Germany is a popular destination for international students seeking a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
MBA graduates in Germany have high employability and diverse career paths. With numerous excellent colleges to choose from, it can be challenging to decide where to begin.
In this article, we will discuss the Best MBA Colleges in Germany in 2024 Private & Public, each offering stellar academic rigor, industry connections, and the potential to launch your dream career.
Best Public MBA Colleges in Germany
The best public MBA colleges in Germany include:
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
TUM School of Management is a top pick for MBA students who want a great education in Germany. It’s part of the Technical University of Munich and teaches modern management skills that are needed for today’s jobs.
If you’re interested in technology, their Executive MBA program is perfect. You’ll learn from big companies around the world, which will help you get ahead in the tech industry.
Overview:
| University Type | Public business school (part of the Technical University of Munich) |
| Location | Munich, Germany |
| Tuition Fees | €28,000–€32,000 per year (varies by program) |
| Popular Programs | Master in Management, Master in Management & Technology, MBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Master in Finance and Information Management Master in Strategy and Leadership |
| Entry Requirements | Bachelor’s degree in any field, strong academic record, evidence of quantitative skills, TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable), and GMAT/GRE scores (optional for some programs) |
Overall, the TUM MBA program is a great option for students who are looking for a challenging and rewarding program that will prepare them for a successful career in business.
University of Mannheim Business School
Mannheim University’s Business School MBA program is always recognized for its great value by the Financial Times. This one-year program can be extended by three months if needed.
During the MBA, students can enhance their learning by getting extra qualifications like the Management Analytics Certificate, studying at other schools worldwide, doing internships, or improving their language abilities.
Overview:
| University Type | Public |
| Location | Mannheim, Germany |
| Tuition Fees | €25,000 per semester for international students (average) |
| Popular Programs | Mannheim Master in Management (MMM) Master in Management and Economics, Master in Finance Master in Entrepreneurship and Innovation |
| Entry Requirements | A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, strong academic performance, English language proficiency, GMAT/GRE scores (may be optional for some programs), and relevant work experience (may be preferred for some programs) |
University of Cologne
The University of Cologne is one of the oldest and largest universities in Germany, founded in 1388. It is one of the leading German research universities with an increasing reputation for maintaining the highest standards in education and training for students and young academics.
The University of Cologne Business School is highly respected both in Germany and internationally, making it a top pick for MBA studies. Graduates from this school are well-regarded in the job market, which leads to great career prospects.
Overview:
| University Type | Public university business school |
| Location | Cologne, Germany |
| Tuition Fees | Program-dependent (typically €20,000–€40,000) |
| Popular Programs | Executive MBA (EMBA), Certificate Programs in various business areas (e.g., Leadership, Finance, Marketing), Open Courses |
| Entry Requirements | Varies depending on the program; the EMBA program requires 5+ years of professional experience, a strong academic background, GMAT or GRE scores, and a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) |
Best Private MBA Colleges in Germany
The best private MBA colleges in Germany include:
Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI)
The Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI) is a private business school located in Berlin, Germany. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including a Global MBA.
The school is known for its focus on combining theory with practice to keep students up-to-date with the latest industry trends. BSBI is part of Global University Systems, a for-profit education company.
The school aims to prepare students for impactful global careers and is committed to providing accessible and quality education to cultivate future industry leaders.
Overview:
| University Type | Private, for-profit business school |
| Location | Berlin, Germany |
| Tuition Fees | €12,900–€18,900 per year (varies by program) |
| Popular Programs | Global MBA MBA MA in International Tourism and Hospitality Management MA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship MA in Digital Marketing & E-Commerce |
| Entry Requirements | A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, an English proficiency test score (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL), and work experience may be required for some programs. |
GISMA Business School
GISMA’s MBA program teaches you important skills for managing businesses, like planning, finances, and handling people.
It’s known as one of Germany’s best MBA schools. You can choose how to do your MBA: in-person for one year, part-time for two years in Potsdam, or fully online.
Overview:
| University Type | Private |
| Location | Main campus in Potsdam, Germany; branch campus in Berlin, Germany |
| Tuition Fees | €16,000–€31,500 per year (varies by program) |
| Popular Programs | Global MBA (AMBA-accredited) MS Business Management MS International Business Management MS Leadership for Digital Transformation |
| Entry Requirements | Bachelor’s degree in any field, minimum 3 years of work experience for Global MBA, and TOEFL/IELTS scores |
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management
WHU’s MBA program is considered the best in Germany by the Financial Times. It’s one of the world’s top business schools.
