore?

All foreign visitors must ensure that they meet the entry requirements set by the Singapore Government Agency.

These can be found here: https://www.ica.gov.sg/#/

US passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Singapore for work or social purposes. However, the entry requirements as mentioned above must be met.
However, foreign visitors holding passports issued by certain countries require a work or social visa to travel to Singapore.

The specific countries can be found here: https://www.ica.gov.sg/#/visitor/visitor_entryvisa

Do I need a visa to travel to the USA?
Do I need a visa to travel to the USA?

All visitors from countries listed in the Visa Waiver Programme are required to carry a valid ESTA travel authorisation during their stay in the States.
Apply for your ESTA travel authorisation: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html

Questions about specific study programmes

Are there still places available in this year's contact study or intensive study programmes?
Are there still places available in this year's contact study or intensive study programmes?

We will be happy to answer this question for you personally, please call us on: +49 (0)6723 9950-30.

If there are more qualified applications than places available, priority will be given to earlier applications.

Is the Executive MBA Real Estate an academic degree?
Is the Executive MBA Real Estate an academic degree?

Yes, graduates of the Executive MBA in Real Estate receive the academic degree "Master of Business Administration (MBA)" from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Regensburg. For more information, please visit the Executive MBA in Real Estate (MBA) programme page.

Is the Executive MBA Real Estate a Master's programme?
Is the Executive MBA Real Estate a Master's programme?

Yes, the Executive MBA in Real Estate is a Master's programme. It requires real estate expertise, imparts management knowledge and is the stepping stone to an international career for our participants. You can find more information on the Executive MBA in Real Estate programme page.

Is the Real Estate Economics contact programme internationally recognised?
Is the Real Estate Economics contact programme internationally recognised?

The Contact Programme Real Estate Economics is a renowned continuing education programme in Germany. It has been continuously accredited by the long-established Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) since 1992 and thus offers participants in the programme the opportunity to become members of an international professional association after completing their studies. With their degree, graduates fulfil the entry requirements to register with the RICS association for the examination to become a "Member of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS)".

The possible training paths and principles of the RICS are also a relevant part of the contact study Real Estate Economics and are reviewed by the Country Manager of RICS Germany. If required, we also advise our participants individually on how to optimally prepare for the examination for the recognised RICS titles.

How much does the intensive Executive MBA Real Estate (MBA) programme cost for the time spent abroad?
How much does the intensive Executive MBA Real Estate (MBA) programme cost for the time spent abroad?

The Executive MBA in Real Estate (MBA) takes place in Germany, the USA, Great Britain and Singapore. The costs for the entire study programme consist of the tuition fee as well as travel and accommodation costs. You will find the tuition fee in the programme description. Depending on which comfort class you choose in hotels and aeroplanes and which study programme option you book, you will need to budget between 4,000 and 6,000 euros for travel and accommodation. This information is not binding and is only intended to assist you in your calculations.

In principle, tuition fees and costs can be claimed as tax deductions. You can find information on the programme options in the programme description Executive MBA in Real Estate (MBA).

How can I apply for the GCSP scholarship for the intensive study of retail real estate?
How can I apply for the GCSP scholarship for the intensive study of retail real estate?

The application for a scholarship for the Intensive Study Retail Real Estate is made via the homepage of the GCSP German Council of Shopping Places.

Other

Can I get a schedule overview?
Can I get a schedule overview?

There is a separate schedule for each degree programme, which can be found and downloaded by clicking on the start date of the individual degree programmes.

Is the study programme recognised according to the Vocational Training Act? Can I apply for educational leave for the study programmes at the IREBS Real Estate Academy?
Is the study programme recognised according to the Vocational Training Act? Can I apply for educational leave for the study programmes at the IREBS Real Estate Academy?

Whether educational leave can be applied for depends on two factors: Firstly, a Vocational Training Act must be in force in the federal state in which one's employer operates. Secondly, the continuing education provider must be recognised according to the criteria of the federal state.

