Study Business in Germany as an International Student

Study business, economics, management or finance in Germany: top schools like Mannheim and WHU, English Master's and MBAs, GMAT/GRE, and how to apply.

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Germany is the largest economy in Europe, and its business schools and economics faculties are increasingly international. There are many English-taught Master's programmes and MBAs, public-university tuition is free or low, and a degree from a respected German business school connects you to a strong job market in management, finance, consulting, and industry.

This guide covers the leading business schools, how the English-taught and MBA routes work, where GMAT or GRE comes in, and how to apply. For the wider picture, see Study in Germany, the top universities in Germany overview, and the student visa for Germany guide.

Where business and economics are strong in Germany

The German landscape mixes large public universities with specialised private business schools. One to highlight is the University of Mannheim, which has a US-style top reputation in business and economics and is consistently regarded as one of the country's leading institutions for the field.

Public universities like Mannheim, LMU, Goethe Frankfurt, and Cologne generally charge little or no tuition, while private schools such as WHU and ESMT charge substantial fees. Weigh the cost against the programme, network, and career support before deciding.

English-taught Master's and MBAs

At Master's level, English-taught business programmes are common across both public universities and private schools, covering management, finance, economics, marketing, and specialised areas like supply chain or data-driven management. MBAs in Germany are mostly offered by the private business schools and are taught in English, aimed at applicants with prior work experience. At Bachelor's level, more business teaching happens in German, though English-taught options exist, so check each programme.

For business especially, look past the brochure at outcomes and access: which companies recruit on campus, how strong the alumni network is in your target sector, and whether the programme includes internships or exchanges. These shape your career more than the degree title.

Where GMAT or GRE comes in

Admissions requirements vary a lot by programme. Some competitive Master's and most MBAs ask for a GMAT or GRE score, while many public-university Master's do not require either and instead weigh your Bachelor's grades, relevant coursework, and a motivation letter. MBAs typically also expect several years of work experience.

Do not assume every German business Master's needs a GMAT, and do not assume none do. Requirements differ by programme and can change year to year, so check the exact admissions criteria, including any GMAT/GRE and work-experience expectations, on the specific school's page before you apply.

How to apply

• Check recognition first. For many public universities, international applicants apply through uni-assist, which evaluates foreign qualifications. See uni-assist.de. Private schools often run their own application process directly.
• For a Master's, you generally need a relevant Bachelor's, transcripts, English proof, a CV, a motivation letter, and sometimes a GMAT or GRE score.
• For an MBA, expect to provide work experience, a strong CV, essays, references, and usually a GMAT or GRE score.
• Watch deadlines. Public-university Master's often centre on the winter-semester intake with windows closing months earlier, while private schools and MBAs may have several rounds. Confirm dates with each institution.

The job market

Germany's economy supports strong demand in consulting, finance (notably around Frankfurt), industry management, marketing, and increasingly data-driven business roles. International graduates can usually apply for a residence permit to stay and look for work after their degree; check current rules in our student visa for Germany guide and on daad.de. German language ability widens your options considerably for many domestic roles, even where your degree was taught in English.

If you prefer an English-taught business path elsewhere in Europe, compare Study Business in Italy.

Prepare your application

For business applications, internships, and MBA admissions, a polished CV is essential, and many schools and recruiters expect a specific format. Build a free, ATS-ready resume with Prezumi's resume templates, check it with our free ATS resume checker, and generate a free Europass CV in the format many German and European institutions expect.

FAQ

Can I study business in Germany in English?

Yes. English-taught business Master's and MBAs are common at both public universities and private schools. More Bachelor's business teaching is in German, though English options exist. Confirm the language of instruction on each programme's page and via the DAAD database.

Which German universities are best for business?

The University of Mannheim has a top, US-style reputation in business and economics, alongside LMU Munich, Goethe Frankfurt, and Cologne among public universities, and WHU and ESMT Berlin among private schools. The best fit depends on whether you want a low-cost public route or a private school's network and career support.

Do I need the GMAT to study business in Germany?

It depends on the programme. Some competitive Master's and most MBAs require a GMAT or GRE, while many public-university Master's do not and instead weigh grades and a motivation letter. Always check the exact admissions criteria on the school's page.

Is studying business in Germany free?

At public universities like Mannheim, LMU, Goethe Frankfurt, and Cologne, tuition is generally free or low, with only a semester contribution, though Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students a fee. Private schools such as WHU and ESMT charge substantial tuition. Check current costs on daad.de.

Do I need work experience for a German MBA?

MBAs in Germany, mostly offered by private business schools, typically expect several years of professional work experience along with a GMAT or GRE score, essays, and references. Specialised Master's usually do not require work experience. Confirm requirements with the specific school.

What is the job market like for business graduates in Germany?

Demand is strong in consulting, finance around Frankfurt, industry management, and data-driven business roles. International graduates can usually apply for a residence permit to stay and find work, and German language ability widens domestic options. See our student visa for Germany guide.

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