Columbia International University Korntal

About Columbia International University Korntal

Columbia International University Korntal (CIU Korntal) is the European campus of Columbia International University (CIU), based in South Carolina, USA. Operating under the umbrella of AWM gGmbH (Akademie für Weltmission), it offers accredited theological and intercultural education at bachelor, master, and doctoral level from its campus in Korntal-Münchingen, Baden-Württemberg. Programmes are accredited both in the USA (through CIU's SACSCOC accreditation) and in Germany via the German Accreditation Council.

The institution focuses on intercultural ministry, missiology, and leadership development for professionals in church, mission, and marketplace contexts. Around 280 active students study in highly flexible formats — fully online, on-campus intensives, or a combination — with an average class size of ten. Faculty of 40 teachers drawn from ten countries reflects the institution's international and interdenominational character.

AWM was established in the late 1960s as a seminary for missionary training by the Association of Evangelical Missions (AEM) and relocated to its current Korntal site in 1984. The partnership with Columbia International University formalising the award of accredited North American degrees has been in place for more than 30 years.

Key facts

Founded: 1984
Students: 280

Dual accreditation: programmes recognised in both the USA (SACSCOC via CIU) and Germany (German Accreditation Council)

Fully flexible study formats: 100% online, on-campus intensive, or hybrid

Small class sizes (average 10 students) with international faculty from 10 countries

30+ year partnership with Columbia International University (South Carolina, USA)

Specialisations in Intercultural Leadership, Wisdom Leadership, and Transformative Development

European Institute for Migration, Integration and Islam (EIMI) based on campus

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

CIU Korntal is not tuition-free. Fees are charged per course (per 3 US credit hours). For 2024–26: €695/course for regular master's students; €995–€1,290/course for doctoral students; €390 for auditors. From 2026–27: €720/course (master's regular), €1,035–€1,340 (doctoral). A registration fee (€40; rising to €50 from 2026–27) and application fee (€90) also apply. No separate non-EU surcharge is listed. Donors subsidise approximately 50% of operating costs, keeping fees below full-cost recovery. Spouse discount (20%) and a Take5 discount (50% off fifth course within 12 months) are available.

Admission requirements

Master's programmes require a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent) plus at least one year of ministry experience (including voluntary church or mission work). Applicants with suitable prior theological training may qualify for a shortened programme (33 study units / 55 ECTS). Admission is assessed individually based on the full CV. An application fee of €90 is charged. APS certificate is not applicable — CIU Korntal is a private, faith-based institution operating on the North American credit system, not integrated into the German Hochschulzulassung framework.

Languages of instruction

English (primary language of instruction for most programmes). A German-language Doctor of Ministry track is also available.

Campuses & locations

Korntal Campus

Hindenburgstraße 36, 70825 Korntal-Münchingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. 13 minutes by public transport from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof.

Living in the city

Korntal-Münchingen is a small, quiet town of roughly 20,000 residents immediately north-west of Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg. It is 13 minutes from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof by public transport and approximately 43 minutes from Stuttgart Airport. The area combines easy urban access with proximity to open countryside and forest.

Student life & support

The campus in Korntal offers a library, classrooms, a cafeteria (Mensa), and guest/hostel accommodation. The small-town setting provides walking and running routes into nearby fields and forest. Programmes attract a diverse student body including engineers, software developers, social workers, and landscape architects alongside pastoral and mission workers. The international faculty and interdenominational ethos foster a cross-cultural community.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Master