Due to its rich economy, world-class education, and innovative research facilities, many students wish to study in Germany. Its diverse and robust business landscape makes it a favorable destination for students pursuing a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). The Universities in Germany have two annual intakes, in January and September. Students who wish to pursue an MBA in Germany can either opt for the classic MBA degree or the specialized MBA courses.
Figuring out which university is the best for an MBA can be overwhelming, with so much to look after like the application requirements, visa approval, and scholarship options. However, getting help from study abroad consultants like Contentholic will be beneficial for you as their team will be there to guide you about studying MBA in Germany. Through this blog, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive guide to MBA study in Germany, the types of MBA programs available in the popular universities of Germany, and how studying MBA in Germany can reap multiple benefits.
Why Study an MBA in Germany?
A rich academic history and a diverse culture are what make Germany a popular study-abroad destination for MBA aspirants. Reasons why you should choose Germany for pursuing an MBA are:
- Strong Economy and Business Environment: Germany being the 4th largest economy in the world is home to several MNCs like Siemens, Bosch, BMW, and Deutsche Bank which offers optimum career opportunities to MBA aspirants. Studying in Germany provides you an advantage as you get to study in some of the leading Business Schools in the world and get to learn from the best teachers and industry experts.
- Rich Academic Tradition: Known for its high-quality education, Germany is home to some of the top Business schools such as the University of Mannheim, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, and the ESMT Berlin. These universities are recognized worldwide for their wide array of academic programs, curricula, and excellent research opportunities.
- Affordable Education: One of the major reasons why international students wish to study in Germany is because it has lower tuition fees as compared to the USA and the UK. This is because most of the German universities are owned by the government and charge minimal or no tuition fees. Even, private universities in Germany tend to have lower tuition fees than the other top business schools in the world.
- Diverse Study Environment: Germany has a large pool of foreign students who study MBA. This makes the universities in Germany have an inclusive environment as there are students and faculty from various corners of the world. This facilitates you to broaden your knowledge base and build upon your networking skills, which is a must for a professional degree like an MBA.
- English-Taught Programs: To ensure that overseas students can carry out their studies in Germany without being proficient in German, most of the universities teach in English. This makes it easier for international students to apply to MBA courses offered by German universities.
Types of MBA Programs in Germany
Whether you are a working professional or a newbie with no background in business and finance, Germany has an MBA program for each one of you. The universities in Germany have a diverse range of MBA courses, which offer students a flexible schedule. The various types of MBA programs in Germany are:
- Full-time MBA courses are usually for 12-24 months. It i meant for students who wish to have an in-depth understanding of business practices and management. Classes take place on weekdays. It is ideal for students who have had prior work experience and wish to upskill or advance in their careers.
- Part-time MBA programs usually take around 24-36 months to complete. It is suitable for working professionals who wish to study while working. Classes are held in the evenings or on weekends. You are most likely to benefit from this if you have been working previously and wish to advance in your professional career.
- Executive MBA (EMBA) is designed for senior professionals and executives with a significant amount of experience. Classes are scheduled during weekends or in the form of intensive modules. It is usually meant for professionals with a work experience of 8-10 years. It is meant for individuals who wish to now adapt to higher leadership and managerial roles in organizations.
- Online and Hybrid MBA Programs work in great favor of those students who wish to continue their studies in their native countries without moving to Germany. The universities in Germany offer many types of online and hybrid MBA programs which allows students to have a flexible schedule. This allows students to learn at their own pace while working or carrying out any other responsibilities. Hybrid courses at times combine online classes with occasional in-person modules.
1. Technical University of Munich (TUM)
The Technical University of Munich is currently ranked 28th in the world as per the QS World University Rankings 2025. It was established in 1868. Working professionals are surely to benefit from the three types of MBA courses, offered by TUM which take place around 4 semesters (part-time) to complete. It has a tuition fee of € 39,000 and an additional student fee of € 85. The three MBA courses taught at the Technical University of Munich are:
a) Executive MBA is designed for experienced executives, accomplished professionals, and managers. It focuses on building upon personal development and leadership skills. It gives you an idea of strategic and organizational management. The major topics taught are finance, accounting, innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. One of its modules is held by TUM’s partner university in China, i.e. the Tsinghua University Beijing.
b) Executive MBA in General Management imparts learning of digital transformation, business processes, and technology to experienced IT or technical experts, digital managers, or managers. The core of this program is the seamless integration of leadership and communication knowledge with the latest technological advancements.
