MBA in Germany and What it Takes: Top Universities, Eligibility, Cost and Career

Updated on: 06 Sep 2023

Germany has become one of the top destinations for overseas students in recent years, with around 374,580 enrolments in 2018. Of the total international student population in the country, India accounts for 6%, and the number is growing. From 2017 to 2018 alone, there has been a 13% rise in the number of Indian students in Germany. When it comes to business schools in Germany, the number of inbound international students is more than 42,000!

So, What Draws Students to the Country? 

1. Germany has the lion’s share in the world economy, meaning that it is one of the strongest economies currently. 
2. It has quality universities. 
3. Popular Job Profiles after MBA
4. Minimal cost of education, especially if you choose a public university. 

These factors combine to make an MBA in Germany a favoured option.

Is an MBA from Germany a Popular Option as Compared to Other Countries? 

MBA Universities in Germany might not be as sought after as those in the U.S., but their popularity is increasing worldwide with each passing day. The same is proven by a 4.4% rise in the number of international students in Germany in recent times, while the U.S. saw only a 1.5% growth in 2018. 

Country Ranking for Studying Abroad

Source - monitor.icef.com

When it comes to Europe, Germany is the most attractive option for international students. Currently, there are five MBA Courses in Germany that rank in the Q.S. top MBA programs in the EU. Although the ranks of German business schools are lower than the ranks of the U.K. and French business schools, they are much higher than the rankings of other European universities.

What are the Benefits of Doing MBA from Germany?

Stable economy, sustainable career prospects, and the opportunity to apply for a job anywhere in the European Union is the tip of the iceberg. Choosing to study MBA in Germany comes with many other benefits.

One of the major benefits of studying in Germany is that it is much lighter on the pocket when compared to other countries. For instance, the tuition for a full-time MBA from EMST Berlin is EUR 43,500. The same program from INSEAD France will cost you almost double the amount, EUR 87,000. And if you choose public universities in Germany for an MBA, then the fee becomes practically negligible!

It is not just the relatively cheaper tuition, but the cost of living in Germany is also more affordable than that of France or the U.K. Besides, the German student exchange program, DAAD, has some very generous scholarship programs.

Nevertheless, there is a demerit too along with the many pros that Germany offers. While universities have started teaching in the English language, you are expected to have mastery over the German language to be eligible for employment. So, if you aim to work in Germany after the MBA, then you’ll have to learn to speak the language well. 

What are the Common Eligibility Criteria for MBA in Germany?

For MBA in Germany, eligibility criteria depend upon the university and the program chosen. Typically, to apply to a business school, you need:

• A Bachelor’s Degree
• Work Experience (3 years, generally)
• A GMAT or GRE Score
• A TOEFL or IELTS Score 
• Letter of Recommendation
• Letter of Motivation

Although the best German universities do use English as the language of instruction, some may ask for proficiency in the German language.

Along with these basic requirements to study in Germany for Indian students, a student visa is also necessary. The process of visa application is similar to that of most countries except for the proof of funds.

Germany requires you to put sufficient funds to cover your living expenses for a year into a blocked account. It is a mandatory practice and applies to any international student who wants to pursue higher education there.

• MBA 
• Germany 

First published date: 22 Jan 2020