Germany is an attractive study destination because it is efficiently designed for international students. Germany is safe, affordable, and has many working opportunities for international students. The culture in Germany is beautiful and diverse.
Students can travel anywhere freely in a welcoming environment. The only financial concern is accommodation instead of tuition fees. 325,000 international students are enrolled in Germany- 11 percent of all students.
Explore the interesting world of opportunities and top universities for international MBA graduates in Germany.
Why Study an MBA in Germany?
With its booming business and economic industry, it demands a highly skilled workforce. For this, many international business professionals consider undertaking the German MBA.
- Tuition Fees are Next to Nothing: Many public universities in Germany do not charge any tuition fees from their guests/international students while private universities however cost even if high costs are usually lower than in other nations.
- World-Class Learning: Germany is the place where some of the best business schools can be located in the world. Schools like Mannheim Business, Business School, Frankfurt School of Finance follow very high benchmarks in the quality of business education and offer demanding syllabi.
- Solid Economy and Job Market: Having one of the strongest economies in Europe, Germany recruits many international students in high-demand jobs. The country has a large number of multinational companies, especially in the automobile and engineering and financial and Information Technology sectors.
- Practical Learning ‘the Hands-On Approach’: In German MBA programs, practical approaches and their application are brought to the forefront. To this effect, many courses require carrying out practical tasks such as internships, company projects, case studies, etc. This practical approach assists students in not just letting out the theoretical ideas but also actual aspects that will assist them in the world after school.
- Unique and Global Setting: Studying and living in Germany is a melting pot of cultures as the country is home to a lot of foreign students. Students are welcomed by the country in a safe environment where anyone can travel stress-free.
- Creative and Evaluative Curricula: Provision of global masterminds programs in Germany nearly always has innovations such as curricular as well as research orientation.
- Superior Standards of Living: The site rankings guarantee that students will also have a good standard of living in Germany with good facilities, health care, and student support systems.
A good public transport system allows people to travel freely and see what such countries have to offer. There are many cultural and famous places to visit like castles, historic places, art galleries, food destinations, museums, and majestic churches. Germany is a magical landscape that has everything and anyone can visit.
Best Colleges for MBA in Germany
The QS top MBA programs in Germany were ranked using the following indicators: employability, entrepreneurship and alumni outcomes, return on investment, thought leadership, and diversity.
University (source) | QS Global Rank | Tuition fees |
Frankfurt School of Finance And Management | 40 | €20,000–€35,000 |
Mannheim Business School | 47 | €25,000 |
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management | 55 | €28,000–€48,000 |
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management | 131-140 | €25,000–€35,000 |
EU Business School | 151-200 | €21,900 |
Hochschule Bremen | 251 | €16,900 |
ESMT Berlin | – | €49,500 |
The Technical University of Munich | – | €39,000 |
Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI) | – | €18,000 |
IU International University of Applied Sciences | – | €248/month |
1. Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
The Frankfurt School of Finance & Management is placed 98th globally in the 2023 Financial Times Global MBA Ranking. It is one of only three German universities in the top 100 list, ranking 32nd in Europe.
The college has the best conditions and investment for your studies along with good career prospects. The Executive MBA is ranked 53rd globally and 4th in Germany by the Financial Times 2023 EMBA rankings. It is one of the best executive MBA colleges in Germany.
Address | Frankfurt School, Adickesallee, 60322 Frankfurt am Main, Germany |
Year Founded | 2007 |
Duration of MBA Course | 12 to 21 months |
Programs Offered | Executive, MBA General, MBA International Healthcare Management |
Phone number | +49 69 154008-0 |
Official Site | Frankfurt School | German Excellence. Global Relevance. (frankfurt-school.de) |
Exams required | GMAT, GRE, IELTS, Online assessment |
2. Mannheim Business School
The business school is ranked number one in Germany for international and executive MBA ranking by Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, and The Economist. The MBA takes you to the core of the top management in the German economy.
