Masters in Finance in Germany: Top Universities, Eligibility, Fees, Scholarships, Jobs
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Pursuing a Master's in Finance in Germany is an excellent choice for students looking to build a successful career in the finance sector. Germany is known for its high-quality education, strong economy, and vibrant job market, making it a popular destination for international students.
Masters in Finance in Germany (MS in Finance) is an advanced two-year postgraduate degree for students who are looking to build their careers in international business and finance sectors. Germany is one of the many favoured destinations for studying Masters in Finance across Europe. Whether it is banking, fund management, multinational companies, securities firms or financial consultancies, there is always a demand for finance handlers and this is where a graduate in MS in Finance would be largely required. Studying Masters in Finance in Germany is sure to prepare students to succeed in the finance-related professions
Indian students wanting to pursue MS in Finance in Germany are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. While public universities in Germany do not charge a tuition fee, however, candidates are required to pay a semester fee, ranging from EUR 150 - EUR 300 (INR 13.7 K - 27.5 K), which has to be paid at the start of each semester, the cost of studying finance courses in Germany across private universities start at EUR 11,000 (INR 10 L) and can go up to EUR 17,000 (INR 15.5 L) for a year. The average salary for Masters in Finance graduates range from EUR 48,000 to EUR 66,000 (INR 44 L - 60 L) a year.
Germany is one of the top study abroad destinations for international students and one of the top choices for students planning to pursue Masters in Finance abroad. In this article, we will discuss in detail about the top German colleges for Masters in Finance, specializations, course details, how to apply, and more.
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Why Choose Germany for a Master's in Finance?
Germany is known worldwide for its strong education system and thriving finance sector. Here’s why thousands of international students, including many from India, are choosing Germany:
1. Affordable Education
One of the biggest benefits of studying in Germany is the low or no tuition fee at many public universities. Most public universities do not charge tuition fees from international students, following the philosophy of education as a public good.
Even private universities are relatively affordable compared to the US or UK, with tuition ranging from €0 to €20,000 per year (₹0–₹18 lakhs approx.).
2. Reasonable Living Costs
Although living expenses vary by city, they are generally manageable. On average, students spend between €500–€800/month (₹45,000–₹70,000) on rent, food, transport, and other essentials.
Cities like Leipzig and Dresden are more affordable compared to expensive cities like Munich or Frankfurt, where rent alone can reach up to €1,000/month for a one-bedroom apartment.
3. Global Financial Hub
Germany has a booming finance industry with top-tier institutions like Deutsche Bank, Allianz, and Commerzbank headquartered there. This creates fantastic job prospects for finance graduates.
Many finance programs include internships and industry projects, offering hands-on experience and networking opportunities to ease the transition from university to career.
4. Plenty of English-Taught Programs
There are over 1,300 English-taught master’s programs in Germany. While learning German is not necessary for academic success, knowing the language can boost your job prospects and help you integrate better into local culture.
Top Universities in Germany for Masters in Finance
In this section, we are going to be talking about the top universities in Germany for Masters in Finance. Along with the top universities we are also going to be providing other valuable details related to the university. Candidates are often confused about the top universities for pursuing MS in Finance. Not anymore.
Best Finance Universities in Germany
We have listed below the top universities to pursue Master's in Finance in Germany:
| University |
Popular Masters in Finance specialization |
Course Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Finance and Information Management (FIM) |
2 years (Full Time) |
|
| M.Sc. in Finance, Accounting and Taxation (in English & German) |
2 years (Full Time) |
|
| M.Sc in Quantitative Accounting and Finance (In German) |
2 years (Full Time) |
|
| 2 years (Full Time) |
||
| M.Sc in Accounting and Finance (In German) |
2 years (Full Time) |
|
| 18 months (Full Time) |
||
| MS in Quantitative (Accounting/ Economics/ Finance/ Marketing) |
2 years (Full Time) |
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Masters in Finance in Germany: Specialization
Masters in Finance specialization would allow candidates looking to study MS in Finance to choose from one or several focus areas and to develop their own research projects. Some of the finance specializations mentioned below could be offered as an entire course or be a portion of a broader financial course programme.
| Asset Markets |
Advanced Derivatives |
Behavioural Finance |
| Corporate Finance |
Financial Management |
Financial Econometrics |
| Financial Markets |
Financial Engineering |
Financial Planning |
| Financial Mathematics |
Finance Research Methods |
Financial Reporting |
| Financial Statement Analysis |
Financial Accounting and Analysis |
International Finance |
| Infrastructure Finance |
Management Accounting |
Mergers and Acquisitions |
| Professional Practice in Finance |
Portfolio Management Methods |
Private Equity and Venture Capital |
| Real Estate Finance |
Risk Management |
Structured Financial Products |
MSc Finance Germany: Eligibility
In this section, we are going to be talking about the eligibility criteria for Indian students looking to pursue Masters in Finance in Germany. Candidates looking to apply for Masters in Finance in Germany must have a recognized Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized university. Preferable with a GPA of 3.0 and above.
