MBA in Germany – Top Universities, Fee, Eligibility, Intake, Scholarships
MBAs (Master of Business Administration) are universally known for providing students with invaluable skills in business and management. Germany stands out as one of the best countries to provide such skills. Germany MBA programs offer practical experience and quality theoretical knowledge, therefore, you will gain critical and decision-making skills. In Germany, you will gain a high-quality theoretical understanding as well as hands-on experience with the best of the best. By the time you are done with your MBA, you will have gained valuable knowledge and skills that you can use in your current or future workplace.
Germany is an ideal location for international students looking to study an MBA. With state-of-the-art universities, world-class amenities, as well as a curriculum that combines practical experience with theoretical knowledge, Germany is a hot-spot destination for MBA studies.
Germany is universally known for its outstanding educational system, cutting-edge technology, first-class economy, as well as plentiful job opportunities. Here, you will find world-renowned companies like BMW, Siemens, and Adidas, all offering a wide range of job opportunities in various fields. Germany has the largest and most stable economy in the whole of Europe, additionally, it ranks 4th in the world as reported by the World Bank.
If this all sounds good to you, let us get into the nitty-gritty of why you should study in Germany, whether for an MBA or any other qualification.
Latest Updates
- EU Blue Card: Germany has recently introduced the EU Blue Card, which is dedicated to citizens from non-EU states, as proof of their legal stay in the country to work. An applicant must hold a university or college degree as well as provide evidence of a signed working contract with a German company that pays a certain fixed salary to qualify for the EU Blue Card.
- Increased accessibility: Germany offers programmes that do not require a GMAT or work experience. This allows for increased accessibility as well as easier eligibility.
Table of contents
- MBA in Germany – Top Universities, Fee, Eligibility, Intake, Scholarships
- Latest Updates
- MBA in Germany Highlights
- Why study for an MBA in Germany?
- Types of MBA in Germany
- Top MBA Colleges in Germany
- Eligibility to study MBA in Germany
- Student visa requirements to study MBA in Germany
- Post-Study Work Permit in Germany
- How much does an MBA in Germany cost?
- Cost of living in Germany
- MBA Scholarships in Germany
- Career prospects after MBA in Germany
- Salary after MBA in Germany
- Final Take Away.
- FAQ
MBA in Germany Highlights
| Top 3 QS Ranked MBA Colleges | European School of Management and Technology (ESMT), Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, as well as Mannheim Business School. |
| Average Tuition Costs | €3,000 to €9,000 (public), €15,000 and €50,000 (public) |
| 3 Top Scholarships | DAAD Scholarships (full funding), Deutschlandstipendium (Partial funding), and Erasmus+ Scholarships (Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s” program) (Full funding). |
| Cost of Living in Germany | At least €934 per month |
Why study for an MBA in Germany?
Germany is an ideal MBA study location because:
- High-quality business schools: Germany offers a variety of excellent business schools, four of which have triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, as well as AMBA.
- Affordable education: Germany offers very affordable tuition fees compared to the United Kingdom, United States, and France. The MBA qualifications are not only budget-friendly, they are also high-quality.
- Practical-focused curriculums: Germany makes great effort to ensure their MBA curriculum reflects current problems in business. Students get the opportunity to tackle real-world problems while gaining hands-on experience through internships, case studies, and projects.
- Support for international students: German universities provide orientation programs, dedicated international offices, as well as language courses to international students to assist with visa applications, smooth transition into Germany, accommodation, and more.
- Career opportunities: Germany has a thriving economy with research institutions, start-ups, and multinational companies that collaborate with universities to offer students internships as well as job placements within their organizations.
Types of MBA in Germany
- Full-Time MBA: To become a leader in the job market, a full-time MBA is required. This 1-2 year programme will give you business insights from world-class leaders, it will also allow you to work hand in hand with these global leaders.
- Part-time MBA: Part-time MBAs take longer to complete compared to full-time MBAs. This programme is suited for working professionals who want to complete their qualifications while working part-time.
