Top 10 Best Business Schools in Germany in 2024
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Germany’s business schools consistently rank among the world’s finest, attracting ambitious students eager to excel in global markets.
From the bustling streets of Berlin to the historic charm of Munich, these institutions are known for offering top-notch education, renowned professors, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
Study in Germany: Find Bachelors & Masters in Business
If you want to get a Business degree from a top school, university rankings are the first step you should consider. Of course other aspects such as fees, location or partnerships are also relevant. But with a degree from a top-ranking German institution, you can rest assured that you will end up securing job positions aligned with your career aspirations.
One of the most popular rankings is released every year by the Financial Times (FT). In the most recent edition, the following institutions were based in Germany or had branch campuses in the country:
| Rank in Germany | Rank in Europe | Business school |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | IESE Business School |
| 2 | 4 | ESCP Business School |
| 3 | 16 | WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management |
| 4 | 17 | Mannheim Business School |
| 5 | 19 | ESMT Berlin |
| 6 | 26 | Frankfurt School of Finance and Management |
| 7 | 65 | HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management |
| 8 | 71 | University of Cologne |
| 9 | 81 | EBS Business School |
| 10 | 82 | TUM School of Management |
In addition to the list above, there are several other reputed institutions worth considering for international students seeking quality business education in Germany:
The Master in Management (MiM) degree has gained significant popularity as an excellent alternative to an MBA, with many German business schools providing nowadays this programme among their portfolio. In the latest QS ranking for this subject, the following schools emerged as the top options:
| Rank in Germany | Business school |
|---|---|
| 1 | WHU (Otto Beisheim) |
| 2 | University of Mannheim, Business School |
| 3 | TUM School of Management |
| 4 | EBS Business School |
| 5 | Frankfurt School of Finance & Management |
| 6 | ESMT Berlin |
| 7 | HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management |
| 8 | EU Business School |
Looking for Master’s degree in Finance? German business schools frequently score among the top on the QS subject ranking. Here are the top 5:
| Rank in Germany | Business school |
|---|---|
| 1 | WHU (Otto Beisheim) |
| 2 | EBS Business School |
| 3 | Frankfurt School of Finance & Management |
| 4 | EU Business School |
| 5 | Goethe Business School |
The last QS ranking finds only one business school to be the best choice to get a Marketing Master in Germany:
| Rank in Germany | Business school |
|---|---|
| 1 | EU Business School |
While most English-taught Business programmes in Germany are at the Master’s level, there is a growing selection of Bachelor programmes to choose from, especially at private institutions.
Bachelors in Business Administration in Germany typically last 3, 3.5 or 4 years (and with 180 to 240 ECTS, respectively). The longer ones often include a term dedicated to doing a mandatory internship or placement that will allow you to gain hands-on experience and make valuable connections at German companies.
Tuition-free options at public universities are rare and competitive to get accepted into. Annual tuition fees for Business Bachelors in Germany are typically around €5,000 to €20,000 per year at private institutions.
Accreditation ensures that institutions meet rigorous quality standards and provide recognized degrees, which can greatly impact students’ academic and professional prospects.
In Germany, business schools typically pursue accreditation from reputable organizations such as AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA. Those accredited by all three are referred to as the “Triple Crown”. In Europe, only the United Kingdom and France are home to more triple-accredited schools than Germany.
In addition to seeking accreditation from these global bodies, students should also check if the school is recognized by the state to confer their own degrees, or if not, which universities they have partnered with for this.
For international students, choosing an accredited business school offers several advantages. It not only assures the quality and legitimacy of the degree obtained, but also increases employability since most employers worldwide recognize and value degrees from these institutions.
Study in Germany: Find accredited Bachelors & Masters
While Germany is renowned for its tuition-free education at public universities, business schools, particularly private institutions and certain specialized programmes, do have tuition fees. However, compared to their counterparts in other countries, these fees are often cheaper and can be offset by scholarships or part-time work opportunities. Also, if you stay to live and work in Germany after graduation, you will likely be able to deduct at least part of the fees from your taxable income.
For instance, tuition fees for international students pursuing an MBA or Master’s programmes at renowned institutions like EU Business School or ESMT Berlin typically range from €10,000 to €40,000 per year. These fees may seem really expensive at first glance, but they often include additional benefits such as access to state-of-the-art facilities, career services, and networking events.
Moreover, many German business schools actively support their students in securing financial aid through scholarships and grants. These opportunities are not only based on academic merit but also on factors such as diversity, leadership potential, and financial need. Therefore, international students should always make sure to research out to the admissions team and explore the various funding options available to them.
Study.eu Tip: Considering the low cost of living in many German cities compared to other European destinations, students can manage their expenses more efficiently while enjoying a high quality of life. However, if you are a non-EU student, make sure to learn about “blocked bank accounts” since they are a crucial financial aspect required as part of the visa application process.
Graduating from a German business school opens doors to a world of employment opportunities, both within Germany and beyond.
One main advantage of studying in Germany is the country’s strong economy and thriving job market, offering a wide range of high-paying positions across various industries. Moreover, its welcoming policies for international talent, such as the Job Seeker Visa, allow graduates to explore job opportunities and extend their stay in the country after completing their studies.
But do I need to speak German to find a job in Germany? No. Most of the international companies that operate in the country conduct their business primarily in English, so students have the possibility to get a good salary without speaking fluent German. However, as always, learning the country’s language certainly enhances job prospects for graduates and makes the whole experience aborad easier.
Many German business schools such as Lancaster University Leipzig consider this fact and offer language courses, as well as prioritize practical experience and industry connections through internships and cooperative education programmes. These initiatives not only enrich students’ learning experiences but also provide valuable pathways to employment upon graduation.
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