Many technical universities could require students to complete an internship as part of the eligibility process. However, this is on a case by case basis and not relevant for all universities in Germany. Candidates should keep in mind that admission to finance courses in Germany is competitive due to the high quality of education. Hence, candidates should work on building their academic profile to assure themselves of a seat at a top German university.
MSc Finance Germany: How to apply?
Universities in Germany either have rolling admissions or fixed admission deadlines. Candidates are required to check the university website or get in touch with our Shiksha Counselling Services to know about the admission process to German Universities. However, candidates applying to finance courses in Germany or abroad are advised to apply early as there are many elements attached to the application process. Getting your academic profile ready, credentials in order, finances, scholarships and English proficiency tests are a few of the entails that are part of the admission process.
When to Apply?
Universities in Germany have rolling admissions or fixed admission deadlines. Usually, German universities accept international applications in two major intakes: Summer (Mar/Apr start) intake and Fall (Aug/Sep start) intake. Note that Fall intake are open for most of the courses. However, Summer intakes are open for selective courses only.
Read: Admission Deadlines for German Universities
Documents Required
We have listed below the documents required for Master's in Finance in Germany:
- CV
- Copy of certificate as well as grades of all lectures in the pre-study
- Motivation letters [Statement of Purpose (SOP) / What is a Letter of Recommendation (LOR)]
- Admission Essays
- Proof of German language skills (optional)
English language Tests (optional)
Some of the English proficiency exam scores which you can submit to study MSc in Finance in Germany are listed below:
Cost of Studying Masters in Finance in Germany?
As afforementioned, public universities in Germany do not require students to pay tuition fees, however, they are required to pay a semester fee, ranging from EUR 150 - EUR 300 (INR 13.7 K - 27.5 K) at the start of every year. However, the cost of studying in Germany for MS in Finance across private universities start at EUR 11,000 (INR 10 L) and can go up to EUR 17,000 (INR 15.5 L) for a year.
Cost of Living in Germany: Candidates looking to live in Germany are required to open a Blocked Account. The Blocked Account has the required living expense for a student. This amount is decided by the government in Germany. As of January 1, 2024, keeping the rate of inflation in mind, the mandatory amount required in the Block Account for studying in Germany is EUR 11,208 (INR 10.2 L) for an entire year.
Scholarships to study Masters in Finance in Germany
All German universities recognize talent and they value this talent by providing merit-based scholarships that can be found listed on the official website of universities. Candidates should also get in touch with admission officers to inquire about scholarships and ways to apply for the same. Candidates should note that it is important to apply to universities well ahead of deadlines to keep room for any special requests that the university might have as part of the scholarship application process. And there is a number of study abroad scholarships that are available to students wanting to study abroad provided by public and private organizations to promote education abroad. Candidates can check out the list of study abroad scholarships on our website.
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No, GMAT is not required for pursing Master's in Finance in Germany. If you are an international student who desires to pursue Finance in Germany, you will have to meet the eligibility criteria listed below:
Bachelor's degree from a recognised university/college (in relevant field);
GPA of 3.0 and above;
Work experience (if required);
Proof of English language proficiency;
Resume / CV;
Motivation letters;
Statement of Purpose (SOP);
Letter of Recommendation (LOR);
Admission Essays;
German language proficiency (if the course is taught partially/fully in the German language); and
Other university-specific requirements.
On a usual basis, the graduates of Master's in Finance Germany earn EUR 48,000 (INR 44 L) to EUR 66,000 (INR 60 L) per annum. Note that this salary is expected to grow every year, based on your skill set and performance. Some of the job roles that you can take up are Accountant, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Financial Manager, Corporate Investment Banker, Insurance Specialist, and many more.
The cost of pursuing MS in Finance in Germany depends upon the type of university you are enrolled in. If you get admitted in a public university in Germany, you won't have to pay any tuition fee. However, at the start of every academic year, you will be required to pay a semester fee ranging between EUR 150 - EUR 300 (INR 13.7 K - 27.5 K).
