MBA Colleges in Germany

Germany is often described as the land of ideas and opportunities. A major hub for technology, research, and innovation, Germany is one of the most sought-after countries for international students looking to pursue their MBA. An attractive destination for knowledge seekers, Germany takes its education system very seriously. The country features state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class facilities, and no tuition fees, making Germany one of the most sought-after destinations for MBA studies, worldwide.

All students looking to pursue a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) are informed that most publicly funded universities in Germany levy no tuition fees. Students are however required to pay an Administration Fee at the beginning of every academic year.

Also read: Guide to Study in Germany for Free

Germany boasts having the largest and most stable economy in the whole of Europe and ranks 4th in the world as reported by the World Bank. The country enjoys being a haven for higher studies, especially in the field of Business Administration. Historically speaking, Germany is home to great minds such as the famous physicist, Albert Einstein; philosopher, Karl Marx and has a rich history dating back to the Second World War. And as the country continues to strive towards development with its prominence in research and development, there remains little doubt that Germany is the country for pursuing your Masters – especially if research is what interests you.

Why Pursue MBA?

Master of Business Administration (MBA) is considered to be one of the most recognized degree programs worldwide. It is well known for its curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Candidates with an MBA degree from a recognized university are able to choose from a variety of career options. Pursuing a degree in MBA not only educates the student with managerial skills but also teaches him to interpret the latest business trends and successfully implement them in the future. Popular Universities in Germany through the use of various multimedia tools are able to challenge the students on multiple levels to refine their management skills. Read: Top MBA Universities Abroad

Why MBA in Germany?

Germany as a business education destination offers a wide range of MBA opportunities and sustainable career prospects. Professionals who are looking to play the role of aspiring managers are looking at pursuing MBA from Germany because of its high-quality education, affordable courses, and the presence of a robust economy. Students looking to pursue higher education in Germany have the benefit of being able to choose from a large pool of programs and schools. Students can choose from hundreds of MBA courses, offered in the country by all kinds of institutions of higher education such as business schools, art schools, colleges, technical colleges, universities, and universities of technology which are either private or state-funded.

The universities in Germany have dual in-takes for one calendar year, i.e. in the months of January and September. However, there are very limited admissions for the January session. Students who select Germany as their preferred destination for MBA can either opt for the classic MBA Degree which generally centers around general management or opts for a more unconventional choice and enrolls on specialized MBA Programmes which would expand to niche industry such as healthcare management, consulting and logistics to name a few. The very fact that students can choose from such a vast array of MBA courses, has put Germany on the global education map. Read: MBA Fees in Germany

Blocked Account

Education in Germany is a very serious affair and they have everything calculated to the last cent. Every year, according to the prevailing economic conditions as well as the relevant fee structure, every university would request that a monthly sum be provided for the student to facilitate his living expenses in the country as well as for completing his education, this money is deposited in a Blocked Account. This usually varies from state to state and has been set at €853 per month, which would roughly amount to €10,236 for an entire academic session. This would include your accommodation, living expenses, and even travel pass costs.

Once students reach Germany, they are required to open a Student Loan Account with a local bank where they are required to deposit the ‘Blocked Amount’ for the entire academic year. Every month they would be allowed to withdraw the sanctioned monthly amount to cover their monthly expenditures. This is a mandatory practice applicable to all international students who choose to pursue higher education in Germany.

Best Universities for MBA in Germany

Education in Germany is relatively cheaper than in other European countries. Most of the state-funded universities offer free-of-charge higher education programs. Some highly specialized courses, however, might attract tuition fees. Candidates are required to pay an Administration Fee at the start of each year.

For candidates pursuing an MBA in Germany, it is possible to get an MBA degree via different modes. Students can opt for the MBA full-time study program, which would take between 12 to 24 months to complete depending on the programme, state, and university. Students can also opt for the MBA half-time study program, where candidates would be employed with an organization and required to study in the evenings or over the weekends. Because of the limited study time, the duration of the course would be much longer. Read: Top Universities in Germany

Students who decide to keep working during their MBA Degree program can also opt for the Executive MBA model. In this model, the students sign an agreement with their employer and are also financed by them. This MBA program is designed for Executive Managers and is structured very tight. The last method is pursuing your MBA through Distance Learning, where students are required to pursue their course and study from home.

The table below lists the top universities for business and economics studies as per Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2023.

Other Universities/Colleges for MBA in Germany

GISMA Business School, Hannovar

University of Cologne, Cologne

Pforzheim university, Pforzheim

IU International University of Applied Sciences, Berlin

Berlin School of Economics and Law

SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Berlin

Bremen City University of Applied Sciences, Berlin

CBS International Business School, Cologne

Cost of Living in Germany

Living in Germany, on the other hand, is on par with most of the European cities and the cost of living in Germany is approximately €700 – €1000 per month. There are lots of scholarship programs available for pursuing Higher Education in Germany which would eventually lessen the financial burden on the student.

