Several public universities offer free MBA in Germany with no tuition fees. Each university has its eligibility criteria and application procedure as per the requirement.
Did you know that you can pursue a free MBA in Germany? You would be pleased to know that most publicly funded German universities do not charge any tuition fee. However, you need to pay an administration fee at the beginning of every academic year.
With its strong focus on technology, research, and innovation, Germany is a great study-abroad destination for international students to pursue an MBA. If you are seeking an affordable yet high-quality MBA program, read through this article to find out how you can pursue a free MBA in Germany.
Top Public Universities in Germany for MBA
We know that German public universities do not charge a tuition fee, but students should be clear that they are entitled to charge other fees like application fees, registration fees, semester fees, student passes, etc. In Germany, the duration of a semester is around 5-6 months.
The semester fee can be calculated based on the length of the course. Given below are some of the best tuition-free universities in Germany for an MBA, along with the details of semester fees charged by each of these universities:
| University | Approximate Semester Fee (In EUR) |
|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | 144 |
| University of Cologne | 250 |
| University of Kiel | 120 |
| Ludwig Maximilian University Munich | 144 |
| RWTH Aachen University | 200 |
Check This: Top Reasons to Pursue an MBA
Eligibility Criteria for Studying MBA in Germany
Germany allows students to pursue an MBA without any prior work experience. While each university has its eligibility criteria, the general criteria for studying an MBA in Germany are as follows:
- A UG degree is equivalent to a German Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline ( A 4-year degree/ A 3-year degree plus a 1-year master’s degree). Few German universities accept a 3-year bachelor's degree to study MBA.
- A valid GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL/GRE score. In Germany, applying for an MBA without a GMAT is possible since most universities only consider a valid TOEFL score.
- You should have a basic understanding of the German language. The majority of German universities offer MBA programs in English; however, a few demand German language proficiency to be eligible for admission.
- A good academic record with at least 60% marks
- Some universities might require candidates to take an entrance exam to be considered for admission.
How to Apply for an MBA in Germany?
To apply for an MBA in Germany, you need to select the institute that you wish to apply for. After selecting your school, determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements. German MBA programs usually require the following documents to be submitted as part of the application process:
- GMAT score/ Other test scores
- English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS)
- Mark sheets/ Scorecard of bachelor’s degree
- Copy of valid passport
- Letter of Recommendation (at least two)
- Statement of Purpose/Letter of Motivation/Essay
- Updated CV/Resume
Why Study MBA in Germany?
Germany offers a wide array of MBA programs and excellent career opportunities. In Germany, MBA courses and curricula are constantly reviewed, revised, and updated to meet the changing demands of the job market. To enhance the students' decision-making skills, the programs combine practical sessions with industrial exposure.
Additionally, students can select from a large pool of universities that offer affordable MBA courses with no prior work experience or GMAT scores. Students are also allowed to work part-time during their program and benefit from several scholarships.
In Germany, MBA degrees are available in various modes. Students can choose to go for a full-time MBA program which takes about 12 to 24 months to complete. Another option is a half-time study program. For candidates pursuing MBA in Germany, it is possible to get an MBA degree via different modes.
Students can opt for the MBA full-time study program, which would take between 12 to 24 months to complete. They can also choose a part-time study program, where they would work for an organization and study in the evenings or during weekends.
Students who wish to continue working during their MBA program can also take up an Executive MBA program. Under this program, there is an agreement between students and employers. Employers provide financial assistance to students as they pursue their degrees. and are also financed by them.
Lastly, students have the option of pursuing their MBA remotely via distance learning, which allows them to study from home.
Best MBA Colleges in Germany without Work Experience
Prior experience is an advantage for pursuing an MBA in Germany, as discussed in the eligibility section. Nevertheless, few MBA colleges in Germany will accept students with no previous work experience. The following are the top five universities in Germany that offer an MBA to international students who do not have professional work experience:
- Technical University of Munich
- Ludwig Maximilian University Munich
- University of Kiel
- University of Tubingen
- University of Ulm
MBA in Germany Fees for Indian Students
German MBAs are cheaper than those in other countries. It is extremely affordable for Indian students to study MBA in Germany due to the gracious education system and the opportunity to work while studying. Students can also apply for scholarships in the country that provide funding to study MBA, which will further reduce their costs.
In Germany, private universities charge specific tuition fees for MBA courses. This fee generally ranges between INR 1,21,000- INR 28,30,000 and can vary from university to university. There is no tuition fee for students attending public universities, so they only need to pay a semester fee of approximately 250 to 500 Euros every semester.
Cost of Living in Germany
Students from India can expect to pay around 10,200-12,000 EUR per year for living expenses in Germany. Living expenses will also vary depending on the university's location. Cities like Berlin and Munich, for instance, are slightly more expensive than other parts of Germany.
The table below provides a breakdown of different living expenses in Germany:
|
Category |
Costs (in US$) |
|
Food |
$205 |
|
Accommodation |
$343 |
|
Transport |
$115 |
|
Work/Study Materials |
$25 |
|
Other Expenses (Internet, Phone) |
$38 |
|
Recreational Expenses (Shopping, Entertainment) |
$50 |
Scholarships for MBA in Germany
International students can also benefit from the various scholarship programs listed on the official website of universities or at www.daad.de. The following table outlines the top scholarships for studying free MBA in Germany, along with the amount offered by each of them:
| Scholarship | Maximum Amount Per Student |
|---|---|
| BrokerFish International Student Scholarship | 1,000 USD |
| The Financial Sumo Educational Scholarship Program | 1,000 USD |
| Global Study Awards | 10,000 GBP |
| Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship | 33,800 USD |
| Go Clean Scholarship | 3,500 USD |
What after MBA?
Following the successful completion of an MBA, students can apply for an 18-month Residence Permit to look for a job related to their specialization. However, students should know that the possibility of obtaining a residence permit to work in Germany completely depends on their qualifications and the field of work.
In addition, Germany has introduced EU Blue Cards that will be issued to citizens of non-EU- countries as proof of their legal stay and employment in the country. EU Blue Cards are only available to candidates who hold a college or university degree and have proof of a signed contract with a German organization that pays a certain fixed salary.
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