- Executive MBA: This is for students who wish to study while working. With this 13-month program, you can gain theoretical as well as hands-on corporate experience.
Top MBA Colleges in Germany
| Business School | Global MBA Ranked*(QS) |
| European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) | 27 |
| Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | 40 |
| Mannheim Business School | 47 |
| WHU (Otto Beisheim) | 55 |
| HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management | 131-140 |
| EU Business School | 151-200 |
| Hochschule Bremen | 251+ |
Eligibility to study MBA in Germany
- Undergraduate Degree: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution.
- Resume: Applicants have to submit an updated resume or CV.
- Work Experience: Many MBA programmes prefer students who have 1-3 years of experience. This is not mandatory, however.
- Proof of English proficiency. You will need to prove your English proficiency, if you’re not a native English speaker or have not completed your education in English. This can be achieved through recognized exams such as TOEFL: 100 or IELTS: 7.0. If German proficiency is also required, you can submit proof such as the Goethe-Zertifikat B2 or equivalent.
- Standard test scores: Some institutions require GMAT or GRE scores (550-670), however, this is rarely required and is often optional.
- Letters of recommendation: You will be required to submit 1-2 letters of recommendation from an employer or academic supervisor.
- Statement of Purpose: To provide evidence that you are a strong candidate, you will need to write a personal statement or motivation explaining why you chose your selected programme as well as your plans for the future.
- Application Fee: Very few German universities require application fees, but some may ask for it. Please check your desired institution for more information.
- Entrance Exam Pass: Some universities require candidates to pass their entrance exams to be eligible for their MBA programmes.
- Student visa: You will need a national visa if you study longer than 90 days in Germany.
- Financial proof: Financial proof to demonstrate enough money to support yourself during your studies.
Documents needed to study MBA in Germany
- Resume/CV
- Deutsche Sprochprufung or IELTS/TOEFL test scores
- GMAT or GRE test scores
- Health Insurance (30k Euros)
- German student visa
- Passport
- Letters of recommendation (1-2)
- Entrance Exam Pass
- Statement of Purpose
- Academic Certificates
- Financial proof (blocked bank account statement)
Student visa requirements to study MBA in Germany
- Admission into a German institution: You will need to provide proof of admission into a German educational institution.
- Language Proficiency: Provide language proficiency of course language through standard test scores like DSH, TestDaF, or TOEFL.
- Passport: Must be valid three months before you leave Germany and have at least two empty pages.
- Two biometric portrait photographs: Must be recently taken within the last 6 months. • Financial proof: Students must prove they have enough means to cover living costs, study costs, and accommodation
- Health Insurance: Must be valid for at least 3 months and have at least 30,000 euros coverage.
Documents Required for Visa Application
- Letter of Admission
- Language test scores
- Passport copy
- Photographs
- Financial proof (bank statement)
- Health Insurance documents
Post-Study Work Permit in Germany
International graduates from a German university can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, which will allow them to stay in Germany for 18 months after graduation to pursue a job. Students will use this time to look for study-related work opportunities.
Documents needed for Post Study Work Visa
- Valid Passport
- Proof of Graduation
- Valid Health Insurance
- Financial Proof
The application fee is 75 euros.
How much does an MBA in Germany cost?
| Study Programme | Average Fees (Per Year) | Action |
| MBA Programme (Public) | €3,000 to €9,000 | Book a Session |
| MBA Programme (Private) | €15,000 and €50,000 | Book a Session |
Many public institutions have no tuition fees, requiring students to only pay semester fees, which can be as low as 100-450 Euros per semester.
Cost of living in Germany
International students should have at least €934 per month to cover their living expenses. Data from DAAD show that students usually spend around €842 per month for food, health insurance, accommodation, travel, clothing, transportation, tuition fees, as well as leisure activities.
- Accommodation: €410 per month.
