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Business and economics is by far the largest field of study at private universities in Germany: over 500 programmes across 12 specialisations – from general business administration and marketing to finance, logistics and the MBA. Tuition starts at €177/month for distance learning and goes up to over €100,000 for an Executive MBA. All programmes are NC-free (no GPA-based admission restriction).
This page helps international students find the right specialisation, study format and realistic cost range for studying business in Germany.
- The 30 most popular courses of study in Economics in Germany
- How much does it cost to study business at a private university in Germany?
- Which business programmes are taught in English?
- Which specialisation is right for you?
- What qualifications do I need as an international student?
- Student visa, health insurance and working in Germany
- What do business graduates earn in Germany?
- Frequently asked questions
- Related programmes at private universities in Germany
The 30 most popular courses of study in Economics in Germany
We have a total of 521 courses in the field of Economics. The first 30 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.
Business Administration
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- 2 Comments & Questions
- English
International Business Administration
- BSP Business and Law School
- 7 Semester
- Berlin
- from 590 € monthly
- 2 Comments & Questions
- English
Business Psychology
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Wiesbaden, Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Heidelberg
- from 750 € monthly
- German
Business Administration and Business Psychology
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 7 Semester
- Hamburg
- from 221 € monthly
- German
Business Psychology
- University of Applied Management
- 3 Semester
- Ismaning bei Munich, Berlin, Hamburg
- from 595 € monthly
- German
Business Administration
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Berlin, Dusseldorf, Heidelberg, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich or Wiesbaden
- from 750 € monthly
- German
Business Psychology
- RH Cologne – University of Applied Science
- 6 Semester
- Cologne
- from 499 € monthly
- German
Business Administration
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- online
- from 299 € monthly
- German
Aviation Management
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- English
Human Resources Management
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- Hamburg, Cologne
- from 850 € monthly
- German
General Management
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- online
- from 299 € monthly
- German
General Management
- PFH Private University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Göttingen or Stade
- from 700 € monthly
- German
Business Psychology
- University of Applied Management
- 7 Semester
- Ismaning (Munich), Unna (Dortmund), Hamburg, Hannover, Berlin, Frankfurt, Mannheim, Leipzig
- from 399 € monthly
- German
Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 2 Semester
- online
- from 449 € monthly
- German or English
Master of Business Administration
- University of Europe for Applied Sciences
- 3 Semester
- Berlin, Hamburg or Iserlohn
- from 958 € monthly
- English
Business Administration
- University of Applied Management
- 7 Semester
- Ismaning (Munich), Leipzig
- from 495 € monthly
- German
Management, Philosophy and Economics
- Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
- 7 Semester
- Frankfurt am Main
- English
Business Administration
- Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
- 7 Semester
- Frankfurt am Main
- German or English
Business Administration
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences Heidelberg
- 6 Semester
- Heidelberg
- from 750 € monthly
- German
Business Administration
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Business Psychology
- SRH Fernhochschule - The Mobile University
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 199 € monthly
- German
Logistics Management
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 289 € monthly
- German
Business Psychology
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, Dusseldorf or Wiesbaden
- from 850 € monthly
- German
Change Management and Decision Making
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- online
- from 329 € monthly
- German
Taxation, Accounting, Finance
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 5 Semester
- online
- from 610 € monthly
- German
Human Resource Management
- Steinbeis University
- 6 Semester
- Berlin
- German
Business Administration
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German
How much does it cost to study business at a private university in Germany?
Tuition at German private universities is significantly lower than in the US, UK or Australia – especially for distance learning and dual programmes. The table below compares annual tuition across countries. Even the most expensive German option (a Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA at €105,000 total) costs less than a single year at many top US business schools.