Both the above-mentioned courses require you to submit evidence of at least 4-5 years of work experience, a letter of motivation, and an updated resume. Also, if you need to provide proof of any internships or professional experience you had before enrolling in these courses.
c) Executive MBA in Innovation and Creation is meant to deliver an exceptional entrepreneurship program for professionals. It teaches concepts like intrapreneurship and innovation management to innovators working in companies, aspiring entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and visionaries. As per its application process, you need to submit evidence of at least 3 years of work experience, an essay, and an updated
2. ESMT Berlin
Founded in 2002, by a group of 25 companies and institutions, the ESMT Berlin offers a range of MBA programs such as:
a) A Full-time MBA course has been designed to accelerate your career. It focuses on teaching general management with specializations in managerial analytics, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Topics like strategic leadership and global strategic management are taught. You get to develop intra- and entrepreneurial skills, which help you benefit from ESMT’s strong ties to various startups in Berlin. This program is ranked 8th worldwide.
Duration– 15 months
Study Method– face-to-face
Tuition Fees– € 49,500
To apply for this, you need to write four 250-word essays answering the following questions:
- Describe your specific career aspirations and reasons for pursuing an MBA at ESMT Berlin.
- Failures are rich learning opportunities and help us to grow. Tell us about a setback in your life (personal, academic, or professional), your reaction to the setback, and how it changed you.
- You can invite one guest for dinner, be they living, dead, fictional, or other. Who would you invite and why?
b) Part-time MBA program is split between 75% remote learning and 25% face-to-face residencies. It starts with a full-week residency in Berlin and concludes with a 1 week international study tour. It offers the same triple-accredited, globally recognized degree as the full-time MBA, but allows working professionals to maintain a balance between work, life, and study. It focuses on business innovation, leadership, and general management.
Duration– 24 months
Study Method– 42 days on campus (12 residencies, and 2 residential weeks), online
Tuition Fees– € 40,000
While applying for this, you need to answer the following questions:
- Share three reasons why you will be a great ESMT MBA student and alumnus. (Video essay; max 2 minutes)
- We often learn by failing. Tell us about a setback in your life (personal, academic, or professional), how you responded to it, and what you gained from the experience. (Text; max 250 words)
- Tell us about the worst job you ever had. (Text; 150 words)
c) The Executive MBA course prepares you to take on the challenges of general management by combining academic training with leadership development. It is meant for professionals who wish to be appointed to senior leadership roles. It covers topics like leadership, innovation, sustainability, and ethics. It has been designed in a way to mold students into global leaders, who navigate various market scenarios.
Duration– 18 months
Study Method– On-campus over 10 modules (lasting 6 days each)
Tuition Fees– € 64,800
To be eligible for this course, you need to have 7 or more years of professional experience, including three years of managerial experience with an emphasis on leadership qualities and achievements (managing people, processes, or budgets). You need to write an essay addressing short answer questions asked by ESMT Berlin.
d) Global Online MBA follows the same curriculum as the other MBA programs taught by ESMT Berlin but via 100% online classes. It gives students to pursue a MBA, without moving to Germany. You can complete your course within 2 years or even 5 years. It focuses on making students learn about general management, technology, and global innovation. You need to have at least 3 years of work experience to be able to apply for this program.
Duration– 24-60 months (flexible)
Study Method– 100% online
Tuition Fees– € 28,000
While applying for the course, you need to answer the following questions:
- Share three reasons why you will be a great ESMT MBA student and alumnus. (Video essay; max 2 minutes)
- Identify a specific event that changed your perspective on life. Describe what happened, what you learned, and how you changed. (Text; max 250 words)
- Tell us about the worst job you ever had. (Text; 150 words)
To apply for MBA courses at ESMT Berlin, students need to also submit 2 Professional LORs and updated CVs/resumes that talk about at least 3 years of postgraduate work experience. Apart from this, if you feel there is any other relevant information that you feel the admissions officials need to know, you need to write it in the form of a 250-word- essay.
After which, you need to attempt the ESMT Business Admissions Test, based on your indicated preferences. It is a two-hour, online, test that evaluates academic aptitude over four sections of 30 minutes each: communication analysis, critical thinking, data analysis, and data interpretation. It costs USD 100 and must be paid before it can be taken. Then, if selected you may be asked to appear for an interview.
3. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich is the 6th oldest university in continuous operation in Germany. The LMU Munich School of Management offers an MBA program, which is a highly sought-after course. You get to choose your specialization, as per your skills and interests in any one of the following areas: Accounting, Controlling & Taxation, Finance & Insurance, Digital Business, Management & Strategy, Marketing, Management & Innovation.
