The Best Public & Private Universities for MBA in Germany
Germany is home to 422 higher education institutions with over 415,000 international students. Some of the top business schools in the world are located here. This is primarily because German universities are strongly research-oriented and offer the broadest range of subjects. Thus, they teach both theoretical knowledge and methodological expertise. With relatively affordable tuition fee costs in public institutions alongside a plethora of scholarship options, the country is a highly economical study hub for those looking to enroll in the top MBA universities in Germany. Consequently, these factors attract international students to study here.
The Higher Education Compass website run by the German government lists 150 available MBA programs in the country. According to the CHE University Rankings, RWTH Aachen, FH Aachen, and the University of Augsburg are some of the top MBA universities in Germany. International student flock to the nation, to study this entrepreneurial course in one of Europe’s most stable economies. Generally, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in Germany takes 12-24 months to complete. Both public, as well as private universities, offer these dynamic courses. Although MBA’s tend to be very pricey degrees, the course in Germany can cost anywhere between 5,000- 25,000 USD annually.
MBA in Germany: Highlights
Degree Type | Postgraduate degree |
Duration | 1-2 years |
Number of institutes in Germany offering the course | 34 |
Medium of instruction | German,
English-taught courses available for international students |
Eligibility | Recognized bachelor’s degree in related subjects with other university-specific requirements.
GRE or GMAT scores may also have to be furnished with previous work experience ranging between 1 to 5 years. |
Application deadlines | January- summer semester
July- winter semester |
Average program costs | 14,000- 18,500 USD annually |
Scholarships | Both institutional and government scholarships are available (DAAD, Erasmus+, HHL Young Leader) |
Career prospects | Managerial and strategic positions in corporate giants like Siemens, Volkswagen, Bayer, Bosch, and more |
Median salary for international MBA graduates | 70,000- 85,000 USD annually for freshers |
Available MBA degree programs: Types and specializations
The MBA course curriculum in Germany encompasses topics like financial analysis, legal structures, psychology, human resources, business strategies, and more. Graduates are also able to identify critical issues in organizational policies and generate new solutions with commitment, motivation, and creativity.
Depending on their field of interest, applicants can enroll in several MBA programs. Some top specializations include
- Finance and Accounting
- International Business
- Consulting and Strategic Management
- Healthcare
- Hospitality Management
- Human Resource Administration
- Business Analytics
- Supply Chain Management
- Innovation
- Industrial Management
- Sports Management
- Leadership
In addition to this, some premier German universities offer Executive MBA (EMBA) degrees. These can be part-time or full-time courses spanning 2-3 semesters. The course initially evolved to meet the growing demand from business leaders. However, it is essential to note that EMBA classes are more fast-paced than a conventional MBA program and come with fewer electives. Popular institutes offering this course are
- SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences
- Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
- IESE Business School
- WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management
Eligibility criteria and admission requirements for international students
Eligibility criteria for admission to various business schools across Germany differ greatly. International applicants should apply via Gyanberry to ensure a hassle-free admissions process.
Some general acceptance requirements include
- A recognized bachelor’s degree in any relevant subject with at least 60% aggregate marks.
- Decent results in exams like the GMAT or GRE (a GMAT score of 500+ is recommended).
- Appearing for English proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. A safe score ranges from: IELTS- 6.5 to 7.0; TOEFL (iBT)- 80 to 92
- Prior work experience of 1-3 years may be a prerequisite for some universities. In some cases, the experience of up to 5 years may also be required.
- Other necessary documents such as LORs, a Visa, an updated CV, and a passport may also be need to furnished.
The academic calendar in German colleges is generally divided into two terms. Application deadlines for the summer semester fall in January while those for the winter semester fall in July. For part-time programs like EMBA, you should check university-specific dates detailed on the college website.
Public and private universities offering MBA programs in Germany
34 institutes offer MBA programs in Germany. Both public and private universities offer accredited degrees, but they differ in some aspects.
The tuition fee charged by state-funded institutions is lower than that charged by independent universities. However, the mode of education here is relatively conventional and rigid. In contrast to this, private universities offer innovative degrees where the supply in the job market is short. Despite this, public universities are an immensely popular choice among international students. They apply the Latin principle of ‘numerus clausus’, following which the eligibility criteria are laid down. Strict guidelines are abided by, and only a fraction of applicants are granted admission.
Public universities
Some popular government-run business schools include
Name of University | Program offered |
Technical University of Munich | Executive MBA |
University of Mannheim | Full and part-time general MBA |
RWTH Aachen University | Full-time MBA in Digitalization
Executive MBA in Technology Management |
Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences | MBA in International Management |
Dresden University of Technology | General MBA with various electives |
Berlin School of Economics and Law | Full and part-time general MBA |
University of Applied Sciences of Economics and Management | General MBA |
Private Universities
Independent institutes in Germany have introduced flexible business administration courses in an otherwise traditional industry. Here, the quality of education remains top-notch and students get the option to choose from a wide blend of electives catering to their interests.
Despite the range of programs offered, private universities in Germany are still more economical than their counterparts in the UK and the US.