Since Bavaria does not have a vocational training act, employees from this federal state cannot apply for educational leave. Interested workers from NRWBerlin or Hamburg, on the other hand, are generally entitled to ten days of educational leave within two years, which the employer can grant on application under certain circumstances. If you would like to know whether you can apply for educational leave and what steps you need to take, please contact our study manager Katja Bobber.

You can find more information at www.bildungsurlaub.de

What are credit points according to ECTS?
What are credit points according to ECTS?

ECTS credit points are used at European higher education institutions as comparable study programme assessments. The credit points measure the total time spent by the student. This includes the time spent on lectures as well as their preparation and follow-up, the time spent on exam preparation, exams, final papers as well as coursework and also that spent on internships.

How do I become a member of the Chartered Surveyors (RICS)?
How do I become a member of the Chartered Surveyors (RICS)?

The international professional association Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) recognises different ways of qualifying participants in the real estate industry to sit for the RICS examination. An exemplary pathway is the completion of our RICS-accredited Contact Studies in Real Estate Economics and Executive MBA in Real Estate programmes. Further alternative paths as well as the details of the examination to become a Chartered Surveyor can be found on the RICS website.

Participants of the IREBS Real Estate Academy will receive detailed advice on the best course of action for them. We offer an initial consultation online at the IREBS Student Advisory Service.

Why is RICS accreditation important?
Why is RICS accreditation important?

The real estate industry is Anglo-Saxon oriented. The long-established Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), based in London, is considered the most internationally renowned professional association for real estate professionals, with more than 136,000 qualified members in 146 countries. The RICS Code of Conduct defines quality standards for education and training as well as for professional practice. The Chartered Surveyor designation offers valuable networking and professional development opportunities in the real estate industry. For more information on accreditation, see IREBS Real Estate Academy - Awards.

Many dedicated Professional Members (MRICS) and Fellows (FRICS) of RICS Germany have emerged from the long-standing partnership with the IREBS Real Estate Academy. Graduates of the IREBS Contact Studies in Real Estate Economics, the Executive MBA in Real Estate and the IREBS full-time Master of Science in Real Estate programme qualify with their degree to register for the RICS examination. We have compiled further information for you on the RICS Accreditation page.

What is the IREBS study advisory service?
What is the IREBS study advisory service?

The IREBS Real Estate Academy offers online evening events where participants from the real estate industry can discuss their personal career opportunities with us. First and foremost, prospective students can find out about our degree programmes in detail.

Among other things, the importance of the RICS accreditation of study programmes in the real estate industry, the everyday study routine of part-time further education and tips on what arguments prospective students can ideally use to approach their employers will be discussed. Further information on the programme, dates and registration can be found on the IREBS Student Advisory Service page.

How does the IREBS Real Estate Academy ensure the quality of continuing education?
How does the IREBS Real Estate Academy ensure the quality of continuing education?

We have established a multi-level system to continuously improve our courses. On the one hand, we ask participants to evaluate the lectures and lecturers directly afterwards with a questionnaire. On the other hand, we regularly talk to the lecturers - especially about optimisation potential that the questionnaires reveal. The evaluations help to decide which lecturers are hired permanently by the Real Estate Academy and which are not. Over the years, we have been able to establish a highly qualified pool of lecturers who are an asset to our participants in terms of both subject matter and didactics.

We have also established a "quality meeting" once a year for the Real Estate Economics contact programme: Year speakers, support assistants, the management of the IREBS Real Estate Academy and the study management meet and discuss the process, the quality and the optimisation potential within the study programme. The results are translated into measures for improvement by the management and additionally brought into the advisory board meeting. Criticism of the content is then openly discussed with the lecturers and improvement measures are developed. The lecturers from the field also contribute up-to-date expertise on the needs of the industry to the advisory board, thus ensuring that the content of the study programme is continuously up to date.

The RICS accreditation is an essential quality factor of our contact study programme in real estate economics.

 

Student advisory services
close call +49 6723 9950-30E-mail to irebs@irebs.de