It focuses with an inter- and transdisciplinary approach on critical management studies, cultural studies and social and political sciences.

In 2004 "Merkur Internationale Fachhochschule - University of Applied Sciences" was founded and state approved, starting the first programs in 2005.

On 27 May 2009 "Merkur Internationale Fachhochschule" was renamed to Karlshochschule International University.

Since then, Karlshochschule was successful in being granted a systems accreditation by FIBAA that enables it to award the seal of accreditation for study programs through its own quality assurance mechanism.

The university currently offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.