Tuition compared: Germany vs. the US, UK, Netherlands and Australia
| Country | Annual tuition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Germany (private, distance) | €2,100–€8,700 | IU, DIPLOMA, AKAD, SRH – mostly German-taught |
| Germany (private, campus) | €3,200–€18,600 | CBS, ISM, Frankfurt School – some English-taught |
| Germany (private, MBA) | €10,000–€105,000 total | WHU, ESMT, HHL, Frankfurt School – mostly English-taught |
| Germany (public university) | €0–€600 | Semester fee only, NC required, German-taught |
| United Kingdom | £12,000–£40,000 (~€14,000–€47,000) | International student fees |
| United States | $30,000–$80,000 (~€28,000–€74,000) | Private university tuition |
| Netherlands | €8,000–€15,000 | Non-EU fees at private and public institutions |
| Australia | A$25,000–A$45,000 (~€15,000–€27,000) | International student fees |
Tuition by study format
Your study format is the single biggest cost driver. Distance learning is the cheapest route, dual programmes are often free for students (the employer pays), and MBA programmes form the premium segment.
| Format | Monthly tuition | Total cost | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance learning | €177–729 | €7,000–40,000 | 6–8 semesters |
| Full-time on campus | €270–1,550 | €10,000–68,000 | 6–7 semesters |
| Part-time alongside work | €245–950 | €8,000–35,000 | 7–10 semesters |
| Dual (work-integrated) | €0–950 | €7,800–31,000 | 6–8 semesters |
| MBA (premium) | €197–3,305 | €10,000–105,000 | 2–5 semesters |
Scholarships and funding for international students
German and EU students are eligible for BAföG (state financial aid). Non-EU students are generally not eligible for BAföG, but several other options exist:
- DAAD scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service funds international students across disciplines, including business
- Deutschlandstipendium: €300/month, available to all students regardless of nationality – business students are among the most frequent recipients
- University scholarships: WHU, Frankfurt School, ESMT and HHL offer merit-based and need-based scholarships specifically for international MBA and master’s students
- Employer-funded dual programmes: In dual study formats, the partner company typically covers all tuition and pays a monthly salary of €800–1,100
- Tax deduction: Tuition for a second degree (e.g. master’s after bachelor’s) is fully tax-deductible in Germany – the deduction can be carried forward to future earning years
Which business programmes are taught in English?
Around 30 programmes in the business and economics category are taught entirely or primarily in English. Most are full-time campus or dual programmes; distance learning is almost exclusively in German. If you do not speak German at C1 level, your options are concentrated at a handful of institutions.
English-taught programmes by institution
- IU International University: The broadest selection of English-taught programmes, predominantly in dual format. IU also offers English-taught distance learning (B.A. Business Administration). Campuses in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne and more.
- CBS International Business School: English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes in International Business, Digital Management and Global Finance. Campuses in Cologne and other cities.
- SRH Universities: English-taught programmes at SRH Berlin and SRH Heidelberg, including International Business and Entrepreneurship.
- accadis Hochschule Bad Homburg: International Business Administration, International Management and Marketing – all with strong English-language components. Near Frankfurt.
- WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management: Full-time MBA, Executive MBA (with Kellogg), M.Sc. Management and M.Sc. Finance – all English-taught. One of Germany’s top-ranked business schools.
- ESMT Berlin / ESCP Europe: Premium MBA and master’s programmes, fully English-taught, with strong international cohorts in Berlin.
- ISM (International School of Management): English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes at campuses in Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and other cities.
English-taught programmes by specialisation
| Specialisation | English-taught available? | Key institutions |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | Yes (limited) | IU (distance + dual), CBS, Gisma, ESMT |
| General Management | Yes (master’s level) | WHU, Frankfurt School, HHL |
| International Management | Yes (most programmes) | CBS, ISM, accadis, SRH |
| MBA | Yes (most full-time) | WHU, ESMT, Frankfurt School, HHL, ESCP, EBS, MBS |
| Marketing | Limited | CBS, ISM (Digital Marketing) |
| Finance | Yes (master’s level) | Frankfurt School, WHU, CBS |
| Human Resources | Very limited | Mostly German-taught |
| Logistics | Limited | Kühne Logistics University |
| Tourism & Event | Very limited | ISM (English modules) |
| Business Psychology | Very limited | Mostly German-taught |
| Entrepreneurship | Yes (some) | SRH Berlin, CODE |
| Sustainable Management | Limited | SRH Berlin |
International Management and MBA programmes have the strongest English-language coverage. If you are looking for a bachelor’s degree taught entirely in English, International Management and Business Administration at IU, CBS or SRH are your primary options. At master’s level, the choice widens significantly – particularly at WHU, Frankfurt School, ESMT and HHL.