The school has the best Return on Investment in the world. Students receive management knowledge, entrepreneurial mindset, leadership and critical thinking skills, global outlook, and industry connections. Business here is culture and success. The business school boasts excellent faculty, diverse participants, and experienced executives from top companies.
Address | Mannheim Business School L 5, 6, 68161 Mannheim, Germany |
Year Founded | 2005 |
Duration of MBA course | 12 to 24 months |
Programs offered | Executive MBA, ESSEC & MANNHEIM Executive MBA |
Phone number | +49 621 1811281 |
Official Site | https://www.mannheim-business-school.com/ |
Exams required | GMAT, GRE, IELTS |
3. WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management
According to Financial Times, WHU has the best Degrees, 16 in Europe according to the Financial Times European Business School Ranking 2023. WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management is highly regarded in the world of business education.
WHU’s Master in Management program holds the #1 position in Germany and #14 worldwide.
The Full-Time MBA program of WHU is ranked #1 in Germany and #63 globally in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2024. For its Master in Management program, WHU takes the first rank in Germany and #14 globally.
The Full-time MBA is EQUIS, AACSB, and FIBAA accredited. Students become business leaders with interesting features like immersive experiences abroad and management practice workshops. The immersive experience abroad takes you on a journey in the UK and Europe for thirty days in the Kellogg School of Management.
Address | WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, Erkrather Straße 224a, D-40233 Düsseldorf, Germany |
Year Founded | 2007 |
Duration of MBA course | 12 to 24 months |
Programs offered | MBA full-time, MBA part-time, Global Online MBA |
Phone number | +49 211 447 09-601 |
Official Site | WHU |
Exams required | GMAT, GRE, IELTS |
4. HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management
The HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management student community consists of entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives, thinkers, and professionals. The dynamic and flexible course pushes international students into the German job market. Study with three internships and an international term at one of HHL´s over 140 partner universities. Gain skills in corporate finance expertise with management with the help of experienced and expert faculty.
The first business school in Germany not only has the potential for global entrepreneurship but also State-of-the-art executive management programs. It is the 1st Entrepreneurial University in Germany in years. It is one of the best colleges in Germany for MBA finance.
Address | HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, Jahnallee 59, Leipzig, Germany |
Year Founded | 1898 |
Duration of MBA course | 12 to 33 months |
Programs offered | MBA full-time, MBA part-time, MBA Finance |
Phone number | +49 341 9851-60 |
Official Site | HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management |
Exams required | GMAT, GRE, IELTS |
5. EU Business School
The school has exceptional education standards. 93% of the graduates accept a job offer within six months of graduation. Students from 100+ nationalities are spread across the campuses. The university has 4 stars for excellence in business education by QS Stars.
EU’s Online MBA ranked 1st in CEO Magazine’s Online Global Rankings for years. It is the 6th best business school for women as per the Capital magazine. Learn from consultants, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in cosmopolitan cities and multicultural environments.
Address | Theresienhöhe 28, 80339 Munich, Germany |
Year Founded | 1973 |
Duration of MBA course | 12 to 33 months |
Programs offered | Master of Business Administration (MBA), MBA (Project Management), MBA (Cloud Computing), MBA (Information Systems), MBA in International Business, MBA in International Marketing, MBA in Global Banking & Finance, MBA in Digital Business, MBA in Sports Management |
Phone number | +49 89 5502 9595 |
Official Site | Top Business School in Europe | EU Business School (euruni.edu) |
6. Hochschule Bremen
The Hochschule Bremen proves its international legacy with 10,000 business contacts worldwide, 370 cooperation agreements with partner universities, and membership of the STARS EU network (Strategic Alliance for Regional Transition European University).
The school believes in international university development. The alliance is funded by the European Union. Through numerous cooperation with companies and organizations from Bremen and the surrounding area, students are pushed into regional development. The teaching is practical and application-based. The practice of research or study projects is in cooperation with the business community.