If you secure an admission in a private university in Germany, you will have to pay the tuition fee ranging between EUR 11,000 - EUR 17,000 (INR 10 L - 15.5 L) for studying Germany MSc Finance.
Pursuing MSc Finance in Germany opens the door to multiple opportunities for you and offers impressive ROI through placements in top global companies. There are multiple specializations to choose amidst, which may be confusing. For your benefit, we have narrowed down the list of the best Finance course in Germany, which will help you make an informed decision. They are as follows:
Asset Markets;
Behavioral Finance;
Financial Management;
Corporate Finance;
Financial Planning;
Financial Reporting;
Financial Accounting and Analysis;
Private Equity and Venture Capital;
Real Estate Finance;
Portfolio Management Methods; and many more.
The acceptance rate for the IU International University of Applied Science ranges between 40% to 80%, which means the selection process of the university is moderate to highly competitive. Students who hold good academic scores, exam test scores along with all the required documents that help them to secure enrollment in the university.
The acceptance rate shows that out of 100 students, only 40 to 80 students are accepted; therefore, it is also suggested to the students that they should apply at the university before the application deadline or the semester begins as per the details shared by the university.
A few of the reasons to study at BSBI Germany campus are:
- Central Location: The main campus of BSBI Germany is located in the heart of Berlin. It is located in the historical building of Alte Post. The neighborhood surrounding the campus has shops, restaurants, and cafes
- Diverse community: When students join BSBI, they are going to witness a diverse student cohort of over 100 nationalities
- Affordable education: Berlin is one of the best value European cities that lead to high-quality education, making it one of the most affordable cities in Europe to live and study in
- Dedicated career and employment support: BSBI Berlin a range of career support services to its students
- Academic excellence: The teachers at the school are experienced industry professionals who pass on their expertise through hands-on teaching methods
Known for its cutting-edge and research-focused curriculum, FAU provides a wide range of programs in the humanities, sciences, law, economics, and medicine. The institution places a lot of emphasis on artificial intelligence, and its MSc in AI programme is well-liked by students from abroad because of its high graduate employability rate. FAU is renowned for its outstanding student placement programs, tremendous research possibilities, and high caliber of instruction. Studying in Germany provides the chance to experience a multicultural setting, receive top-notch instruction, and pick up the language, all of which can help with future employment opportunities. Whereas a prestigious technical university in India, NIT Calicut is well-known for its robust engineering programs and research endeavors.
Participating in India's dynamic academic and technical scene while studying at NIT Calicut offers the chance to establish links with the nation's burgeoning enterprises and innovation centers.
Considering both the aspect FAU is far better than NIT Calicut.
German Student visa
Candidates going to study in Germany would require a German Student Visa for their entire duration of stay. The student visa would also allow students access to part-time work for 20 hours a week for their entire duration of the study or 120 full or 240 half days per year Candidates should note that on completion of their study, they would be allowed an eighteen-month (18 months) post-study period to find employment in their field of study.
On getting employment within the said time frame they would be required to convert their post-study visa into a work visa and within two years of being on a work visa, they can apply for a permanent resident permit. In the unfortunate case that the candidate is unable to secure employment in the said 18 month period, which is highly unlikely, especially after pursuing such a finance course in Germany, he would be required to return to his home country.
Job Prospects for Masters in Finance in Germany
The study of Masters in Finance has grown to be a popular course for Indian students wanting to study in Germany and rightly so. In Germany, studying finances involves the right amount of learning along with numerous training sessions to bring the best talents forward. When coming to job aspects of pursuing a master in Finance in Germany, candidates who have successfully graduated can expect to earn anywhere between EUR 48,000 to EUR 66,000 (INR 44 L - 60 L) annually. And the salary would gradually increase as the candidate would gain more experience and skills in his field of study.
Popular job roles for Finance Graduates
| Accountant |
Actuary |
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) |
| Corporate Investment Banker |
Financial Advisor |
Financial Analyst |
| Financial Examiner |
Financial Manager |
Insurance Specialist |
| Investment Banker |
Stockbroker / Trader |
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent |
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Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Yes, Germany is one of the best international student destinations and offers world-class education for students around the globe. Some of the best reasons to study Master's in Finance are affordable education, low cost of living, top-notch education, post-study work permit, wide variety of scholarships, part-time job opportunities, and more. Also, there are a variety of Master's in Finance specializations for you to choose between. Some of them are: Corporate Finance, Financial Management, Management Accounting, International Finance, Financial Accounting and Analysis, and many more.