Students will get to experience the vibrant start-up culture at the LMU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre. This program is taught in both German and English. As far as its application process is concerned, you need to submit a CV in tabular form and you must provide proof of your language proficiency in both German and English.
Duration– 2 years (4 semesters)
Tuition Fees– € 32,000
4. University of Kiel
Founded in 1665, the University of Kiel is one of the premier universities in Germany. Along with the Kiel University of Applied Sciences, it teaches one Master of Science in Business Administration (MSBA) program. It focuses on critical thinking and practice-based interpretation of business data. It prepares students for leadership roles in major companies.
It consists of a general business administration part and an optional subject from a related field. You get to specialize in one of the following electives, such as accounting, marketing, or human resources. You at least need 1 year of professional work experience, to be eligible for this course.
Duration– 2 years
Tuition Fees– € 19,100
5. University of Mannheim
Established in 1967, the University of Mannheim is a major public research university in Germany. The Mannheim Business School offers 4 MBA programs, which are:
a) Mannheim’s Full-time MBA course is designed to help students have a flourishing career in the business world. It teaches general management in all relevant disciplines and offers a wide range of elective courses as well. Toward the end of the course, you get to be a part of the 3-month Business Master program. You can complete the course within 1 year or prolong it by 3 more months and participate in a student exchange program with a partner institution of Mannheim University abroad, or be an intern at a leading global company.
Duration– 12-15 months
Tuition Fees– € 45,000
b) Mannheim’s Part-time MBA program is the same as the full-time MBA course offered by the university. It is just that it allows you to learn at your own pace, maintain a flexible schedule, and manage your studies while also doing your job and handling other responsibilities.
Duration– 24 months (spread over 3 calendar years)
Tuition Fees– € 1,312.50 per month
To be eligible for studying the above two courses, you need to have at least 4-6 years of managerial experience and need to submit a CV, SOP, and a LOR. To increase your chances of admission, consult professional SOP and LOR writers who will help you write as per the university standards.
Apart from this, the University of Mannheim also offers MBA programs for professionals with a significant amount of work experience who now want to step into senior leadership and managerial roles in top companies in the world. It also teaches the Executive MBA course and has partnered with ESSEC & TONGJI to provide two more executive MBA programs, which can be completed within 18 months.
Eligibility Criteria for Studying MBA in Germany
While there might be slight differences in the German university’s requirements for an MBA course based on the type and mode of MBA program you apply for, there are certain common eligibility criteria that are compulsory for all students to fulfill. These are:
- A Bachelor’s degree is equivalent to a German undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, which could be a 3-4-year degree.
- Official transcripts, academic records, and certificates from previously attended institutions.
- Each university in Germany has a minimum amount of qualifying scores it requires you to attain in competitive exams like GRE and GMAT. The same goes for English language proficiency tests like IELTS, and TOEFL.
- Although most of the programs are taught in English at German universities, some courses might be taught in German. Certain universities might ask for your scores in German language proficiency tests like DSH, and TestDAF. Also, in the long run, it would be useful if you learn German especially if you wish to work in Germany.
- An updated CV/ resume that highlights your professional experience and describes your professional roles and responsibilities. Most of the MBA programs in Germany require students to have a significant amount of prior work experience.
- Academic documents like SOP, LOR, and an essay play a significant role in enhancing your chances of admission. These documents should clearly outline your interest in pursuing an MBA and must answer the specific questions asked by a university. Therefore, you should write it effectively by taking help from professional essay, SOP, and LOR writers.
- A valid Student Visa and Passport bearing your essential details.
Conclusion
Every year, there are a vast number of applicants who wish to obtain an MBA degree from Germany. Germany having a rich economy and a competitive business environment, provides an ideal environment for MBA aspirants. You not only get to study in highly-ranked Business schools but also get to experience a diverse culture and get to work with major companies in the form of internships and university placements. Most of the MBA curricula are designed to help individuals who wish to upskill, change, or seek advancement in their career paths. These programs ensure that students can strike a balance between work, life, and studies. To help you select the right MBA program and university and obtain a Student Visa for Germany, you must seek assistance from study abroad consultants like Contentholic. Their expert career counseling, visa guidance, and SOP and LOR writing services, will help you get into a highly competitive course like an MBA in a top-ranking German university. Feel free to contact us to make your dream of studying in Germany, come true.