Address | Hochschule Bremen, Neustadtswall 30, 28199 Bremen, Germany |
Year Founded | 1982 |
Duration of MBA course | 12 to 24 months |
Programs offered | Global Management MBA, International Master of Business Administration (MBA) – dual degree, International Tourism Management MBA, Master of Business Administration MBA (berufsbegleitend), MBA International Logistics and Supply Chain Management |
Phone number | +49 421-5905-0 |
Official Site | HSB Hochschule Bremen (hs-bremen.de) |
Exams required | GMAT, GRE, IELTS |
7. ESMT Berlin
MBA students gain managerial analytics and lead and innovate the world of business. Develop entrepreneurial skills and take advantage of ESMT’s links to Berlin’s dynamic startup industry. Full-time MBA program is placed second globally and first in Germany in Poets & Quants World’s Best MBA Programs For Entrepreneurship In 2024.
The international business MBA equips you with skills and experiences that will fuel your career. The strong international alumni network of international business professionals is spread across numerous industries and sectors worldwide. Students take over senior leadership roles, oversee business functions, and growth, and overcome challenges.
Address | ESMT Berlin, Schlossplatz, 10178 Berlin, Germany |
Year Founded | 2002 |
Duration of MBA course | 15 to 60 months |
Programs offered | MBA managerial analytics, MBA innovation and entrepreneurship, Strategic Leadership, Global Strategic Management, Executive, Global Online MBA |
Phone number | +49 30 212 31 0 |
Official Site | ESMT Berlin | Top-ranked Business School in Germany |
Exams required | GMAT, GRE, IELTS |
8. Technical University of Munich
The TUM has 226 ERC Grants for cutting-edge research. The university alumni has won 18 Nobel Prizes. The MBA provides technical expertise and the communication skills required to lead. The part-time executive MBA program takes place at both the TUM School of Management in Munich and at the Institute of Information Management at the University of St. Gallen.
The program equips students with a new age of digitalization and entrepreneurship. The students are upcoming business founders, corporate innovators, and executive managers. They study innovation management, entrepreneurship, general management, and business model development.
Address | Technical University of Munich, Arcisstraße 21, 80333 München, Germany |
Year Founded | 1868 |
Duration of MBA course | 2 years |
Programs offered | MBA (Executive) – Business & IT (Master), MBA (Executive) – Innovation and Business Creation (Master), MBA (Executive) – General Management |
Phone number | +49 (0)89-289-01 |
Official Site | Technical University of Munich: The Entrepreneurial University – TUM |
Exams required | GMAT, GRE, IELTS |
9. Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI)
Berlin School of Business and Innovation was awarded the Education 2.0: Outstanding Organization Award at the Education 2.0 Conference in Dubai, in February 2024. This recognition is a personal achievement for BSBI’s commitment to excellence in education and innovation.
87% of Students are satisfied with their experience at BSBI.
BSBI is accredited by academic partners: UNINETTUNO, UCA, CUC, and the University of Roehampton. The students are trained for a changing business world and professional success. BSI is an international-level business school that provides renowned academic excellence.
Students learn Business Analytics, Design Thinking, and Artificial Intelligence, from Industry-integrated instructors to gain a global perspective.
Address | BSBI – Berlin School of Business and Innovation GmbH, Alte Post Karl-Marx-Straße, 12043 Berlin Germany |
Year Founded | 2017 |
Duration of MBA course | 2 years |
Programs offered | MBA Global, CUC MBA |
Phone number | +49 3058 584 0959 |
Official Site | BSBI – Berlin School of Business and Innovation | Study in Germany (berlinsbi.com) |
Exams required | GMAT, GRE, IELTS |
10. IU International University of Applied Sciences
IU is a German State-accredited university. All our study programs are globally recognized under EU standards, and designed for a career-focused education. Study specialist knowledge, and build in-depth business expertise. Students develop management skills to lead top international positions.
