In principle, graduates with initial vocational degrees in any discipline can be admitted to the course. The admission requirements are laid down in Section 3 of the examination regulations (POMISS/Ma). These are:
- Completion of an initial vocational degree course that corresponds to at least 180 ECTS credit points (Diploma, M.A. or B.A. or equivalent German or foreign degree);
- A Master's examination in the same area of study may not have been definitively failed;
- Proof of knowledge of the English language at the level of SLP 3332 or of B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or a comparable language level;
- Subject-specific ability to undertake academic work. Proof of this must be provided in the form of a degree in accordance with No. 1 (above), with a grade of 3.0 or higher. Students who have obtained a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent degree in accordance with Para. 1 no. 1 of the POMISS/Ma with the grade 3.01 to 3.49 may, upon submitting a request to the chair of the examination board, attend a qualification interview conducted and evaluated by a commission in order to demonstrate their suitability to pursue a specific course of study. The ability to study a specific subject can also be proven by successfully completing a selection procedure for promotion to the higher service of the Federal Administration in accordance with Section 36 of the Federal Civil Service Career Regulation or a comparable procedure for tariff employees. Further relevant regulations can be found in Section 3 para. 2 of the POMISS/Ma. Applicants with a diploma (technical college) in the subject area of intelligence, followed by at least one year's professional experience, will be awarded the 30 ECTS credit points from the preparatory phase as part of a general validation process. Their period of study is therefore reduced by half a year. The examination board will adopt an appropriate admission directive for this purpose.