Which specialisation is right for you?
Germany’s private universities organise business studies into 12 specialisations. They fall into three clusters: core business disciplines, functional specialisations and interdisciplinary programmes. Your choice determines not only your curriculum but also your starting salary, industry options and long-term career trajectory.
Core business: business administration, management and MBA
Business Administration is the largest specialisation with over 100 programmes. It provides the broadest qualification – from controlling and procurement to corporate strategy. General Management focuses more narrowly on leadership and strategic decision-making, while International Management adds an international dimension with study-abroad semesters and intercultural modules, often taught entirely in English.
The MBA is fundamentally different: it targets experienced professionals (typically 3–10 years of work experience) and combines general management knowledge with leadership training. MBA programmes are the most expensive option – up to €105,000 at WHU/Kellogg – but also deliver the highest salary premium after graduation.
Functional specialisations: marketing, finance, HR, logistics and tourism
Marketing combines creativity with data analytics and is one of the most in-demand specialisations, driven by the digital marketing boom. Finance prepares for careers in banking, controlling, tax consulting and FinTech – and ranks among the highest-paying business fields. Human Resources covers HR management and people analytics, while Logistics qualifies for supply-chain management in e-commerce and manufacturing.
Tourism & Event Management leads to careers in the hospitality and event industry – with significantly lower starting salaries than other business specialisations, but a work environment that many graduates describe as particularly varied and rewarding.
Interdisciplinary: business psychology, entrepreneurship and sustainability
Business Psychology combines psychology with business administration – ideal for market research, organisational development and HR consulting. Entrepreneurship is aimed at aspiring founders and teaches business-plan development, venture capital and agile methods alongside core business fundamentals. Sustainable Management is the newest specialisation and prepares for positions in CSR, ESG reporting and sustainability consulting – a field with rapidly growing demand.
All 12 specialisations at a glance
| Specialisation | Formats | from €/month | English-taught? | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | FT, DL, BL, D, PT | 177 | Limited | Generalists, broad career entry |
| General Management | FT, DL, D, PT | 177 | Master’s level | Leadership, strategic roles |
| International Management | FT, DL, D, PT | 219 | Yes (most) | International careers, study abroad |
| MBA | FT, DL, PT | 197 | Yes (full-time) | Experienced professionals, career change |
| Marketing | FT, DL, BL, D, PT | 177 | Limited | Digital marketing, brand management |
| Finance | FT, DL, D, PT | 219 | Master’s level | Banking, controlling, FinTech |
| Human Resources | FT, DL, BL, D, PT | 219 | Very limited | HR management, people analytics |
| Logistics | FT, DL, D | 219 | Limited | Supply chain, e-commerce, trade |
| Tourism & Event | FT, DL, BL, D, PT | 177 | Very limited | Hospitality, events, travel |
| Business Psychology | FT, DL, BL, D, PT | 177 | Very limited | Market research, HR consulting |
| Entrepreneurship | FT, DL, PT | 259 | Some | Startup founders, innovation |
| Sustainable Management | FT, DL, D, PT | 179 | Limited | CSR, ESG, sustainability consulting |
FT = Full-time, DL = Distance Learning, BL = Blended Learning, D = Dual, PT = Part-time. Prices: cheapest available programme (as of 2026).
What qualifications do I need as an international student?
All private universities in Germany are NC-free – there is no GPA-based admission restriction. However, your school-leaving certificate must be recognised in Germany. Here is how to check and what you need.