Address | Frankfurter Allee 73a, Berlin, Germany |
Year Founded | 1998 |
Duration of MBA course | 1 To 2 years |
Programs offered | Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Management, E-Sports Management, Engineering Management, Finance & Accounting, Healthcare Management, Human Resource Management, IT Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, International Marketing, Salesforce & Sales Management, Supply Chain Management |
Phone number | +49 2224 9605108 |
Official Site | Study 100% online (iu.org) |
Exams required | GMAT, GRE, IELTS |
MBA in Germany Requirements
- Certificate in undergraduate and postgraduate study.
- Aptitude Tests or Online assessments in some universities
- GMAT score required 600 or higher
- 5 Advanced Placement exams in some courses
- The university entrance examination is the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB).
- Your English proficiency test scores like IELTS or TOEFL
Document Checklist for Germany
- Academic Documents
- Previous college or school leaving certificates.
- Application Form
- Copy of passport
- Passport size photo
- Letter of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- TOEFL/IELTS score
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- GMAT/GRE scorecard
- Germany Proficiency Certificate (if required)
- Work Experience (if any)
- Akademische Prüfstelle – APS certificate for Indian, Chinese, or Vietnamese qualifications.
- Proof of funds- an international student needs €11,904 per year to cover their expenses
- German Health Insurance for Non-EU students
Cheapest MBA Programs in Germany
University | Fees |
Technical University of Munich | €4,000-€6,000 per year ( ₹3.48 – ₹5.22 lakhs) |
RWTH Aachen University | €30 per semester ( ₹2,613) |
Humboldt University of Berlin | €315.64 per semester ( ₹27,444) |
University of Mannheim | €42,500 per year (₹37.02 lakhs) |
University of Ulm | €148 per semester ( ₹12,717) |
University of Kiel | €267.30 per semester (₹24,213) |
Ludwig Maximilian University Munich | €140 per semester (₹12,682) |
Goethe University Frankfurt | Tuition-free, only semester fees |
Ruhr University Bochum | Tuition-free, only semester fees |
University of Stuttgart | Tuition-free, only semester fees |
MBA Colleges in Germany Without GMAT Requirements
University | Program | Fees |
Cologne Business School | MA in International Management, MSc in Business Administration | €5100 |
Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Executive MBA (EMBA) in Innovation and Business Creation | €4,000 – €6,0001 |
Berlin School of Economics and Law | MBA | €98,000 |
University of Kiel | MBA in Business Management | €1,500 |
Best MBA Programs in Germany Without Work Experience
University | Program | Fees |
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management | MBA | € 38,000 |
Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Executive MBA in Business & IT | €39,000 |
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) | MBA in International Management | €36,000 |
Mannheim Business School | Part-Time MBA | € 39,500 |
University of Stuttgart | MBA in International Business | €30,000 |
Top MBA Specializations for Indian Students
1. Consulting and Strategy Management
Strategy consulting is about advising companies on business plans and decisions by providing strategic consulting services.
- Tuition fees in Germany are starting from €7000 in Private colleges like ESMT Berlin.
- Relevant Profiles: Strategic Business Manager
2. General Management
A general MBA delineates the fundamentals of business management, inclusive of marketing, finance, strategy, and operations.
- Tuition fees for a General MBA in Germany cost between €30,000 per annum.
- Job profiles: Business Manager, Operations Manager, Management Consultant
3. International Business
This focus of MBA targets a high concentration on global business strategies, rules of international trade, and cultural differences and perspectives with management.
- Total Tuition fees are starting from around €10,000.
- Job profiles: International Marketing Manager, International Trade Specialist, and Global Supply Chain Manager.
4. Accounting
An MBA in Accounting highlights financial and reporting audit and taxation regulations.
- Tuition Fees is starting from € 6000.
- Job Profiles: Financial Analyst, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Auditor.
