Frequently Asked Questions

• Each team consists of four students from their respective university.

• Students can study at either the Bachelor´s or Master´s level in the field of business or management.

• Every team member must be at least 18 years old.

After the application deadline we will screen all applications. Please give us some time. On February, 3rd 2010 at 4.00 pm we will send you a mail with our decision.

We do not target specifically the undergraduate- or the graduate-level. We also want to foster the inter-cultural exchange, and encourage entrepreneurial thinking. In addition, we experienced that the younger students have a purer and more pragmatic look on problems, which makes more than up for their lack of theoretical experience. The tasks will be challenging for undergraduate- as well as for graduate-level. It is allowed to mix undergraduate and graduate students in one team.

No, because the language used at the event will be English. The organizational team and volunteers will also speak English with you. But since you are in Germany, you might hear some German words and pick up a few.

There are the expenses for your journey (e.g. airplane ticket), the Rubicon Contest fee (150€ p.P.) and money you would like to spend on souvenirs or on your travel. The contest fee includes airport pick-up, transfers, supporting program, accommodation, drinks and meals. You do not have to spend anything when you are with us. If you choose to connect your participation at Rubicon Contest with a trip through Germany and/or Europe – it is up to you.

No, there is no financial support. If you are unsure how to finance your participation at Rubicon Contest, we recommend that you apply and if you are accepted in the challenge, you look for support on your own. We made the experience, that it is far more complicated to look first for potential sponsors and then apply. There are several possibilities to gain a sponsorship. The organizational team will be happy to give you some help to find support.

Stationery, like pen and paper, will be provided. It is highly recommended to bring a laptop computer to prepare and deliver presentations (subject to change). With your computer's WiFi capabilities you can go online at BiTS. You may use the internet for certain tasks.

First check with the website of the Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office of Germany), if you need a visa to come to Germany. You only need a visitor visa for attending the Rubicon Contest. The organizational team will assist you in the process to get a visa and will supply you documents, that help you with your visa application.

There will be a shuttle service from your airport to Iserlohn. On the map seen below you see the airports for pick-up. National teams will arrive on their own by car or can be picked up at Iserlohn, Hagen or Dortmund train-station.

International airports with intercontinental service are Dusseldorf (DUS) and Frankfurt (FRA). Low-Budget airlines will arrive in Dortmund (DTM) and Dusseldorf-Weeze (NRN).

(*) Please do not book your flights to Frankfurt-Hahn, due to the remote location from Iserlohn (3.5h drive).

Yes, participants will be provided with room and board from March 7th till the 11th. Additional nights can be arranged in Iserlohn by the organizational team.

There will be a supporting program, so you do not get bored and enjoy your stay in Iserlohn. We give you the opportunity to join several activities, if you do not have a task to fulfil. In 2009 we offered a sightseeing tour to a historical factory, a city tour in Iserlohn and a trip through a stalactite cave. Also there will be the legendary “Rubicon Party” and the get-together dinner will not only be a dinner. We are planning the details at the moment.

Of course, you have free time with the possibility to add one of our activities. But the tasks are quite tight, so you cannot visit Cologne or any other city at lunch break.

Do not hesitate to contact us. You may use the contact formular or write us a mail ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). Please write your questions in English. In some cases you may also contact us in German, Polish, Russian, Dutch, Norwegian or French.

Before traveling to Germany, we will provide you with telephone numbers to call us, if any problems may appear.