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Business administration is Germany’s most popular degree programme – and the most competitive to get into at state universities, with GPA requirements as strict as 1.2 (equivalent to a US 3.8+). Private universities offer over 100 programmes NC-free: from €199/month distance learning (SRH Fernhochschule) to elite programmes at the Frankfurt School and ESMT Berlin – with around 10 fully English-taught programmes and campuses in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne and Munich.
- Overview of all Courses
- How much does business administration cost at a private university in Germany?
- Is a private business administration degree worth the investment?
- What are the admission requirements for business administration?
- How much do business graduates earn in Germany?
- Frequently asked questions about studying business administration in Germany
- Related programmes at private universities
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 113 courses in the field of Business Administration. The first 20 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 · B.A. · 6 Semester
Business Administration
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 6 Semester
Business Administration
IU International University of Applied Sciences · M.A. · 4 Semester
Business Administration
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management · B.Sc. · 7 Semester
Business Administration
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences Heidelberg · B.A. · 6 Semester
Business Administration
IU International University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 6 Semester
Business Administration
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 6 Semester
Business Administration
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester
Business Administration
RH Cologne – University of Applied Science · B.A. · 6 Semester
Business Administration
European Distance Learning University Hamburg · B.Sc. · 6 Semester
Business Administration
DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 6 Semester
Business Administration
PFH Private University of Applied Sciences · B.Sc. · 6 Semester
Business Administration
Hamburg School of Business Administration · B.Sc. · 6 Semester
Business Administration
DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester
Business Administration
PFH Private University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 8 Semester
Business Administration
SRH University · B.A. · 6 Semester
Business Administration
FOM University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester
Business Administration
BSP Business and Law School · B.Sc. · 6 Semester
Digital Management & Leadership
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences · M.Sc. · 4 Semester
Business Administration
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences · M.Sc. · 4 Semester
How much does business administration cost at a private university in Germany?
Tuition fees range from €199/month for distance learning to over €1,300/month at elite business schools. Total programme costs span from €5,220 (HFH, shortened part-time programme) to €46,800 (Frankfurt School, full-time B.Sc.). For comparison: a typical US business degree costs $40,000–60,000/year at a private university, and UK fees are £9,250/year domestic or £20,000–30,000+ for international students – German private universities are significantly cheaper.
Distance learning: from €199/month
Distance learning is the most affordable path to a business degree at a German private university. Over 20 programmes offer maximum flexibility – ideal for working professionals and international students who want to start studying from abroad. The SRH Fernhochschule offers the lowest entry at €199/month, while IU has the broadest selection with over 10 programmes – including one fully English-taught B.A.
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | SRH Fernhochschule - The Mobile University | 6 Semester | from 199 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Master of Arts Distance learning program | Hamburger Fern-Hochschule | 4 Semester | from 10110 € total from 390 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences | 7 Semester | from 10619 € total from 237 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | PFH Private University of Applied Sciences | 8 Semester | from 12602 € total from 249 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Master of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | 4 Semester | from 12775 € total from 299 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Master of Arts Distance learning program | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | 4 Semester | from 13176 € total from 329 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | European Distance Learning University Hamburg | 6 Semester | from 13872 € total from 289 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 235 € monthly |
Full-time on campus: €267 to over €1,300/month
Full-time programmes offer campus life, direct faculty interaction and industry networks. The price range is wide: Gisma in Potsdam starts at €9,600 total (English-taught), while the Frankfurt School in Frankfurt costs €46,800. At the top end, ESMT Berlin and Kühne Logistics University in Hamburg offer fully English-taught programmes targeting international careers in consulting and finance.
| Course | University | Duration | Language | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Management, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | Gisma University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | English | from 9600 € total from 267 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts On-campus program | DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | German | from 14885 € total from 395 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts On-campus program | RH Cologne – University of Applied Science | 6 Semester | German | from 17964 € total from 499 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | BSP Business and Law School | 6 Semester | German | from 21240 € total from 590 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | University of Europe for Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | German or English | from 25488 € total from 708 € monthly | |
| Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Master of Science On-campus program | European School of Management and Technology | 4 Semester | English | from 32000 € total from 1333 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | Kühne Logistics University | 6 Semester | English | from 35880 € total from 997 € monthly | |
| Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Arts On-campus program | CODE University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | English | from 41400 € total from 1150 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | Frankfurt School of Finance and Management | 7 Semester | German or English | from 46800 € total |
Dual studies: often tuition-free
Dual study programmes combine academic study with paid work experience at a partner company. In many cases, the employer covers all tuition fees. IU, DHSH and Private UAS offer tuition-free dual programmes. Students also earn a training salary of €800–1,100/month – making this the most cost-effective study format. Note: dual programmes require a German-speaking work environment and are taught in German.
