Updated on Nov, 04 2024 11:57 IST
Study MBA in Germany
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MBA in Germany is the most demanding, prominent, prestigious, and most popular degree worldwide. Professionals looking for a career switch, higher position, or high salary expectations opt for MBA in Germany. Are you planning to study MBA? Finding it expensive? Do you know you can free study in Germany? Yes! Germany offers free study facilities for international students to pursue quality education without worrying about expenses. There are more than 400 recognized universities with more than 8000 MBA specializations to choose from. Indian students can find their way to top universities with consultation if top experts like Anigdha. MBA will not only add value to your education, but Study in Germany will also bring you more honor and take you to a level higher in competitiveness. Germany is a globally recognized destination to pursue higher education where students are equipped with skills, knowledge, and an updated curriculum. Students get a chance to take admission to top universities known for their curriculum, type of education system, scholarships, university rankings, research, technology, and Innovation. German universities focus on the comprehensive growth of students with their in-detailed practical courses. We at Anigdha analyze your profile and bring the best universities, and scholarships to the table for you to pursue MBA in Germany.
Germany hosts many international students every year due to their attractive education quality and other facilities. Here is a quick view of international students in Germany:
| Total International students | 416,437 |
| Indian Students | 20,562 approx |
| % of Masters students | 9% |
| Highest no. of international students origin | China and India |
| Federal state with most international students | North Rhine-Westphalia |
| % increase in last two years | 1.17% |
Note: As of 2021/22
The MBA program in Germany has various requirements and criteria. Here is the quick brief on MBA program that you can check:
| Intakes | 2 |
| Duration of Program | 1- 2 Years |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Work Experience | 1+ Years |
| Cost of Program | € 10,000 - € 30,000 |
| GMAT/GRE | Depends on University |
| English Proficiency | IELTS or TOEFL |
| German Proficiency | Recommended |
| Cost of Living | € 700-1700 |
| Interview | 30- 60 minutes ( if applicable) |
If you're wondering why to choose Germany as your ideal destination for an MBA program, we have shortlisted something for you:
Easy on your Pocket: Some public universities offer free MBA programs for international students. It takes off a huge burden on international students to survive in a different country.
Comprehensive programs: Germany has more than 100 MBA programs in different specializations. You can either pursue a general or specialized.
Financial Aid: German universities offer scholarship programs worth INR 70,000 to 75,00,000 to Indian students.
Endless career opportunities: MBA in Germany opens doors for endless opportunities in leading industries of Germany. Whether you want to climb higher in your career to switch to a different job, MBA can help you.
Employability: Germany is the leader in many industries. With exposure to international business, the MBA courses in Germany boost employability.
International Exposure: MBA adds value to your resume and if it's a global MBA, it gives even more boost to your resume. International Exposure increases your employability manyfold.
Culturally vast: Germany welcomes international students with open arms, The environment is culturally diverse giving opportunities to get a glimpse of different communities.
Beautiful Country: Germany is a safe, clean, and beautiful country for studying, living, and working.
Open doors for EU: Students with German study or work visas can explore the EU without additional visa requirements.
If you are wondering about MBA in Germany check out these top public and private business schools:
Public Business Schools for MBA in Germany
| Business School/University | Global Rank | Germany Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Mannheim Business School | #16 | #1 |
| Technical University of Munich | #49 | #1(in universities) |
| RWTH Aachen University | #147 | #1 - #2 |
| Berlin School of Economics and Law | N/A | #102 |
Private Business Schools for MBA in Germany
| Business School/University | Global Rank | Germany Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Frankfurt School of Finance and Management | #17 | #2 |
| WHU - Otto Beisheim Graduate School of Management | #23 | #3 |
| HHL leipzig graduate school of management ranking | #67 | #5 |
| ESMT Berlin | #75 | #4 |
| GISMA Business School | #123 | #14 |
Note: Rankings keep fluctuating, these are based on QS rankings
MBA in Germany is available in general as well as in different specializations. You can check out specializations as per your requirements. We are enlisting a few specializations we offer that you can check:
Each university has its own specific requirements, so our counselors will verify with authorities and proceed with applications accordingly. However, there are certain standard eligibility criteria to get admission to an MBA program. Must- haves to take admission in MBA:
Bachelors Degree
Passport
Work Experience
English Proficiency
Here is the list of eligibility criteria you must fulfill:
The candidate must have a 4-year bachelors degree or the German equivalent of a bachelors degree to pursue an MBA.
