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Top 5 Universities for Online MBA from Germany

ApAmarnath pratapwarSep 23, 2022

German management degrees are becoming increasingly popular. According to DAAD statistics 2022, 79,000+ students chose management or related subjects to study in Germany. Affordable tuition, innovative curriculum, and increasing English-taught programs are encouraging to international students. But not everyone can afford to study MBA full-time. Many students look to advance their qualifications through an online MBA from Germany.

An online MBA benefits students whose work-life responsibilities may prevent them from enrolling in on-campus MBA programs. Through an online MBA from Germany, they can have the same benefits as an on-campus one but with added flexibility. Although DAAD lists 14 online management degrees in English, this article features the top 5 universities. Discover what programs are available to you, and learn about their cost and admission criteria.

Reasons to study MBA online

An online MBA allows students to balance work and family while upskilling for the future. The curriculum for online MBA programs includes scheduled online classes and self-paced learning modules. This program structure helps students adapt and plan accordingly without the need to visit the physical campus. Students can also choose between full-time and part-time models. The variety of study models allows greater flexibility in learning.

 Traditional MBAs are also known to be expensive. But online MBA programs are accessible to larger student cohorts because of their affordability. Universities like IU International University of Applied Sciences offer excellent MBA programs at surprisingly low costs, ranging between 1,600-2,500 euros. Students from one country can enroll in MBA programs from another without visiting the campus. Access to international education, excluding the expenses of living in a foreign country, is perhaps the most significant advantage of online MBA programs.

An online MBA degree does not hinder students from using global opportunities. Most online MBA programs are recognized internationally. They are accredited by prominent accrediting agencies. Moreover, many universities have industry and university partnerships. Students gain access to all such extra perks that an online degree offers. 

Students connect with their classmates from all over the world. The networking opportunities that universities offer can prove invaluable in forming mutually beneficial professional connections. Alumni events also take place periodically. Such events provide a good platform for developing real-world connections.

Top Universities for online MBA from Germany

The below universities are some of the most sought-after universities for online as well as offline education in management.

IU International University of Applied Sciences

IU International University of Applied Sciences was established in 1998. It is accredited by the German Council of Science and Humanities. Today, IU International University is at the forefront of online education. The university is best known for its extensive range of management programs. Students can choose to study full-time or part-time, according to their preferences. Education at IU International University is among the most affordable. The university offers two general management programs and twelve specialized management programs.

Arden University Berlin

Arden University’s Berlin campus was founded in 2018. The UK’s Quality Assurance Agency recognizes the University. It holds many accreditations, such as ACCA, APM, CIM, CIPD, CMI, and many more. The university offers a flexible learning mode, allowing students to continue their professional growth. Most of the programs at Arden University Berlin are offered both offline and online. The MBA degree at the university is a one-year program. There are a few other management-related degrees available as well.

GISMA Business School

GISMA Business School came into existence in 1999. This university is state-recognized. Programs at GISMA are delivered in collaboration with other top universities in Europe. Its flagship program, Global MBA, is accredited by AMBA. Only five other German business schools have received this accreditation so far. The Global MBA program is delivered in both offline and online modes. The program lets you connect with a network of students from more than 55 countries.

ISM International School of Management

ISM is a state-recognized university dating back more than 30 years ago. FIBAA recognizes the university’s programs. ISM is accredited by other prominent bodies such as WR, ZFU, and Accreditation Council. It has onboarded a student population from more than 84 nations. The university is committed to delivering practice-oriented education in management and related fields. The university’s MBA program is an on-campus one. But several other specialized management degrees are offered online.

Steinbeis University School of Management and Innovation

Steinbeis SMI University is among Germany’s largest private research-based universities. The university is part of the Steinbeis Foundation, which beliefs in bringing people, technology, and knowledge together to drive innovation. The university is accredited by FIBAA. It has an alumni network of more than 22,000 students and an industry network of more than 200 companies. Steinbeis SMI has two master’s level programs. The traditional MBA is delivered in person. Students, however, can enroll in the university’s online MSc in Business Management.

Popular online MBA programs in Germany

This section is categorized into two: MBA programs and other management programs. All the programs listed in this section are delivered in online mode. To know more about the application process for the below programs, contact Gyanberry.

Program Name University Duration
Master of Business Administration* IU International University of Applied Sciences 1-3 years
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Arden University Berlin 1 year
Global MBA GISMA Business School 1-2 years

*IU International University of Applied Sciences offers twelve different programs in MBA. These programs are listed below.