- Food & Groceries: €198 per month.
- Public Transportation: €49 for a monthly pass.
- Health Insurance: €110–€150 per month.
- Study Materials: About €31 per month.
- Miscellaneous Expenses: Around €144 per month.
MBA Scholarships in Germany
| Scholarships | Funding | Action |
| Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship) | Partial Funding | Apply |
| DAAD Scholarships | Full Funding | Apply |
| Erasmus+ Scholarships (Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s) program) | Full Funding | Apply |
| Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships | Full Funding | Apply |
| Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships | Full Funding | Apply |
| HHL Leipzig Scholarships | Partial Funding | Apply |
| WHU Otto Beisheim Scholarships | Partial Funding | Apply |
| Mannheim Business School Scholarships | Partial Funding | Apply |
| ESMT MBA Scholarships | Partial Funding | Apply |
Career prospects after MBA in Germany
- Automotive Industry: Germany is home to the best companies in the automotive industry such as the BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz. These companies are known for their innovation and engineering brilliance. This industry is perfect for MBA graduates interested in cars and technology.
- Engineering and Manufacturing: The engineering and manufacturing sector is thriving, it offers leading companies such as Siemens and Bosch which offer plenty of job opportunities to MBA graduates in various sections.
- Finance and Banking: The finance and banking industry is known for its stability and high earning potential. Germany is home to companies like Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank in addition to Frankfurt, which is known as a major financial hub in Europe.
- Technology and IT: Germany places a significant focus on technology and advancement as well as being home to a leading company like SAP. Germany provides plenty of job opportunities to MBA graduates, particularly in IT management, business analysis, and digital transformation.
- Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Germany provides one of the most advanced Healthcare and Pharmaceutical industries in the world. Home to companies like Bayer and Merck, which are at the forefront of medical research and innovation. MBA graduates can find jobs in management, research and development, as well as strategic planning.
Salary after MBA in Germany
- Business Development Manager: €70,000 per annum
- Marketing Manager: €57,000 per annum
- Financial Analyst: €66,000 per annum
- Project Manager: €76,500 per annum
- Supply Chain Manager: €71,000 per annum
- Management Consultant: €72,150 per annum
- Human Resources Manager: €65,000 per annum
- Investment Banking Analyst: €108,500 per annum
- Investment Banking Associate: €120,000 per annum
- Risk Analyst: €65,000 per annum
Final Take Away.
Germany is an excellent study location for aspiring MBA graduates. It has high-quality education, globally recognized institutions, as well as a plethora of job opportunities. In addition to free or affordable tuition fees, Germany also offers a variety of fully funded and partial scholarships for you to begin your MBA journey.
Students have to take note of the MBA requirements such as language proficiency and a bachelor’s degree. They must also take note of the student visa requirements and post-study work permit.
Overall, Germany is an ideal study destination that all MBA graduates should consider. Getting an MBA in Germany will not only boost your CV or resume but will also give you plenty of work opportunities once you graduate. If you think Germany is for you, book a consultation with us to begin your journey.
FAQ
Yes, plenty of institutions in Germany offer MBA programmes in English, some are tough in German, however.
Yes, doing an MBA in Germany is worth it as you get quality education, low tuition fees, scholarships, and work experiences that will not only boost your CV but increase your job prospects.
A bachelor’s degree, language proficiency, student visa, and letter of recommendation (s).
Yes, after obtaining your MBA, Germany has plenty of work opportunities that you can look into after you graduate.
Yes, Germany offers several MBA programmes that do not require any work experience.
Yes, some public institutions in Germany do offer MBA studies for free. You will, however, have to pay semester fees.
This can average 1-2 years when studying full time depending on the programme and chosen institution.
Yes, if you apply for a post-study work permit, you can stay in Germany for up to 18 months after graduation.
Finance, finance grosses the highest salary for MBA graduates in Germany.
MBAs in Germany cover finance, marketing, operations, human resource management, as well as strategy.
