Best Colleges in Germany for MBA – Courses, Deadlines & More

Updated on 12 August, 2024

Neha Uppal

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

Germany is home to numerous multinational corporations, thriving startups, and a robust technology and business sector. The country’s flourishing job market presents promising opportunities for MBA graduates providing them with a wide range of career prospects and the potential for professional growth.

MBAs are usually 1-1.5 year programs for international students which come in part-time, full-time, and online modes alike. There are 50+ educational institutions offering this program in Germany, including several highly ranked names. Also due to affordability, the country is fast becoming a booming destination for MBA courses.

Recommended Read: Study in Germany After 12th & Graduations

Course Highlights

MBA courses available MBA and Executive MBA
Duration 1 to 2 years
Average Tuition Fee Range EUR 21,900 to 49,000
Course Type Part-time and Full-time
Eligibility Criteria Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized institute
Average Salary EUR 65,000 per year

Why Study MBA in Germany?

There are numerous benefits of studying MBA courses in Germany. They include the following: 

  • Germany has some of the world’s highest-ranked universities for MBA programs, along with cutting-edge educational infrastructure and facilities. 
  • Germany is also witnessing soaring demand for skilled MBA graduates across varied business sectors. Reports have highlighted increases in both employment figures and salaries. 
  • MBAs are more affordable in Germany since public universities charge zero or nominal tuition fees. Students majorly have to cover some administrative costs and their living and accommodation costs. 
  • With a thriving economy, Germany offers excellent career prospects for MBA graduates with handsome starting salaries. 

Top Universities for MBA in Germany

Some of the best MBA colleges in Germany are listed below, encompassing the QS Europe MBA rankings, course duration, tuition fee, and application deadline where you should study your MBA in Germany: 

Name of the Institution QS Ranking 2023 (Europe) Course Duration Tuition Fee Application Deadline
Mannheim Business School 16 12 to 15 months EUR 42,500 August 15
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management 17 12 months EUR 42,000 June 30 
WHU-Otto Beisheim Graduate School of Management 24 12 months EUR 43,000 March 31
ESMT Berlin 27 15 months EUR 49,000 April 5 
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management 39 15 to 21 months EUR 39,500 June 30 
EU Business School 46

Full-time: 1 year

Part-time: 2 years

EUR 21, 900 to 40,780 Throughout the year

Most of the tuition fee stated above includes the books, study material, and accommodation costs.

MBA Specializations in Top Universities in Germany

Germany offers a variety of MBA specializations for students. Some of the specializations are listed below, along with their corresponding colleges:

College/Institutions Specializations Offered
Mannheim Business School
  • General Management
ESMT Berlin
  • General Management
Cologne Business School
  • International Management
EU Business School
  • International Business
  • Communication & Public Relations
  • International Marketing
  • Global Banking & Finance
  • Leisure & Tourism Management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Digital Business
  • Sports Management
  • Human Resources Management
  • Design Management
  • Blockchain Management
WHU Otto Beisheim Graduate School
  • General Management 
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management
  • General Management
  • Finance
Munich Business School
  • General Management 
GISMA Business School
  • General Management

Intakes for MBA in Top Universities in Germany 

Though the intakes of MBA colleges in Germany differ from university to university, the majorly followed intakes by the leading MBA universities in Germany are April and September.

Few universities, such as EU Business School in Germany, have no application deadlines, and applications are open throughout the year. The application process for the Master’s courses is extensive and might take 6-8 weeks more for visa application processing.

Course Curriculum of MBA in Germany: Core & Electives

The MBA program in Germany has categorized its subjects and concentrations into Core and Elective categories. The core modules help build a solid foundation for understanding the basic management concepts and core organizational functions. It includes:   

  1. Managerial Accounting
  2. Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
  3. Fundamentals of Financial Accounting, Corporate Finance, Strategic Management, and Marketing
  4. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
  5. Macroeconomics
  6. Organizational Behavior
  7. Operations Management
  8. Change Management

The Elective modules include advanced concepts that provide insights into the following areas:

  1. Global Corporate Strategy 
  2. Data Science for Business
  3. International Marketing
  4. Global Digital Technology Management
  5. Mergers and Acquisitions
  6. Supply Chain Management Organization
  7. Fundamentals of AI and Machine Learning
  8. Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  9. Applied Corporate Finance

Eligibility Criteria for MBA in Germany

Here are the eligibility criteria for studying at leading universities in Germany for MBA programs: 

  • Bachelor's degree in the relevant field or an equivalent degree
  • GMAT or GRE scores, depending on the institution’s preferences
  • Two to three years of work experience
  • Scores in English language proficiency examinations like TOEFL iBT and IELTS

Document Requirements for MBA in Germany

To apply for the MBA in Germany, you need the following documents in place:

  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Valid Passport
  • GRE or GMAT scorecards
  • Proof of Language proficiency tests (English or German)
  • Letter of Motivation
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Transcripts
  • Letter of Recommendation 
  • Two to three years of work experience letter

Recommended Read: Study MASTERS in Germany

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Recommended Read: How to Study in Germany without IELTS Score?

Application Process for MBA in Germany

One can easily apply to German B-Schools online. All you need are the documents mentioned above and their scanned copies. The process is very simple and can be done in easy steps using the official website.

  1. Research an MBA college in Germany that aligns with your goals and preferences.
  2. Check the eligibility criteria of that particular university and ensure that you meet them.
  3. Fill out the application form, submit all the required documents, and make the payment before the deadline.
  4. Get your entrance exam scheduled according to the university and attend it on the mentioned date.
  5. If shortlisted, you will be informed by the university. Further, get ready with all the needed documents for your interview process.