The program is tough but gives you real-life experience too. You’ll learn from different teachers and professionals, and you’ll do things like solve real company problems and listen to talks from important people. Plus, you can pick classes that suit your future job plans.
Overview:
| University Type | Private business school |
| Location | Vallendar and Düsseldorf, Germany |
| Tuition Fees | €28,000–€48,000 per year (varies by program) |
| Popular Programs | MBA Master of Science in Management Executive MBA Master of Financial Management |
| Entry Requirements | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, strong GMAT/GRE scores, and 3+ years of work experience |
European School of Management and Technology (ESMT)
ESMT’s MBA program in Germany is highly respected. They teach you about regular business stuff but also about new technology and how businesses work globally.
You’ll learn to be a leader in a fast-changing world. They have different classes you can choose from, like Strategic Leadership or Innovation and Entrepreneurship, to focus on what you like best.
Overview:
| University Type | Private, non-profit business school |
| Location | Berlin, Germany |
| Tuition Fees | €32,000–€55,000 (varies by program) |
| Popular Programs | Master in Management (MIM) Master in Global Management (MiGM) Master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MiIE) Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) |
| Entry Requirements | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, strong academic record, GMAT or GRE scores (may be waived for some programs), work experience (may be required for some programs), and English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) |
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management
HHL Leipzig is a really good business school, not just in Germany but all over the world. Their MBA program is special because it teaches about new business ideas, especially in digital stuff, and adapting to changes in the market.
They work with lots of other universities globally, so you can study in different places. After finishing, students usually earn much more money, showing the program helps them get good jobs.
Overview:
| University Type | Private business school |
| Location | Leipzig, Saxony, Germany |
| Tuition Fees | €25,000–€35,000 per year (varies by program) |
| Popular Programs | Full-time Master in Management (MS) Full-time Master in Entrepreneurship Part-time Master in Management Full-time Master in Management |
| Entry Requirements | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, strong academic record, proficiency in English (TOEFL or IELTS scores), work experience (may be required for some programs), motivational letter, and interview |
Frankfurt School of Management
The Masters in Management program at Frankfurt School is ranked 3rd by the Financial Times. It’s not just about earning a degree; it’s about personal and professional growth.
You’ll connect with professionals worldwide and receive career guidance from experienced coaches. This program prepares you for a successful career and helps you improve as a person.
Overview:
| University Type | A private university with the right to award doctorates |
| Location | Frankfurt, Germany |
| Tuition Fees | Varies depending on the program, but typically €20,000–€35,000 per year |
| Popular Programs | MBA programs (full-time and part-time), Master in Management, Master in Finance, Master in Data Analytics and Management, and Master in Auditing |
| Entry Requirements | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, work experience (required for some programs), strong GMAT/GRE scores (optional for some programs), and English language proficiency |
ESCP Business School – Berlin Campus
The Berlin campus of ESCP Business School is recognized as one of the most prestigious and leading business schools in Germany.
It is a state-recognized university that regularly occupies top spots in both national and international rankings. The school’s MBA program covers all functional areas of management and provides a rich multicultural experience due to its internationality.
Overview:
| University Type | Private business school |
| Location | Berlin, Germany |
| Tuition Fees | €25,000–€45,000 per year (depending on the program) |
| Popular Programs | Master in Digital Marketing and Business Analytics Master in Management (MiM) Master in Entrepreneurship and Innovation |
| Entry Requirements | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, work experience (required for some programs), strong GMAT/GRE scores (optional for some programs), and English language proficiency |
FAQs
Q1: Is Germany good for an MBA?
- Germany is a fantastic place to do an MBA. There are lots of different business schools to pick from.
Q2: How much does an MBA cost in Germany?
- Studying for an MBA at a top university in Germany can cost different amounts. If you go to a public university, it might be free or cheaper. But if you choose a private university, it could cost up to 32,000 EUR or more.
Q3: Is an MBA in Germany free?
- Usually, getting an MBA in Germany isn’t free because many of the best MBA colleges are private. However, some public universities in Germany don’t charge any tuition fees for their MBA programs.