Credential recognition
Use the anabin database (maintained by the German government) to check whether your school-leaving certificate grants direct university access (Hochschulzugang) in Germany. Common international qualifications and their recognition status:
- IB Diploma: Accepted by all private universities
- A-levels (UK): Three A-levels typically satisfy the general university entrance requirement
- US high school diploma: Usually accepted with AP exams (score 3+) or SAT/ACT scores. Some universities accept it directly.
- Indian 12th Standard: Generally accepted at private universities (state universities may require a Studienkolleg foundation year)
- Other international diplomas: Check anabin.kmk.org for your specific country and qualification
Many countries also require academic transcripts to be verified through uni-assist, the central application service for international students in Germany. Private universities will tell you during the application process whether uni-assist verification is required for your case.
Language requirements
Your language requirement depends on the language of instruction:
| Programme language | Required tests | Typical minimum |
|---|---|---|
| English-taught | IELTS or TOEFL | IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–90 |
| German-taught | TestDaF or DSH | TestDaF TDN 4 (4×4) or DSH-2 (C1 level) |
| MBA (English-taught) | IELTS/TOEFL + often GMAT | IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+; GMAT 600–650+ |
For German-taught programmes: If your German is not yet at C1 level, many private universities offer preparatory German courses or accept students who reach C1 during their first semester. For MBA admission, the GMAT is required by some top schools (ESMT: 600+, WHU: 650+) but not by all – some accept GRE scores or their own admission tests instead.
Master’s and MBA admission
For master’s programmes, you need a completed bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS or equivalent). Some universities require a minimum GPA of 2.5 on the German scale (roughly equivalent to a US 3.0 or UK 2:1). For MBA programmes, most schools require 2–5 years of professional work experience in addition to a first degree. Executive MBA programmes typically require 5–10 years of experience plus a leadership role.
Student visa, health insurance and working in Germany
EU and EEA citizens need no visa to study in Germany. Non-EU students need a student visa (Studienvisum), which must be applied for at a German embassy or consulate before entering the country. Here is what you need to know.
Blocked account (Sperrkonto)
The key financial requirement for a student visa is a blocked account with €11,904 (as of 2026). This proves you can cover your living expenses for one year. You can withdraw up to €992/month from the account. The blocked account can be opened online at providers like Expatrio, Fintiba or Deutsche Bank before you arrive in Germany.
Health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Public student health insurance (through providers like TK, AOK or Barmer) costs approximately €120/month for students under 30. Students over 30 or those in private insurance pay more. You cannot enrol at a German university without proof of health insurance.
Working while studying
International students on a student visa may work 140 full days or 280 half days per year without a separate work permit (increased from 120/240 days under the 2024 Skilled Immigration Act). This is enough for part-time student jobs, internships and working-student positions (Werkstudent). Many business students work as Werkstudent in marketing, finance or consulting firms alongside their studies – this is a common and well-paid arrangement in Germany (typically €13–18/hour).
After graduation: 18-month job-seeking visa
Germany grants an 18-month job-seeking visa to graduates of German universities. During this period, you can take any job in Germany – there is no requirement that the job matches your field of study. Once you find a qualified position, you can convert to a regular work visa or apply for an EU Blue Card. Business graduates are employed across virtually every industry, which makes finding a qualifying position easier than in more specialised fields.
What do business graduates earn in Germany?
Salaries for business graduates in Germany vary significantly by specialisation. Finance and MBA graduates earn the highest starting salaries, while tourism and event management sits at the lower end. The table below shows gross annual salaries in euros across career stages.
| Specialisation | Entry level | After 5 years | After 10 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance / Controlling | ~€50,000 | ~€66,000 | ~€85,000 |
| Logistics / Supply Chain | ~€46,000 | ~€57,000 | ~€77,000 |
| Business Admin / Management (general) | ~€44,000 | ~€61,000 | ~€78,000 |
| Human Resources / HR | ~€44,000 | ~€57,000 | ~€79,000 |
| Marketing | ~€43,000 | ~€57,000 | ~€73,000 |
| Business Psychology | ~€41,000 | ~€58,000 | ~€75,000 |
| Tourism / Event Management | ~€32,000 | ~€43,000 | ~€53,000 |
| MBA (with work experience) | ~€70,000 | ~€95,000 | ~€125,000 |
Regional salary differences
Business graduates in Munich and Frankfurt earn 15–20 % above the national average – but face correspondingly higher living costs. Hamburg and Cologne offer a good balance between salary levels and affordability. In strategy consulting (McKinsey, BCG, Bain), entry salaries reach around €80,000 regardless of location. In investment banking, Frankfurt is Germany’s undisputed hub with starting salaries of €65,000–80,000.
