Germany has always been a pioneer in the fields of technology, research, and innovation. It’s among the hottest destinations that attract thousands of international students for STEM subjects. However, in the past decade or so, Germany has also become extremely popular among MBA aspirants. In this article, we will have an overview of MBA in Germany – job scopes, top business schools, eligibility, cost, and duration.
MBA in Germany
Job Market, Stay Back, Top B-schools, Eligibility, Cost & Duration
Why Study in Germany?
Stable Economy
Germany is Europe’s largest economy and the fourth-largest globally. The country also boasts the headquarters of multinational companies like Adidas, Allianz, and SAP. The automotive industry is the country’s largest employer, with Volkswagen leading the way—employing 645,000 people. Germany’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with widespread testing, has been widely praised.
Globally Recognized Business Schools and MBA Curricula
Relevant MBA rankings put together by Financial Times and QS Top Universities place many German MBA schools among the world’s top 100 or 200 MBA schools.
Study modules and curricula at MBA courses in Germany are under constant revision, aiming to be leaders in teaching and research innovation. German MBA schools are highly research-based universities aiming to prepare you with the skills and knowledge required in the job market.
Low Unemployment Rate
With an unemployment rate of 3.1% — compared with 3.6% in the US and 8.5% in France — Germany boasts one of the lowest and most stable unemployment rates in the world.
In fact, during the coronavirus pandemic, hiring in the UK, Spain, and the US is down 44%, 35% and 31% from last year respectively—compared with just a 17% decrease in Germany.
International Outlook
Germany is an international destination not just for big companies, but for students and professionals too. Big multinationals have their headquarters in Germany and seek international expertise.
The German economy is dependent on international trade, and has a growing global outlook. Especially within the cities of Germany, you’ll find English widely spoken—giving it a definite edge over the likes of Italy, Spain, and France, and a big reason for attracting international workers and students.
Diverse Post-MBA Job Market
The German automotive industry is well-known for being one of the largest in Europe, let alone the world. In 2018 alone, Germany exported 4 million cars, comprising a total value of $244 billion.
Apart from the automobile industry, Germany has also become a hotbed for tech companies – IT, E-Commerce, Streaming & Entertainment, FinTech, HealthTech, Logistics, etc. Additionally, there are excellent opportunities in the Consulting, Financial Services & Pharmaceutical industries along with research scopes in academia.
Top Tech Hubs in Germany
1. Hamburg – Logistics
2. Berlin – IoT and FinTech
3. Potsdam – MediaTech
4. Dortmund – Logistics
5. Dresden Leipzig – Smart Systems and Smart Infrastructure
6. Cologne – InsurTech
7. Frankfurt – FinTech and Cybersecurity
8. Mannheim – Digital Chemistry and Health
9. Nuremberg – Digital Health
10. Karlsruhe – AI
11. Stuttgart – Future Industries
12. Munich – Mobility and Insurance Tech
Top Post-MBA Industries in Germany
Source: f1gmat.com
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Stay Back, Work Permit, and Immigration
Germany also offers pretty flexible post-study work opportunities for international (non-EU) graduates. As an international student, you will get access to an 18-month working visa once you’ve graduated, an opportunity to immediately launch your career in Germany after your studies are complete.
Work Culture
When it comes to working culture, they have a very balanced work-life culture. They practice a theory of 36 – 40 hours a week and spend the rest of the holidays with pleasure and peace and this makes Germany a most Sought place to pursue a bright career.
Immigration and Permanent Residency
Even the permanent residency rules are very flexible and immigrant-friendly. Read about the EU Blue Card rules.
According to reports, the German economy will need around 400,000 – 500,000 immigrants each year to remain competitive. This trend is supposed to continue until 2030. Currently, 25% of the people living in Germany are either immigrants or first or second-generation descendants of immigrants.
At present, Germany has got an aging population. Without immigration, the potential number of workers in Germany would decline by 40% by 2060.
Immigration is essential to Germany‘s future. We are the second-oldest country in the world and soon will experience a huge retirement wave. Our birth rates are low, so without immigration, the country will regress. At the same time, immigration fosters diversity, which in turn makes us a better country and a better society.
– Christian Dürr, Deputy Chairman of the pro-business Free Democrats’ (FDP) Parliamentary Group (as quoted on The Local).
Top Business Schools in Germany
- Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
- European school of management and technology (ESMT)
- Mannheim Business School
- Munich Business School
- BSBI – Berlin School of Business and Innovation
- WHU-Otto Beisheim Graduate school of management
- HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management
- GISMA School of Business
- HWR – Berlin School of economics and law
- University of Cologne Business School
Other top B-schools in Germany include Technical University of Munich (TUM), IESE Business School Munich, Freie University Berlin, RWTH Aachen University, Humboldt University Berlin, and Goethe University Frankfurt.
Eligibility for MBA in Germany
Broadly Speaking, to get the permit in Universities of Germany an individual should possess a Bachelors’ Degree equivalent to German Standards which means, one should hold a 3-year or 4-year Bachelors’ Degree, in respected subject streams.
Work experience (~3 years) is mandatory. A student must possess an aggregate of a minimum of 60% or above to apply for their desired University.
GMAT/GRE is mandatory along with IELTS/TOEFL scores. Typically, you will need ~650 in GMAT to get into top German B-schools.
It is always recommended that students reach out to their respective universities (international admissions team, current student & alumni) to have a clear view of the process involved for admission.
MBA in Germany Costs
| Business School | Program Fees (Euro) | Duration (Months) | Intake |
| Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | 38,000 | 12 | October |
| ESMT Berlin | 43,500 | 12 | January |
| Manheimm Business School | 39,500 | 12 | September |
| WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management | 40,500 | 12 | Sep & Apr |
| HHL Leipzig | 38,000 | 12 – 15 / 21 | Sep / Oct |
| EBS University Business School | 33,500 | 16 – 20 | Aug & Jan |
| Cologne Business School | 1,200 | 24 | Sep / Oct |
| ESCP Business School (Berlin) | 46,000 | 10 | September |
| Munich Business School | 32,000 | 12 | Sep & Mar |
Related Articles:
ESMT Berlin MBA Rankings, Class Profile, Admissions, Curriculum, Scholarships, and Placements
ESMT Berlin Admit Story for Indian Product Manager
Job Search Tips for International (Non-EU) Students in Germany and other European Countries
Life as an international student in Germany and Job after MBA
Check out Our Counsellors for One-on-One Sessions (Phone/Skype) and MBA Admissions Consulting Services.
Acknowledgment: I would like to thank Parinita Gupta for researching on the business school data.
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What will be the approximate cost(in INR) of doing an MBA in Germany in descant university in the main business city of Germany .
Is there a possibility of getting any scholarship for my MBA course.
Hi Tressica,
Depending on the university, it would be INR 18 – 30 Lacs (total program cost). ESMT, Manheim, etc. can cost up to 36 Lacs.
20 – 40% tuition fees scholarships are possible at the top universities.