5. Banking
This specialty highlights banking operations, risk and financial services. As well as focusing and catering to those individuals of an aspiring career in banking or cross-roads seeking to expand their knowledge of risk and financial institutions or services.
- Tuition fees are €20,000 – €45,000 annually.
- Job profiles: Investment Banker, Credit Analyst, Bank Manager.
6. Economics
An MBA in Economics focuses on the well-established body of economic theory, policy analysis, investment, and other rigorous research methodologies, which provides students with the necessary skills required to tackle and stand in for and/or support analytical thinking needed in rigorous research and thought analysis.
- Tuition Fees are between €9,000 – €40,000 annually.
- Job profiles: Economic Consultant, Policy Analyst, Market Research Analyst.
7. Finance
This concentration highlights financial planning, investment management issues and concepts, and corporate finance.
- Tuition Fees are between €10,000 – €50,000.
- Job profiles: Financial and or Chief Financial Manager; Investment Analyst; Portfolio Manager.
8. Taxation
MBA in Taxation covers tax laws, tax planning, and compliance, preparing students to address difficult tax situations and provide strategic tax advice.
- Tuition Fees: €10,000 to €50,000 per year.
- Job profiles: Tax Advisor, Tax Manager, and Tax Consultant.
9. Public Sector Management
MBA in Public Sector Management centers on public administration, public policy analysis, and government operations, which prepares students for the economic and social realities of leadership and effectiveness while working in public sector organizations.
- Tuition Fees start from €10000.
- Job profiles: Public Administrator, Policy Analyst, and Government Affairs Manager.
10. Business Management
The MBA program emphasizes business management where the curriculum may include strategic management, organizational behavior, and leadership if one is seeking to move into senior management positions.
- Tuition Fees start from €8000.
- Job profiles: Business Development Manager, Operations Manager, and Management Consultant.
11. Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Management will primarily focus on logistics, supply chain strategy, and procurement with emphasis on managing, evaluating, and improving supply chain functional areas of organizations.
- Tuition fees start from €10000.
- Job profiles: Supply Chain Manager, Logistics, and Procurement Manager.
12. Human Resource Management
An MBA with Human Resource Management specialization in talent management, employee relations, hiring process, and organizational leadership designed for educational professionals looking to lead in addressing talent acquisition and supporting employee relationships.
- Tuition fees start from €8000.
- Job profiles: HR Manager, Talent Acquisition Consultant, and Employee Relations Director.
13. Entrepreneurship
An MBA in Entrepreneurship equips knowledge to innovate, create new businesses, and develop sound business plans.
- Tuition fees range around €9000 and €40000.
- Job Profiles: Entrepreneur, Business Development Manager, and Startup Consultant.
14. Investment
The MBA in Investment includes investment strategies, portfolio management, and financial markets. It prepares students to seek employment in roles such as investment banking and asset management.
- Tuition fees range between €10,000 and €45,000.
- Job Profiles: Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager, and Financial Analyst.
15. Risk Management
Risk Management in an MBA program consists of identifying risks, assessing risks, and mitigating risks from an organization. This specialization covers several types of risk, including financial, operational, strategic, and compliance risk factors. Students learn risk assessment techniques, risk control strategies, and framework assessments.
- Tuition fees range between €10,000 and €30,000.
- Job Profiles: Risk Manager, Compliance Officer, Financial Analyst, and Risk Consultant.
16. Marketing
Marketing in an MBA program touches on market research, consumer behavior, branding, digital marketing, and strategic marketing planning. Students learn to develop marketing plans, respond to consumer needs, and use digital methods successfully in marketing.
- Tuition fees range from €10,000 to €30,000.
- Job Profiles: Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, Digital Marketing Specialist, and Market Research Analyst.
17. Engineering
This MBA specialization integrates engineering principles and business management. Students learn to manage engineering projects, understand technical processes, and lead other engineers into management roles.
- Tuition fees range between €15,000 and €40,000.