Cost of Living in Germany

When it comes to studying abroad, Germany is not an expensive study destination  for international students. One can easily manage their expenses here. However, the cost of living in Germany greatly differs with the location you choose to live in. For instance, Munich and Stuttgart are costlier than Bremen, Leipzig, Frankfurt or Berlin. 

Category Cost per month (Approx.)
Accommodation

EUR 400 to 800 (for a private room)

EUR 1,000+ (for apartment) 

Transport EUR 65
Meal EUR 200
Sport, Culture, Leisure EUR 75 
Mobile Phone  EUR 35 
Health Insurance EUR 40 to EUR 90 (depending on Private or Public)

Scholarships for MBA in Germany

Several scholarship options are available for international students who want to pursue their MBA in Germany. You can use the scholarship grants to fund your studies in Germany. Some of the top scholarships are mentioned here:

Scholarship University Eligibility Amount

ESMT Women’s Academic Scholarship

ESMT

Female candidates with more than 650 scores on GMAT and an application essay Upto EUR 10,000

WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management Scholarship

WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management 

Excellent academic record with good English proficiency EUR 300 per month

DLD Executive MBA Scholarship

Berlin School of Creative Leadership Candidate with professional background in the digital area, technology, entertainment, and advertising  EUR 53,000

HHL Future Entrepreneur Scholarship

Leipzig Graduate School of Management Excellent GMAT score 25% of the tuition fee

Job Prospects After Studying MBA in Germany

Here are the job scopes associated with an MBA program in Germany.

Job Profile Annual Base Salary/Remuneration*
General Manager EUR 90,000
Project Manager EUR 70,374
Operations Manager EUR 50,734
Business Development Manager EUR 54,462
Marketing Manager EUR 45,876
Business Analyst EUR 53,182

Source: Payscale

Top Recruiters 

Some of the top recruiters in Germany for MBA graduates include Siemens, Volkswagen, Bosch, BMW, Mercedes, Merck, and Bayer.

Study with upGrad Abroad

Enroll in our Master of Business Administration (90 ECTS) program that gives you an opportunity to study at IU Germany and London South Bank University. It is an 18-monthly course where in the first semester, you will be studying online with IU Germany. You can save up to 10 lakhs of your education cost. Tuition fees for the first semester of the course are INR 2.5 Lakhs (inclusive of taxes). For the next two semesters, you will study on-campus at IU Germany. Tuition fees for IU Germany are approximately EUR 9,028. You will also be eligible for PGWP/Post Study Work/OPT visa application after graduation for up to 18 months.

Recommended Reads:

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How to study in Germany for free Free Education in Germany Data Science Course in Germany

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best university in Germany for MBA?

Some of the best universities in Germany to be considered for an MBA are the Technical University of Munich (TUM School of Management), the University of Mannheim, and EBS University, the University of Cologne.

How can I get admission into the top MBA colleges in Germany?

To get into the top MBA colleges in Germany, one needs to have a recognized graduate degree, GMAT score, TOEFL, motivation letter, reference letter, and work experience of one to two years.

What are the top MBA programs in Germany?

Top MBA programs in Germany include Executive MBA and MBA in international management.

How much does an MBA cost in Germany?

Typically, an MBA in Germany costs approximately EUR 21,900 to 49,000 as a tuition fee and around EUR 815 to 1,090 per month as a living expense.

Is Germany good for an MBA?

Yes, Germany is an excellent study destination for an MBA because of the following supporting factors:

  • Quality education
  • Affordability
  • Strong economy
  • International exposure and diversity
  • Strong job market
  • Location in Europe

Who is eligible for an MBA in Germany?

Candidate with a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized institute along with university-specified GMAT/GRE score and English proficiency score is eligible to pursue an MBA in Germany.

Which is the No. 1 University for MBA in Germany?

Here are a few QS rankings of the top MBA universities in Germany: 

Name of the Institution QS Subject Ranking 2023: MBA
Mannheim Business School 16
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management 17
WHU-Otto Beisheim Graduate School of Management 24
ESMT Berlin 27
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management 39
EU Business School 46

Is an MBA from Germany recognized in India?

Yes, an MBA degree from Germany is recognized all over the world, including India. All you need to consider is an accredited, recognized, and reputed university in Germany to pursue your MBA.

Is GMAT compulsory for MBA in Germany?

No, the GMAT score is not compulsory for an MBA in every university in Germany. It varies based on the university eligibility criteria. Some MBA colleges in Germany demand your GMAT score and make it mandatory, while others do not need it.

Will I get a job after my MBA in Germany?

Yes, you will get the following jobs after completing an MBA in Germany:

  • General Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Business Development Manager
  • Marketing Manager
  • Business Analyst

Is IELTS required in Germany?

Although IELTS is not mandatory in Germany, as it is not an English-speaking country, it is required to prove your English proficiency for those programs that are taught in English.

Which is better for MBA: USA or Germany?

To decide between USA and Germany for pursuing an MBA involves comparing various factors like eligibility criteria, cost of living, tuition fee, course duration, average salary after graduation, language proficiency, and many more.

Which MBA field is best in Germany?

Here are a few lists of specializations that are in high demand in Germany:

  • International Management
  • International Business
  • Communication & Public Relations
  • International Marketing
  • Global Banking & Finance
  • Leisure & Tourism Management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Digital Business
  • Sports Management
  • Human Resources Management
  • Design Management
  • Blockchain Management
Did you find this article helpful?

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

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