How German salaries compare internationally
German entry salaries for business graduates (€44,000–50,000) are comparable to the UK (£28,000–35,000, roughly €33,000–41,000) and somewhat below the US ($55,000–75,000, roughly €51,000–70,000). However, Germany offers universal healthcare, up to 30 days of paid vacation, strong employment protection and significantly lower student debt – making the net financial outcome often more favourable than higher gross salaries in the US or UK.
Frequently asked questions
Most international students reach conversational German (A2–B1) within 6–12 months of arriving, provided they take a course alongside their studies. Nearly all private universities offer free or subsidised German classes for international students. Reaching B1 is enough for everyday life – shopping, doctor visits, housing contracts – and significantly improves your chances of landing internships and Werkstudent positions, which are often in German-speaking teams even at international companies. For your long-term career in Germany, B2+ German roughly doubles the number of available positions compared to English-only. If you plan to stay in Germany after graduation, investing in German early is one of the highest-return decisions you can make.
Most MBA programmes require 2–5 years of professional experience. However, some programmes accept candidates with less experience or none at all: the MBA overview page lists all options. If you have no work experience, a Master in Management (M.A. or M.Sc.) is usually the better choice – it provides similar content without the experience requirement and is significantly cheaper. You can always pursue an MBA later in your career when you have the experience to benefit from it most.
Germany’s top business schools – WHU, Frankfurt School, ESMT Berlin, HHL Leipzig – hold AACSB, EQUIS or AMBA accreditation, the same international standards as Harvard, Wharton or London Business School. They regularly appear in the Financial Times European Business School rankings. The key differences: German programmes are dramatically cheaper (even the most expensive German MBA costs less than one year at a top US school), cohorts are smaller and more international, and the focus is on the European/German job market. If your goal is to work in Germany or continental Europe, a German business school is an excellent choice. If you aim for Wall Street or the City of London specifically, a US/UK school has stronger local alumni networks.
Yes. All accredited German private universities use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), which is the standard across the European Higher Education Area (48 countries). Credits transfer straightforwardly between German institutions and to universities in France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy and other Bologna Process members. For transfers to/from the US or UK, credit recognition works on a case-by-case basis – organisations like WES (US/Canada) and UK ENIC evaluate German credentials. Erasmus+ exchange semesters at partner universities are also available at many private business schools.
Frankfurt is Germany’s financial capital – home to the ECB, Deutsche Bank and dozens of international banks, ideal for finance and banking careers. Berlin is the startup hub with a thriving entrepreneurship scene and growing consulting presence. Munich offers the highest salaries alongside major employers like BMW, Allianz and Siemens, but also the highest rents. Hamburg is strong in media, marketing and logistics (home to Europe’s third-largest port). Cologne combines a large concentration of private universities (CBS, Cologne Business School, FOM) with a diverse business landscape and lower living costs than Munich or Frankfurt.
Related programmes at private universities in Germany
Business studies overlap with several neighbouring disciplines. Depending on your interests, these programmes may also be worth exploring:
- Information Sciences – Business Informatics (Wirtschaftsinformatik): combines IT and business for careers in data analytics, ERP systems and digital transformation
- Engineering Sciences – Industrial Engineering (Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen): bridges technology and management for production, quality management and technical sales
- Legal Sciences – Business Law, compliance and tax law as legal specialisations with a business focus
- Health Sciences – Healthcare Management and hospital administration for the business side of the healthcare industry
About the Author Christian Wolf
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