MBA Admission Requirements in Germany

Mannheim Business School

• A recognised degree in any discipline with atleast B+ average in their Bachelor's degree
• International experience
• GMAT (minimum 600) / GRE (equivalent)
• TOEFL iBT (minimum 95) / IELTS Academic (minimum 7 or equivalent)
• Three years of PG working experience

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• GMAT / GRE
• TOEFL iBT (minimum 90) / IELTS (minimum 7 or equivalent)
• Three years of PG working experience

WHU (Otto Beisheim)

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• GMAT / GRE
• Excellent academic record
• TOEFL iBT (minimum 100) / IELTS (minimum 7 or equivalent)
• Atleast two years of PG working experience

ESMT Berlin

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• GMAT (average 640) / GRE
• TOEFL (minimum 95) / IELTS (minimum 7) / PTE (64)
• Atleast three years of professional working experience

HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• GMAT / GRE 
• TOEFL (minimum 90) / IELTS (minimum 7) 
• Atleast three years of professional working experience
• CV
• Letter of Motivation
• Academic Transcripts
• Letter of Recommendation

EU Business School 

• A recognised Bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 or equivalent
• Academic transcripts
• TOEFL iBT (80), TOEFL computer-based (213) / IELTS (minimum 6.0)

MBA Eligibility in Germany

Universities in Germany are often funded by the state but not essentially regulated by it. In other words, eligibility criteria and cut off are independently decided by the various universities in Germany. Hence, it is possible for every university to have some unique eligibility criteria and it is always advisable for aspirants to check with the university officials for the specific eligibility criteria of the program.

Speaking broadly, for an MBA program in Germany, you would need to have completed the German equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in the relevant subjects. Meaning, applicants must hold a four-year Bachelor's Degree or a three-year degree with a one-year Master's Degree in Business Administration to apply for an MBA program from a German University. Some universities would also accept a 3-year degree with relevant work experience. It is always advisable for students, to reach out directly to the University’s international admissions office and get the latest relevant information.

Apart from the basic requirement, the universities might also require students to have cleared and scored a certain level in GMAT/GRE/IELTS/TOEFL examinations, and possess basic knowledge of the German language. For courses that are taught in German, a high-level of knowledge is required by the students and candidates can appear for language proficiency exams like TestDAF/DSH to be eligible for the same. Students could also be subjected to an Entrance Test at the time of admission to be considered for the university. Again, always check with the University for the Tests required to apply to the course of your choice.

What after an MBA?

After the completion of your total course duration, students have the option of applying for an 18-month Residence Permit to look for a job that corresponds to their area of qualification. During these 18 months, they can take up any kind of employment to support themselves and fund their job search.

Students are informed that the probability of receiving a residence permit in order to work in Germany, entirely depends on their qualifications and the area of work. Germany has also very recently introduced the EU Blue Card, which is dedicated to citizens from non-EU-states, as proof for their legal stay in the country for the purpose of working. An applicant must hold a university or college degree and provide evidence of a signed working contract with a German company that pays a certain fixed salary to qualify for the EU Blue Card.

Also Read

• Part-Time Work Options for International Students in Germany
• Post Study Work Permits in Germany for Indian Students

Salary

The demand for MBA qualified professionals has always been on the rise due to its intricate course module. A combination of the right skill and talent, makes MBA Graduates one of the most handsomely paid professionals in the corporate sector. Germany with its state of the art infrastructure and a growing need for Business Management professionals is a hot spot for MBA specialists. Healthcare, Consulting and Logistics, Information Technology, Education, and Financial sectors are major areas that would require MBA professionals in the near future. Read: Popular Job Sectors in Germany

Scholarship and Financial Aid

To make living even further affordable, international students will also have the opportunity to work part-time to ease their living expenses. International students are eligible to work 20 hours per week. This part-time work facility will not only help them ease their living expenses but also allow them to gain relevant work experience in their field of interest. As with most universities, international students can also benefit from the various scholarship programs listed on the official website of universities or www.daad.de.

Top scholarships to look out for in Germany

Check out top scholarships for students looking to study in Germany. 

Global Study Awards

This prestigious scholarship is awarded in association with Study Portals, ISIC and British Council. The main purpose of this scholarship is to encourage young people to study abroad, explore new countries, culture, and learn new languages. The Global Study Awards scholarship is applicable to candidates wanting to pursue their MBA from Germany. A merit-based scholarship is awarded to two students for each academic year. The maximum scholarship per student is GBP 10,000.

Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship

This celebrated scholarship is awarded by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. The Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship has been designed to provide financial assistance to selected candidates for pursuing their Masters Programme abroad from accredited Institutions/University. Applicable to all candidates who want to pursue MBA in Germany, a total of 100 students are awarded this scholarship for one academic year. The maximum scholarship per student is USD 33,800.

The Financial Sumo Educational Scholarship Program

The Financial Sumo Educational Scholarship Program is awarded in association with Financial Sumo. The sole purpose of this scholarship is to unburden the student of their college fees. This need-based scholarship is applicable to students pursuing an MBA in Germany. Applicable to all candidates who want to pursue MBA in Germany, this scholarship is awarded to a single deserving candidate every academic year. The maximum value of the scholarship stands at USD 1,000.

BrokerFish International Student Scholarship

Awarded by Broker Fish, the main purpose of the BrokerFish International Student Scholarship is to help people from all over the world find and buy International Health Insurance. The sole purpose of this Scholarship Programme is to help International students save money during the academic year and help them on their path to a successful future. Students planning to pursue an MBA in Germany are applicable for this scholarship. The maximum scholarship per student has been set at USD 1,000.

Go Clean Scholarship

This influential financial assistance is awarded to students who are dedicated and hardworking. Applicants who plan on pursuing an MBA in Germany are eligible to apply for the Go Clean Scholarship. For candidates to win this merit-based scholarship, they would be required to write an article on the topic ‘How to keep the environment green and clean’ in 500 to 750 words. Provided once in an academic year, the maximum value of this scholarship is USD 3,500.

Check out the following articles for more information regarding studying in Germany:

• Germany VISA Student Guide
• Education Loan in Germany

For further assistance on pursuing an MBA in Germany, get in touch with our study abroad counseling.