  • MBA – Big Data Management
  • MBA – Engineering Management
  • MBA – Finance & Accounting
  • MBA – E-Sports Management
  • MBA – International Marketing
  • MBA – IT Management
  • MBA – Artificial Intelligence
  • MBA – Healthcare Management
  • MBA – Human Resource Management
  • MBA – Innovation & Entrepreneurship
  • MBA – Salesforce
  • MBA – Supply Chain Management

The duration of a full-time MBA program at IU International University is 12 to 18 months. But students can choose to study part-time for up to 24 or 36 months. 

Other online Management degrees

The universities featured in this blog offer many management degrees besides an MBA. These management degrees are aimed at a specific specialization. Students who wish to advance their careers in a particular field can consider the below-mentioned programs. 

IU International University of Applied Sciences
  • M.A. in Human Resource Management
  • M.A. in International Management
  • M.A. in Project Management
  • M.A. in Digital Innovation & Intrapreneurship
Arden University Berlin
  • MSc Data Analytics & Information Systems Management
  • MSc Engineering Management
  • MSc IT Security Management
  • MSc Project Management
  • MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics
GISMA Business School
  • MSc International Business Management
  • MSc Business Management
ISM International School of Management
Steinbeis SMI University
  • MSc in Business Management

Cost of online MBA in Germany

Program Name University Annual Tuition in EUR Annual Tuition in USD*
Master of Business Administration* IU International University of Applied Sciences 1,668-2,664** 1,688
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Arden University Berlin 10,855 10,988
Global MBA GISMA Business School 18,000 18,220

*Tuition fees in EUR are converted to USD at 1 EUR = 1.01 USD. Exchange rates are subject to change periodically.

**IU International University has the following free structure for its full-time and part-time study models:

  • Full time (18 months): From €222/month 
  • Part time (24 months): From €188/month 
  • Extended (36 months): From €139/month 

Cost for other online management degrees

This table features the approximate tuition fee ranges of management degrees other than an MBA offered by German universities. 

University Annual Tuition in EUR Annual Tuition in USD
IU International University of Applied Sciences 1,476-2,988 1,494-3,024
Arden University Berlin 10,550 10,679
GISMA Business School 13,000 13,159
ISM International School of Management 3,360-5,880 3,401-5,952
Steinbeis SMI University 4,476 4,530

Tuition fees for IU International University are based on the study model. Master’s programs at the university are available for 60 or 120 ECTS, full-time, part-time, and extended.

Similarly, ISM also offers its online programs in three price categories: part-time slow, part-time fast, and full-time.

 Apart from tuition fees, students must have enough funds to cover living expenses in Germany. An international student is estimated to spend approximately 867 euros a month on living expenses.

Admission requirements for international students

Admission requirements for each university are listed below.

IU International University of Applied Sciences

  • A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
  • Must have achieved at least Grade C in the undergraduate program.
  • English skills equivalent to IELTS 6.0 or more.
  • At least one year of work experience before starting the program
  • CV
  • Passport copy

Arden University Berlin

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Two years of relevant work experience*
  • Personal statement demonstrating motivation to study
  • English Proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 and above

*Students without any prior work experience can also study MBA at Arden University Berlin. They are required to apply to the “Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Graduate)” program specifically meant for fresh graduates without work experience.

GISMA Business School

  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline
  • Three years of work experience
  • English proficiency: at least B2 (IELTS 6.5) or equivalent
  • Personal Interview
  • Reference from employers

ISM International School of Management

  • Bachelor degree that includes subjects of business sciences.
  • English proficiency of at least level B2
  • Relevant work experience in the field of management (optional)

Steinbeis SMI University

  • Bachelor’s Degree with 180 ECTS from an accredited university.
  • English proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (or) proof of six years’ worth of academic studies in English.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the most popular German universities for online MBA are IU International University of Applied Sciences, Arden University Berlin, GISMA Business School, ISM International School of Management, and Steinbeis School of Management and Innovation.

The cost of online MBA programs from German universities depends on the study model chosen. Many universities offer programs for full-time or part-time. On average, one can expect the annual tuition fee to range anywhere between 10,000-18,000 euros. Online MBA programs are also available at a highly affordable cost of 1,668-2,664 euros per annum.

Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a recognized university. They must also prove English language skills of at least level B2 or IELTS 6.0-6.5. Some universities may require proof of prior work experience. CV, references, and passport copies are some required documents.

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