Candidates must pass TOEFL(90-100) or IELTS(6.5+) and GMAT(500-600) or GRE(300+). The Cut-off for these exams might vary according to the university and volume of applications.
If you have a diploma program of 3 years, you must have a masters degree to pursue MBA.
Many MBA programs have an eligibility of a minimum of 1 year of work experience to apply.
Some universities might also conduct interview rounds for MBA applicants depending on requirements or volume of applications.
MBA students need to fulfill eligibility criteria and ensure they have all the documents required to take admission to MBA programs. During or at the time of admission, students must have the following documents:
| Degree Certificate- Bachelors/Masters | Transcript of Grades |
| GMAT/GRE Scorecard | Letter of Recommendations(LOR), Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
| Valid Passport | TOFEL or IELTS Scorecard |
| Passport Size Photographs | Work Experience Records |
We will provide you with complete assistance in our admission procedure, right from selecting specialization to post-departure support. In order to fulfill your application requirements and successful admission process, there are a few things that you need to know:
Consultation: First our counselors will understand what you require, go through your profile, and offer you the best solution based on your profile. With our consultation, you will get the best list of programs to help you.
Shortlisting universities: After understanding your profile and the MBA specializations you want to pursue, Our counselors will provide you with the best list of universities. With discussions and consultations, we will shortlist universities based on your requirements.
Understand admission criteria: Our counselors will check and confirm the admission criteria of shortlisted universities. Counselors will inform you about the prerequisite for the procedure.
Application process: Every university has its own application process. Our consultants understand the procedure. After selecting the universities you want to apply to. They will fill out all the application forms thoroughly and carefully.
Submission of documents: You must submit your complete documents to our counselors. Our counselors will scan and send them in PDF format. After submitting all your documents successfully in the given format, and confirming your submission via email. We also provide assistance in LOR/SOP writing.
Arrange to finance: Based on your requirements, we will help you with the setup of finances to complete applications. This includes scholarships, loan applications, and blocked accounts. In addition, our counselors will give an estimation of the complete cost including housing, transportation, and accommodation in Germany.
Confirmation of admission/Invitation letter: Universities will check your credentials and application. After applying, you will receive an email from the university. If your application gets selected you will receive a confirmation email from the university.
Visa Application: After receiving the invitation letter, our counselors will start the visa application procedure. From filling out an application to helping you prepare for the interview( if applicable) and completing all documentation.
Post Visa support: After confirmation of visa, our team will offer you a post-visa solution which includes accommodation, traveling, and other requirements including foreign exchange.
MBA in Germany has two semesters in a year which receive applications in two intakes. Here are some key details you need to know:
| Intakes | Probable Dates of Semesters |
|---|---|
| Summer | April - September |
| Winter | October - March |
However, the admission in MBA is based on a First come first serve basis. The intake starts as soon as the semester ends and fills as per seats in the program.
Every university has its own deadlines for applications. However, these deadlines can only be effective if there is the availability of seats. MBA programs are filled based on a first-come first served basis. Therefore, if you want to take admission an MBA applies as soon as admissions are open.
Here are probable deadlines for intakes:
Winter intake- June-July
Summer Intake- Dec-January
The Course Durations in MBA can vary from college to college and the type of specialization you choose. Some MBA programs are 1 year while others can be 18 or 24 months long. Here is the list of different MBA durations in universities:
| Course Duration | University |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | Kempten University of Applied Sciences- MBA |
| University of Applied Sciences Bremen MBA | |
| Universität des Saarlandes MBA | |
| EBS Business School MBA | |
| 15-16 Months | ESMT- European School of Management and Technology Berlin MBA |
| HHL- Leipzig Graduate School of Management MBA | |
| EBS Business School MBA | |
| Cologne University of Applied Sciences MBA | |
| WHU MBA | |
| Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | |
| Berlin MBA | |
| 18 Months | Pforzheim University MBA |
| Nürtingen-Geislingen University MBA | |
| Esslingen MBA | |
| University of Applied Sciences Bremen MBA | |
| HTW Berlin MBA | |
| Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg MBA | |
| 20-24 Months | Furtwangen University HFU MBA |
| Nuremberg Institute of Technology MBA | |
| HHL- Leipzig Graduate School of Management MBA | |
| Offenburg MBA | |
| Sciences and Arts MBA | |
| Coburg University of Applied | |
| TU Bergakademie Freiberg MBA | |
| Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences MBA | |
| GIMS German-Indian Management Studies | |
| HSBA Hamburg School of Business Administration MBA | |
| Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences MBA |
MBA is available in two mediums in Germany - ENGLISH & GERMAN. International students can take admission to ENGLISH medium MBA. Students need to provide proof of proficiency in English or German tests depending on the medium of instruction.