- Job Profiles: Engineering Manager, Project Manager, Operations Manager and Product Development Manager.
18. Business Analytics
Business Analytics focuses on many aspects of data analysis, and business statistics to assess business models through quantifiable business intelligence. Students learn to analyze data for decisions, identify trends, and provide business insights.
- Tuition fees range between €12,000 and €35,000.
- Job Profiles: Business Analyst, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Manager, and Data Scientist.
19. Healthcare Management
The MBA healthcare specialization emphasizes health institution operation, healthcare economic issues, and healthcare management. Students learn about healthcare systems, hospital management, and the regulations affecting healthcare. This is an in-demand and popular specialization.
- Tuition fees range between €10,000 to €30,000
- Job Profiles: Healthcare Administrator, Hospital Manager, Health Services Manager, and Healthcare Consultant.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the average expense for an MBA in Germany?
The price of studying for an MBA in any German-speaking country depends on the degree of the university in question. Characteristically, public universities only charge some administrative fees, which range between euro 200 to euro 1,400-approximately seventy thousand rupees to one hundred and twenty-five thousand rupees – per semester.
However, this does not apply to all colleges, as for these for-profit institutions a euro 8,000 and a euro 50,000 per annum fee would be charged to a student attending their lessons.
2. Is an MBA in Germany a good option?
One can never go wrong with his or her MA degree if he or she chooses to go to Germany. It has a booming economy, and advanced education levels, and the orientation towards research and practice is intensive. The majority of German MBA programs are evaluated and assessed at a high level and are ranked among the best in the world.
3. Which MBA specialization is popular in Germany?
Mannheim Business School, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, and ESMT Berlin are among the top institutions with the best MBA courses in Germany.
These programs have a global ranking. They exhibit a challenging study program, a qualified teaching staff, and a network of strong business interests.
4. How do I get MBA admission to public universities in Germany?
In most cases, if one is looking to pursue an MBA at any of the public universities in Germany, the following documents and requirements need to be fulfilled –
- filled application form,
- bachelor’s degree certificate,
- GMAT or GRE scores,
- English language proof (TOEFL or IELTS),
- CV
- academic references,
- statement of purpose.
Nevertheless, it’s important to observe the demands of each institution since they are not the same. Submissions are normally done via the school’s website.
5. Which are the top public universities in Germany for an MBA course?
The Technical University of Munich, the University of Mannheim, and the University of Cologne rank among the best public universities in Germany to pursue an MBA.
The aforementioned institutions are famous owing to the quality of education offered, experienced professors, and good industry ties. They have a variety of MBA programs that meet different interests and career aspirations offering students a great base for their career advancement.
6. What is the cost of living for MBA students in Germany on average?
The average cost of living for MBA students in Germany ranges from €850 to €1,200 per month (approx. ₹72,000 to ₹1 lakh)7. This covers the cost of living rent, food, transport expenses, health cover, and miscellaneous expenditures.
Living expenses may differ from location to location as is the case in most countries with bigger metropolitan areas such as Munich and Frankfurt being pricey than smaller cities. However, Germany is still better overall priced than other Western countries.
7. What are the admission requirements for an MBA in Germany for international students?
International students interested in studying for an MBA in Germany may be required to have a bachelor’s degree, a competitive GMAT or GRE score, proof of English proficiency (typically TOEFL or IELTS), a resume, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Some programs may also require work experience.
Admission requirements are different for different universities, so international students should check the specific requirements of the university they are interested in. Applications are typically submitted online through the university’s admissions portal.
8. Who is eligible for an MBA in Germany?
Eligibility for an MBA in Germany typically requires a bachelor’s degree, a good GMAT or GRE score, and proof of proficiency in English, typically by submitting a language certificate, such as TOEFL or IELTS. Some programs require work experience. Each university may have different requirements. Consequently, international students must check the specific requirements of the university to which they are going to apply.