Name of the University | Program offered |
Cologne Business School | MBA in International Management |
Munich Business School | General MBA |
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | Part-time MBA in International Healthcare Management
Full-time General MBA Executive MBA |
Kühne Logistics University | MBA in Leadership and Supply Chain Management |
European School of Management & Technology (ESMT) | Global MBA
Full and part-time General MBA Executive MBA |
ISM International School of Management | Full and part-time online MBA in General Management |
EU Business School | MBA in
|
IU International University of Applied Sciences | Online MBA programs in
|
Berlin International University of Applied Sciences | General MBA |
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management | Global online MBA
On-campus full and part-time MBA |
SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences | Executive MBA in General Management
Full-time MBA in
|
Steinbeis School of Management and Innovation | General MBA |
GISMA Business School | Global MBA |
University of Europe for Applied Sciences | General MBA
MBA in
|
Arden University | General MBA offered both online and on-campus |
Fee structure and scholarships for popular universities offering MBA
It is no secret that MBA degrees come with a huge price tag. Nevertheless, German MBAs are still cheaper than their European and American counterparts.
The annual cost of an on-campus MBA in Germany can be estimated to be between 14,000- 18,500 USD for full-time courses. A detailed list of the tuition fee charged by the best private universities in Germany is outlined below.
Name of the University | Type of Program | Annual Tuition Fees in USD |
Cologne Business School | MBA International Management
MBA International Management (Fast-track) |
5,849
8,259 |
Munich Business School | MBA General Management (Full-time)
MBA General Management (Part-time) |
15,912
7,956 |
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | MBA in International Healthcare Management
Part-time MBA Full-time MBA Executive MBA |
23,700
22,285 38,975 31,660 |
Kühne Logistics University | MBA in Leadership and Supply Chain Management | 19,825 |
European School of Management & Technology (ESMT) | Full-time MBA | 38,760 |
ISM International School of Management | MBA General Management (Full-time)
MBA General Management (Part-time) |
12,896
15,590 |
EU Business School | MBA in various electives | 20,840 |
IU International University of Applied Sciences | Online MBAs | 4,740 |
Berlin International University of Applied Sciences | Full-time MBA | 10,549 (1-year)
11,987 (2 years) |
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management | Full-time MBA
Global Online MBA Part-time MBA |
40,454
17,730 22,974 |
SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences | MBA
Executive MBA |
14,384
14,983 |
Steinbeis School of Management and Innovation | General MBA | 17,180 |
GISMA Business School | Global MBA | 17,979 |
University of Europe for Applied Sciences | General MBA and MBA in different electives | 17,480 |
Arden University | General MBA | 16,481 (on-campus)
10,843 (online) |
To get detailed information on the cost and funding opportunities of an MBA in Germany, click here.
Scholarships
In addition to university-specific financial assistance, the German government also sponsors a variety of scholarships for international students. Applicants can avail of aid based on need, merit, or achievement in extracurriculars. The 3 most significant scholarships offered are
DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) scholarship
The German Academic Exchange Service heads the DAAD financial assistance program by means of scholarships. DAAD scholarships are geared primarily toward graduates and research students. Eligibility for each scholarship type varies with a monthly stipend of 850 USD.
Erasmus scholarships
These scholarships are open to students participating in an exchange program. The European Union’s member states provide the funding for these scholarships. International students can receive financial support for one-year through grants for tuition, travel, and living costs. Study or internship programs must last between two and twelve months to qualify, though in some cases up to 36 months is permitted.
Deutschlandstipendium
This scholarship program is available for meritorious students from all over the world. Those pursuing bachelor’s or master’s courses at any public or state-recognized German university can apply. The federal government contributes one-half of the scholarship’s funding, while private donors provide the other half. Each scholar is awarded a monthly stipend of 300 USD for the course of the two semesters.
In case you are interested in knowing more about plausible scholarship avenues, you can browse through this list of scholarships for master’s programs in Germany.
Cost-free MBA in Germany
It is a common misconception among students that an MBA degree in Germany is entirely free. Public universities like the Technical University of Munich charge 39,096 USD for their EMBA program, divided across 4 semesters. In contrast to this, Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences charges a tuition fee of 8,420 USD annually.
The tuition fees may be partly or completely covered under various Government scholarship schemes mentioned above. However, students need to incur other mandatory expenses such as semester fees, living expenses, and more. Thus, although MBA degrees in Germany are relatively affordable, they are not free.
Career prospects for international students completing an MBA program
MBA graduates in Germany get access to a myriad of lucrative job opportunities. As per DAAD statistics, more than 40% of international students remain in Germany after graduation. Germany’s affluent economy and excellent career opportunities are primary incentives for many to settle there. Working in renowned companies like Siemens, Volkswagen, Bayer, Bosch, and more can fetch you an annual median salary of 100,000 USD and over.
However, SMEs contribute up to 51% of the German economy and also offer several strategic and managerial roles to international applicants. The top universities with the highest graduate employability generally get job offers ranging between 70,000-85,000 USD.
Non-EU students must apply for a residence permit upon graduation. The residence permit is issued on a temporary basis and can be converted into an EU Blue Card after 33 months. In some cases, the settlement permit is provided after just 21 months. For this, one must be able to prove their German language skills at least level CEFR B1. Although all universities have a Career Cell actively working to ensure 100% placement, fresh graduates get a time period of 1.5 years to look for a job.
To know more about the post-work visa issued to non-EU nationals, click here.