- The Technical University of Munich Executive MBA in Business and IT costs EUR 42,900 for four semesters and needs no GMAT
- Most German public universities charge no tuition, only a semester fee of about EUR 150 to 350, while the state of Baden-Wurttemberg charges non-EU students EUR 1,500 per semester
- For a student visa, applicants must show about EUR 11,904 a year (EUR 992 per month) in a blocked account.
Germany attracts a steady stream of international students thanks to its world-class facilities, strong industry links, and low or no tuition fees. For MBA aspirants, another advantage stands out: many German universities and business schools admit applicants without a GMAT score.
Instead of a standardised test, these institutions weigh your bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, statement of purpose, and interview. That opens the door to affordable, high-quality management education for students who would rather skip the GMAT.
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Several German universities admit MBA and management master's applicants without a GMAT score, relying on your bachelor's degree, work experience, and interview instead. Options include the Technical University of Munich, LMU Munich, University of Kiel, University of Tubingen, University of Stuttgart, and private schools such as Cologne Business School and Accadis Hochschule Bad Homburg.
- Technical University of Munich
- Ludwig Maximilian University Munich (LMU)
- University of Kiel
- University of Tubingen
- University of Stuttgart
- Accadis Hochschule Bad Homburg
- Akademie Wurth Business School
- Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin)
- Cologne Business School (CBS)
- Dresden International University
Technical University of Munich
The Technical University of Munich is among the best universities in Europe, with campuses in Garching, Freising-Weihenstephan, and Munich. Its Executive Education Center runs part-time Executive MBA programmes, including the Executive MBA in Business and IT, offered jointly with the University of St. Gallen.
Whether you come from an engineering or a management background, the programme builds the entrepreneurial and leadership skills needed to stand out in industry. The Executive MBA in Business and IT runs over four semesters and does not require a GMAT score for admission.
Other Universities and Business Schools
LMU Munich offers a research-focused Master of Business Research and an MSc in Economics. The University of Kiel provides an MBA alongside master's degrees in Quantitative Finance and Economics, while the University of Tubingen runs an MSc in International Business and the University of Stuttgart an MSc in Business Administration.
On the private side, Accadis Hochschule Bad Homburg, Akademie Wurth Business School, the Berlin School of Economics and Law, Cologne Business School, and Dresden International University all offer English-taught MBA or management programmes with international student communities and strong partner-university networks.
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Costs vary widely by institution. Public universities charge little or no tuition, only a semester contribution of roughly EUR 150 to 350. Baden-Wurttemberg charges non-EU students EUR 1,500 per semester. Private and executive programmes cost far more; the Technical University of Munich Executive MBA is EUR 42,900 for the full four-semester course.
| Institution (2026) | Programme | GMAT Required? | Indicative Tuition (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | Executive MBA in Business and IT | No | EUR 42,900 total |
| LMU Munich | Master of Business Research / MSc Economics | No | No tuition; approx EUR 150 semester fee |
| University of Kiel | MBA / MSc Quantitative Finance | No | No tuition; semester fee only |
| University of Tubingen | MSc International Business | No | EUR 1,500 per semester (non-EU) |
| University of Stuttgart | MSc Business Administration | No | EUR 1,500 per semester (non-EU) + EUR 184 fee |
Beyond tuition, students must budget for living costs and prove access to sufficient funds for the student visa. The DAAD estimates monthly living costs of 900 to 1,200 euros, and non-EU applicants must show about EUR 11,904 a year, usually held in a blocked account.
What Fees Apply at Public Universities in Germany in 2026?
Germany abolished general tuition at public universities in 2014, so most charge no tuition regardless of nationality. Students still pay a semester contribution of about EUR 150 to 350 covering administration, student services, and often a public-transport pass. The exception is Baden-Wurttemberg, where non-EU students pay EUR 1,500 per semester since winter 2017/18.
The semester contribution is mandatory for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. It covers registration, student union services, and in many cities a semester ticket for local public transport, which can make the fee well worth the cost.
Executive and specialised MBA programmes are the main exception to Germany's low-fee reputation. Because they target working professionals, schools such as the Technical University of Munich charge substantial tuition, so always check the individual programme page before you apply.
Benefits of Studying AbroadRead →Why Should You Study an MBA in Germany in 2026?
Germany combines low-cost, high-quality education with a strong economy and excellent industry links. Many public universities charge no tuition, business schools rank among Europe's best, and programmes offer specialisations from finance to entrepreneurship. International students may also work part-time and stay to seek employment after graduating, making Germany an affordable, career-focused study destination.
- World-class business schools ranked among Europe's best
- A wide range of MBA specialisations and formats
- Affordable tuition and comparatively low living costs
- Strong links between universities and industry
- The right to work part-time while studying
German MBA programmes offer specialisations spanning marketing, human resources, finance, innovation and entrepreneurship, leadership, global management, healthcare management, and technology management, so you can align your degree with a specific career goal.
Can International Students Work While Studying an MBA in Germany in 2026?
Yes. Non-EU international students in Germany may work alongside their studies, traditionally up to 120 full or 240 half days per year, with the 2026 rules raising this allowance. Part-time work helps cover living costs, which the DAAD estimates at 900 to 1,200 euros a month, and builds valuable local industry experience.
Working part-time lets students gain exposure to the German job market while earning toward their expenses. Combined with strong employer demand for MBA graduates, this makes studying an MBA in Germany a practical and rewarding choice for international students.