There are two types of MBA programs and one of them is Part-time MBA in Germany. Part-time MBA programs are designed for working professionals who are working full-time and want to continue their studies simultaneously. Full-Time MBA in Germany is another MBA program where students study full-time in a program that lasts 12 to 24 months.
Here are some business schools offering full-time and part-time MBA in Germany:
| Part-Time MBA Universities/Business Schools | Full-Time MBA Universities/Business Schools |
| Mannheim Business School | Frankfurt School of Finance & Management |
| HHL- Leipzig Graduate School of Management | ESMT Berlin |
| WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management | Mannheim Business School |
| Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | HHL- Leipzig Graduate School of Management |
| Goethe Business School | GISMA Business School |
International students who cannot move to Germany to study MBA programs, don’t worry. Universities are offering online MBAs in Germany. So, you can study at prestigious German universities in your home country.
Here are some of the universities offering online MBA programs in Germany:
ESMT Berlin. Full Profile.
Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg.
WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management. Full Profile
Steinbeis-Hochschule Berlin.
ESCP Europe - Berlin Campus.
HTW Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin.
Offenburg University.
EU Business School – Munich.
To be eligible for admission, students must have proficiency in English. International students can take TOEFL or IELTS as English proficiency test with minimum requirements:
TOEFL( The Test of English as a Foreign Language) - 90-100 Scores
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - 6.5+ Overall scores
MBA in any country or any specialization demands work experience. Even if work experience is not mandatory for some universities, it's considered a valuable feature in a profile. However, most universities evaluate students on different criteria for work admission to MBA as follows:
Required: Minimum 1 or 2 years of work experience is mandatory.
Competitive: 3+ years of work experience is considered competitive for applications.
Admission on your profile with work experience will vary according to the university and the volume of applications.
MBA applicants with work visas can have strong profiles and apply for programs in German Universities.
Many students find it difficult to score minimum qualifying marks in GMAT/GRE. If you are facing a similar situation, you don’t need to worry. There are universities accepting students without a GMAT/GRE score. These are the list of essentials for MBA without GMAT:
2 to 3 Years of work experience.
0+ band score in IELTS or 90-100 score in TOEFL.
0 or more GPA in academic records.
Other requirements like strong SOP, and LOR.
Universities offering MBA without GMAT/GRE:
The Technical University of Munich
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management
Reutlingen University
University Of Tubingen
Offenburg University of Applied Sciences
University Of Kiel
International students in Germany enjoy the benefits of affordable education. Some public universities offer free study in MBA programs while private universities can be costly.
Here is the fee structure of some of the top public and private business schools offering MBA program:
Public Business Schools
| University/Business School | Course Duration | Tuition Fee(USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | 2 years | $162.64( Per semester) |
| RWTH Aachen University | 1.5 years | $32,100(Total fee) |
| Mannheim Business School | 1 year | $45,400(Total fee) |
| University of Cologne | 2 years | $12,400( Per year) |
Private Business Schools
| University/Business School | Course Duration | Tuition Fee(USD) |
|---|---|---|
| European School of Management and Technology- ESMT Berlin | 15 months | $52,200( Total fee) |
| GISMA Business School | 1-2 years | $19,200( Per course) |
| WHU-OTTO Beisheim School of Management | 1 year | $43,350(Total fee) |
| HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management | 1 year | $35,800 |
Note: Fee is approximately, it can vary according to the current value of USD and type of program you choose.
