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MBA in Germany for International Students - WHU MBA

WHU’s Full Time MBA program is among the top contenders when examining options for an MBA in Europe, especially for international students who want to study in Germany. Let us evaluate what makes this program excellent.



You are positioned at Europe’s economic powerhouse, Düsseldorf by pursuing the WHU MBA. This vibrant city plays host to a number of global companies and has a thriving start-up ecosystem which forms an ideal backdrop for future business leaders.


The term completes the program on time but it is comprehensive. WHU has established an innovative Start-Grow-Sustain framework that offers a well-rounded business education, by giving its students such mindsets and skills that will enable them occupy senior management positions. A unique characteristic here is the international module, with visits to Kellogg School of Management and onsite projects across Europe which offer unmatched global exposures.


How is WHU for MBA in Germany for International Students?


Concerning costs, €47,500 tuition fee corresponds to substantial investment. However, it should be noted that this payment covers everything from books, accommodation during overseas trips as well as even German language classes. Additionally, there are discounts for early registration provided by WHU thereby providing opportunities for cost-cutting measures for applicants who apply on time.


A small class size of approximately 45 students facilitates personalized learning and close-knit ties among diverse groups of foreign professionals at WHU.


The Career Center at number 1 ranked WHU deserves special mention due to its holistic approach rather than traditional services focusing only on career support.


An additional advantage available for foreign scholars is represented by 18 month postgraduate job-seeking visas within European countries thus allowing enough time for job-hunting additionally in Europe.


WHU’s Full-Time MBA programme imparts highly transformative educational experiences that push candidates’ limits; it is also an excellent option when looking to raise one’s level of business acumen while networking globally and preparing oneself well for leadership roles within international settings.


It would be worthwhile for potential students to conduct thorough investigations into the offerings at WHU. Apart from its good credentials in academics, a global perspective and strategic positioning, WHU is well suited for those who are looking to study an MBA in Germany.


Comprehensive overview of the WHU MBA in Germany for International Students:


WHU Full-Time MBA Program Overview


1. Program Basics:

- Duration: 12 months

- Language of Instruction: English

- Location: Düsseldorf, Germany

- Degree: Master of Business Administration (MBA)

- Next Intake: September 2024

- Number of Intakes: One per year (September)


2. Accreditations and Rankings:

WHU MBA Accreditations: EQUIS, AACSB, and FIBAA

WHU Rankings:

Rank 1 - Full-Time MBA in Germany (Financial Times)

Rank 1 - Business School in Germany (Financial Times)

Rank 1 - ranked Career Center in Germany (Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2024)


WHU's rankings in the Financial Times MBA Ranking 2024:


WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management has achieved a global rank of 63 in the FT MBA Ranking 2024. This represents an improvement from its rank of 74 in 2022 and 68 in 2023, showing a positive trend.


Key highlights include:

  1. Weighted salary: US$123,487

  2. Salary percentage increase: 75%

  3. Alumni network rank: 18

  4. International mobility rank: 16

  5. International students: 92%

  6. Careers service rank: 36

  7. Employed at three months: 81% (96%)

  8. Value for money rank: 64

  9. ESG and net zero teaching rank: 30

  10. Sector diversity rank: 15

  11. International course experience rank: 32

  12. Overall satisfaction: 9.05 out of 10


Other notable points:

  • Faculty with doctorates: 100%

  • International faculty: 34%

  • Female students: 38%

  • Female faculty: 35%

  • International board: 22%

  • Women on board: 33%


3. Program Structure:

- 60 ECTS Credits

- Curriculum based on Start-Grow-Sustain framework

- Foundations: Strategy, Financial Accounting, Marketing

- Core Modules: Entrepreneurship, Economics, Statistics, Data Science & AI, Operations, Finance, Governance, Sustainability, Innovation, Managerial Accounting

- Elective Courses

- Final MBA Project (Company Project, Research Paper, or Business Plan)


4. International Experience:

- 30 days of immersive international courses

- 6 days USA module at Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

- 6 days European Course Experience

- 12 days Social Entrepreneurship Project in Europe

- 6 days Leadership Credo in Europe


5. Eligibility and Admission Requirements:

- Undergraduate degree (Bachelor or equivalent)

- Minimum of two years postgraduate work experience

- One letter of recommendation from a former or current supervisor or professor

- Excellent Fit Assessment: GMAT, GRE, WHU Admissions Test, or alternative

- Proof of English proficiency (test score or alternative)


6. Application Process:

- Submit all documents online

- One or more interviews via video call or in person

- Final decision within two weeks of the interview


7. Application Deadlines:

- For non-EU applicants who require a visa: May 31

- For everyone else: July 15

- Early Bird Discounts:

September 30: €6,000 off fees

November 30: €5,000 off fees

January 31: €4,000 off fees

March 31: €3,000 off fees


8. Cost:

- Tuition for September 2024 Intake: €47,500

- Includes all books and materials, accommodation and half board during the 30 days of international course experience, integrated German language classes


9. Class Profile:

- Average age: 29 years

- Class size: 40-50 students

- International students: approximately 80%

- Average work experience: 5 years

- Female students: approximately 40%


10. Key Benefits:

- Develop a global business mindset

- Become an influential and effective leader

- Maximize career impact

- Benefit from lifelong learning

- Develop a strong professional network for life

- Personalized leadership development

- Top-ranked MBA Career Center support

- Free access to MBA courses and workshops on campus after graduation


11. Career Services:

- MBA Career Center provides individual support

- Triple M Career Roadmap: Me (Know Yourself), Market (Know the Market), Match (Match Yourself & the Market)


12. Additional Features:

- Customized Personal Development workshops

- Management Practice Workshops

- German Language Courses

- Social Entrepreneurship Project

- Leadership Credo


13. Post-Graduation Opportunities:

- Germany offers international graduates an 18-month job-seeker's visa

- Opportunities in German companies and thriving start-up scenes


MBA in Germany for International Students FAQ




The cost of an MBA in Germany varies depending on the institution and program. Based on the information provided about WHU, their Full-Time MBA program costs €47,500 for the September 2024 intake. This is fairly representative of top MBA programs in Germany, though costs can range from around €30,000 to €50,000 or more for premier programs. Public universities may offer less expensive options, while private institutions and top-ranked programs tend to be more costly.




Eligibility criteria for MBA programs in Germany typically include:

  • A bachelor's degree or equivalent

  • Work experience (usually 2-3 years minimum)

  • English language proficiency

Specifically for WHU's Full-Time MBA, the requirements include:

  • An undergraduate degree (Bachelor or equivalent)

  • A minimum of two years postgraduate work experience

  • One letter of recommendation

  • Proof of English proficiency

  • Passing their "Excellent Fit Assessment" (which can be GMAT, GRE, WHU Admissions Test, or an alternative)




Yes, many MBA programs in Germany are offered entirely in English to cater to international students. WHU's Full-Time MBA, for example, is conducted entirely in English. This is common among top business schools in Germany to attract a diverse, global student body.




The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is often required for MBA programs in Germany, but it's not always mandatory. Many schools offer alternatives or waivers under certain conditions.


In the case of WHU, they have an "Excellent Fit Assessment" requirement which can be satisfied by:

  • GMAT

  • GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

  • WHU Admissions Test


This flexibility is becoming more common among German business schools, recognizing that the GMAT may not be the only way to assess a candidate's potential.


Don’t miss the opportunity to join a world-class MBA program in Germany. Contact GOALisB today and let us help you make an informed decision about your future at WHU.

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