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts Dual studies | Dual University of Applied Sciences Schleswig-Holstein | 6 Semester | ||
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts Dual studies | IU International University of Applied Sciences | 7 Semester | ||
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts Dual studies | Private University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | ||
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts Dual studies | Wedel University of Applied Sciences | 7 Semester | from 11760 € total from 280 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Science Dual studies | NORDAKADEMIE University of Applied Sciences | 7 Semester | from 20300 € total | |
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Science Dual studies | Hamburg School of Business Administration | 6 Semester | from 23940 € total from 665 € monthly |
Part-time alongside work: from €225/month
Part-time programmes are designed for professionals who want to continue working while earning a degree. Classes take place on evenings and weekends. VWA University offers the lowest entry at €225/month, while the FOM is the largest provider with over 30 locations across Germany. All part-time programmes are taught in German, except one English-taught MBA at HSBA.
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration for State Certified Business Administrators, Bachelor of Arts Part-time program | Hamburger Fern-Hochschule | 3 Semester | from 5220 € total from 290 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Master of Arts Part-time program | University of Applied Management | 3 Semester | from 10450 € total from 550 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts Part-time program | Hamburger Fern-Hochschule | 7 Semester | from 14160 € total from 260 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts Part-time program | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | 7 Semester | from 14740 € total from 345 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts Part-time program | FOM University of Applied Sciences | 7 Semester | from 15330 € total from 365 € monthly | |
| Management, Bachelor of Arts Part-time program | University of Applied Management | 7 Semester | from 21585 € total from 495 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts Part-time program | Frankfurt School of Finance and Management | 7 Semester | from 29400 € total from 700 € monthly |
Funding: BAföG, scholarships and loans
German and EU students are eligible for BAföG (state financial aid) – including for distance learning. Non-EU students are generally not eligible for BAföG. Other funding options include:
- DAAD scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service funds international students across disciplines
- University scholarships: Frankfurt School, ESMT and WHU offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students
- Deutschlandstipendium: €300/month, available to all students regardless of nationality
- KfW student loans: Up to €650/month, available to EU citizens and some non-EU residents
Is a private business administration degree worth the investment?
Yes – the investment pays off within a few years in most cases. Business graduates in Germany earn €45,000–59,000 gross per year at entry level, depending on industry and degree level. Without a degree, the average salary is around €32,000 – a gap of €13,000–27,000 per year.
Distance learning and dual programmes offer the best ROI: distance learners continue earning their salary, so total investment is just €7,000–15,000 in tuition – recovered in under a year. Dual students often pay nothing at all. Full-time programmes at elite schools (Frankfurt School, EBS, ESMT) cost more but target career paths in consulting and investment banking, where starting salaries reach €70,000–100,000.
Compared to the US or UK, the value proposition is even stronger: a €15,000 German distance-learning degree delivers the same qualification as a $120,000+ US business degree – both are Bologna-compatible and internationally recognised.
What are the admission requirements for business administration?
Private universities in Germany have no NC (Numerus Clausus – the GPA-based admission restriction used at state universities). At state universities, the NC for business administration ranges from 1.2 at Uni Köln (equivalent to a US 3.8+ or UK A*A*A) to 2.4 at Uni Leipzig – the national average is 2.3.
| State university | NC (WS 2024/25) | GPA equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Uni Köln | 1.2 | US 3.8+ / UK A*A*A |
| Uni Düsseldorf | 1.5 | US 3.6 / UK AAA |
| FU Berlin | 1.6 | US 3.5 / UK AAA |
| Uni Münster | 1.7 | US 3.4 / UK AAA |
| Uni Mannheim | 1.9 | US 3.2 / UK AAB |
| Uni Hamburg | 2.1 | US 3.0 / UK ABB |
| Uni Leipzig | 2.4 | US 2.7 / UK BBB |
| Average (all state universities) | 2.3 | US 2.8 / UK BBB |
| All private universities: no NC | ||
For international applicants
German private universities accept a range of international qualifications:
- 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 (3+) or SAT/ACT scores. Some universities accept it directly.
