Customs and Foreign Trade Management (Certificate)
Customs and International Trade Knowledge in the Global Supply Chain
The part-time continuing education certificate program in Customs and Foreign Trade Management aims to equip students with specialized knowledge in the fields of customs and foreign trade.
This will enable participants to improve efficiency in customs, foreign trade, and compliance matters, as well as to proactively incorporate legislation into the design of international supply chain processes, ensure compliance, and further develop these processes. Furthermore, students will be able to evaluate and monitor business transactions involving customs and foreign trade law.
This part-time continuing education program is aimed at employees in the supply chain or in legal and finance departments who already have some basic experience in customs and foreign trade and wish to expand their knowledge in these areas.
In addition to professors and lecturers from Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, we engage experts from consulting and auditing firms in trade and industry, as well as from customs consulting firms (some of whom are former customs officials) as instructors. This ensures that the perspectives and interests of both the business community and government agencies are adequately taken into account.
Here you can find the study and examination regulations for the “Customs and Foreign Trade Management” certificate program: SPO.
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"Business Class" Podcast
Customs and Foreign Trade—A Dry Set of Rules or a Strategic Competitive Advantage? In this episode, we speak with the program directors, Prof. Dr. Alexandra Coenenberg and Prof. Dr. Florian Waibel, about the School of Business’s certificate program in “Customs and Foreign Trade Management.” Why is in-depth knowledge of customs and foreign trade law indispensable today? What challenges do companies face in international trade? And how does the program prepare specialists and executives in a practical way for topics such as compliance, international supply chains, and global flows of goods?
An episode for everyone who wants to actively shape international trade and gain future-proof professional qualifications.
Working Together to Build Expertise in Foreign Trade and Customs — Collaboration with the IHK Academy of Swabia
Since May 2024, Augsburg University of Applied Sciences and the IHK Academy of Swabia have entered into a groundbreaking partnership aimed at providing the best possible training and support for professionals in the fields of customs and foreign trade. Starting in the upcoming summer semester, the IHK certification as a Foreign Trade and Customs Specialist will serve as proof of the necessary customs knowledge for admission to the “Customs and Foreign Trade Management” degree program. Provided they meet the other admission requirements, IHK Certified Specialists in Foreign Trade and Customs Clearance can thus be admitted to this degree program at the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences without having to undergo an admission interview.
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Course Content and Schedule
The course content is constantly updated to reflect current developments in the fields of customs and international trade, ensuring that it can be incorporated into and applied in day-to-day business operations. Particular attention is paid to ensuring a balanced mix of operational/practical and theoretical aspects—both in the supply chain and in customs, tax, and foreign trade legislation.
The program spans two semesters, which consist of digital course modules and weekend seminars. Classes are held primarily on weekends and build upon one another. This makes it very easy to balance work and study, and the course content can be put into practice promptly.
The seminar dates are set at the beginning of the program, allowing for long-term planning. We keep the main vacation periods free of classes. As is customary at universities, each seminar session lasts 45 minutes. Examinations are conducted in accordance with the study and examination regulations.
In-person seminars take place on the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences campus at Rotes Tor or at the Brunnenlech campus.
You will graduate with the university certificate “Expert in Customs and Foreign Trade Management.” The certificate program comprises 30 ECTS credits.
Study Plan
| Seminar Times |
|---|
| Friday, 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
| Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| 2 intensive weeks, each consisting of 6 days with 8–10 seminar hours per day |
| 2 in-person weekends |
Preliminary Information on Offers
| For Prospective Students | Virtual Information Session | November 19, 2026, 5:00–6:00 p.m. |
|---|---|---|
| For the application period | Application Deadline | June 30, 2027 |
| Start of Studies | Fall 2027 |
Career Prospects
Customs and Foreign Trade Managers work in the field of the international supply chain (purchasing, sales, exports, shipping, materials management), in compliance, or in the legal and financial sectors. They serve as key points of contact with a multiplier effect and act as representatives in the areas of customs and foreign trade. The growing demand for this qualification stems, among other things, from globalization and the increasing complexity of the international business world, as well as the resulting need for effective communication, transportation, and logistics operations within the international supply chain.
Admission Requirements and Fees
Admission requirements for the certificate program include a
- a degree in economics or law and/or
- relevant professional training, in conjunction with an admission interview and/or
- at least one year of professional experience, combined with an admission interview.
Enrollment is limited to 25 students per cohort. If there are more than 25 applicants, the university will conduct a selection process. If applicants’ qualifications are equivalent, the date the application materials are received will be the deciding factor. Early application is therefore advantageous.
You can find the registration forms and the documents required for the application in the detailed program materials, which you are welcome to request at any time using the contact form below.
Tuition fees include, among other things, examination fees and currently amount to 7,500 euros. These are payable in two installments of 3,750 euros each. One installment is due at the start of each semester.
Tuition fees (including expenses) are fully tax-deductible as job-related expenses for continuing education in one’s current profession.
Contact Form
What the Instructors Say
Using the practical and theoretical knowledge you have acquired, you will efficiently align your company’s processes and procedures with customs regulations and define processes to avoid unnecessary duties in your company.
Comprehensive training in the field of customs and foreign trade is rare. With its Customs and Foreign Trade Management program, the THA has succeeded in successfully filling this niche (which is currently in greater demand than ever).
If customs and foreign trade expertise is applied only at the border, a great deal of efficiency and potential is literally left on the road. This issue must be viewed as a cross-functional role within the company in order to accelerate—not hinder—the flow of goods.
The combination of hands-on experience and academic study, along with discussions with fellow students and faculty members on current customs issues, not only provides a solid foundation of knowledge but also fosters a deep appreciation for the complex field of customs law and opens the door to a much broader career path with exciting opportunities for advancement.
Extensive knowledge of customs and international trade is essential to ensure that the supply chain continues to operate smoothly, effectively, and in a cost-effective manner.