There are some universities that offer admission to MBA programs without any work experience. For these universities, you must focus on improving other factors of your application. Here are some universities that you can check:
The Technical University of Munich
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management
Reutlingen University
Offenburg University of Applied Sciences
Ludwig Maximilian University Munich
Sounds like a dream? It’s a reality in Germany. The German government offers free MBAs in Germany in public universities. Students do not need to pay tuition fees, you only need to pay basic administration fees.
Here are a few things that you need to know:
High Competition: Due to free education facilities, there is competition. So, if you want to take advantage of free education, improve your profile.
Check eligibility: If you are preparing for these universities, make sure you check eligibility to prepare your application accordingly.
Here are a few universities offering free MBA programs in Germany:
| Business School/University | Program | Administration fee |
|---|---|---|
| Ludwig Maximilian University Munich | Master in Business Administration (MSc) | 300 EURO |
| Technical University of Munich | Multiple courses | 277 EURO |
| University of Cologne | Double Master's in Business Administration | 505 Euro |
| RWTH Aachen University | Multiple courses | 242 EURO |
Germany offers government and non-government scholarships to international students who want to pursue MBA courses. Our counselors will help you find the most suitable scholarships out of these:
| Type of Scholarship | Name of Scholarship | Cost of Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Fully Funded | DAAD scholarship | Complete MBA tuition Fee |
| Merit Based- Partial Funding | ESMT MBA Scholarships | €1000 - €5000 |
| Women Only - Partial Funding | HHL Leipzig Graduate School Of Management Scholarship | 25% of tuition fee |
| All Nationality- Partial Funding | HHL Future Entrepreneur Scholarships | 25% of full-time MBA tuition fee |
| Partially Funded | Mannheim School of Business Scholarships | €5000 |
| Women only- GMAT/Academic excellence- Partially Funded | Frankfurt School MBA Scholarships | 25% of tuition fee |
Students who want to stay in Germany must apply for a residence visa. A residence visa lasts for 2 years, you need to renew your residence visa while you are studying in Germany.
Here is a list of documents needed to complete your German visa requirements:
The application form filled out thoroughly.
Valid Passport.
Passport-size photographs.
Acceptance letter from university/business school.
English proficiency certificate
German proficiency certificate (if applicable).
Identity proof.
Residence proof.
Proof of funds in your bank account (blocked account).
Health insurance certificate.
Medical test results.
German Proficiency is not mandatory to take admission to MBA programs taught in English. In addition, international students learning German irrespective of the medium of instruction can benefit from the language at the local level.
TestDAF - B1 level (16-18 scores)
DSH( Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)- 57% to 67% DSH 1 or 2.
Germany is one of the most flourishing and strong economies in the world. They offer an affordable cost of living for international students. However, it can vary from person to person based on their lifestyle and habits.
Here we split standard cost of living for you:
| Category | Amount in Euros |
| Accommodation | € 300 - 700 |
| Transportation | € 0-150 |
| Personal Expense | € 50- 200 |
| Utilities | € 150-300 |
| Food and Drinks | € 150-250 |
| Health Insurance | € 100 |
| Total | € 700-1700 |
Apply for an MBA in Germany with Anigdha Overseas Education Consultants NOW!
Is it difficult to take admission to an MBA in Germany?
No! There are more than 100 universities offering MBA programs. You can take admission to these according to your choice.
Are Indian degrees recognized for admission in Germany?
Yes! Most Degrees from Indian universities and institutes are recognized in Germany for admission to MBA programs.
How long does it take for universities to accept applications for MBA in Germany?
Generally, MBA universities take two weeks after the interview( in some cases) to evaluate and accept applications.
Is an MBA in Germany a really good idea?
Yes! MBA in Germany will give you international exposure in business. Moreover, you will learn to stay independent.
Which is the best MBA specialization to choose in Germany?
Executive MBA is the highest-paid specialization. However, students must choose their specialization based on previous professions, and interests.
How is life after completing an MBA in Germany?
In simple words, Good. You can apply for higher positions in good companies to bring work-life balance and other opportunities.
Are interviews mandatory for all MBA programs in Germany?
No! Interviews for MBA applicants can vary. Only a few universities take interviews for some cases.
Get free 1-on-1 counselling with our experts