- Indian 12th Standard: Generally accepted at private universities (state universities may require Studienkolleg)
- Other international diplomas: Check anabin.kmk.org for recognition of your specific qualification
Language requirements for English-taught programmes (ESMT, CODE, Gisma, Kühne, WHU): IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+. For German-taught programmes (most distance learning, dual and part-time): DSH-2 or TestDaF 4×4 (C1 level).
For master’s programmes, a first degree (bachelor’s) is required, at some universities with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (German scale) or equivalent. The GMAT is required for some MBA programmes (ESMT: 600+, WHU: 650+).
How much do business graduates earn in Germany?
With a bachelor’s degree, business graduates in Germany earn around €45,000 gross per year at entry level. With a master’s, the starting salary rises to €55,000 on average. In consulting and finance, entry salaries are significantly higher – up to €100,000 in investment banking. For comparison: UK business graduates earn £28,000–35,000, US graduates $55,000–75,000.
| Industry / career path | Entry (bachelor’s) | Entry (master’s) | With 10+ years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consulting & strategy | ~€48,000 | ~€57,500 | €70,000–120,000 |
| Top-tier consulting (MBB) | – | €70,000–85,000 | €120,000–250,000 |
| Finance & banking | ~€50,000 | ~€59,200 | €80,000–150,000 |
| Investment banking | – | €80,000–100,000 | €150,000–500,000+ |
| Marketing & sales | ~€42,000 | ~€50,800 | €65,000–95,000 |
| HR / people management | ~€43,000 | ~€51,600 | €60,000–90,000 |
| Controlling & accounting | ~€45,000 | ~€55,000 | €70,000–110,000 |
| Average (all business roles) | ~€45,000 | ~€55,000 | ~€67,000 |
Business graduates have an unemployment rate of 2–3 % in Germany – well below the national average. Specialists in finance, controlling and IT-adjacent business fields are in particularly high demand.
Career paths for business graduates
- Consulting: Strategy consulting (McKinsey, BCG, Roland Berger), Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), boutique consulting
- Finance: Investment banking, corporate finance, auditing, controlling, asset management
- Marketing & sales: Brand management, e-commerce, digital marketing, key account management
- Entrepreneurship: Startup founding, venture capital, business development
- HR: People management, organisational development, recruiting
- Supply chain & logistics: Procurement, production planning, international supply chains
Frequently asked questions about studying business administration in Germany
Not at private universities – all are NC-free. At German state universities, the NC ranges from 1.2 at Uni Köln (equivalent to a US 3.8+) to 2.4 at Uni Leipzig; the national average is 2.3. Private universities use their own admission process with a motivation letter and personal interview.
Yes – around 10 programmes are fully English-taught, offered by IU (distance learning, B.A.), Gisma (campus, B.Sc.), Kühne Logistics University, CODE, ESMT, WHU, XU, CBS and HSBA. Additional bilingual (German/English) programmes are available at the Frankfurt School, University of Europe and NORDAKADEMIE. Most distance learning, dual and part-time programmes are taught in German.
From €199/month (SRH Fernhochschule, distance learning) to over €1,300/month (ESMT, MBA). Total costs range from €5,220 (HFH, shortened programme) to €46,800 (Frankfurt School, full-time B.Sc.). Dual programmes are often free for students, as the employer covers tuition. For comparison: US private business schools charge ,000–60,000/year.
Yes. All programmes listed are state-recognised (staatlich anerkannt) and follow the Bologna system (bachelor’s/master’s with ECTS credits). Degrees are recognised across the EU and through credential evaluation services like WES (US/Canada), UK ENIC (UK) and NACES members worldwide. ESMT, Frankfurt School and WHU hold AACSB or EQUIS accreditation – the same standards held by top US and UK business schools.
EU/EEA citizens need no visa. Non-EU students need a student visa (Studienvisum), which requires proof of admission, health insurance, and a blocked account with ~€11,904/year (~€992/month). After graduation, an 18-month job-seeker visa allows you to find work in Germany. During your studies, you may work 120 full days or 240 half-days per year.
Living costs depend on the city: €800–1,000/month in smaller cities (Potsdam, Wedel, Elmshorn), €1,000–1,200/month in Berlin, Hamburg or Munich. This covers rent (~€400–700), health insurance (~€110), food (~€200–250) and transport (~€50 with the Deutschlandticket). Living costs in Germany are significantly lower than in London, New York or Sydney.
Entry salary with a bachelor’s: ~€45,000/year gross. With a master’s: ~€55,000. In consulting: €48,000–85,000 at entry. In investment banking: €80,000–100,000 at entry. With 10+ years of experience and leadership roles, salaries reach €120,000–250,000+ in top-tier consulting and finance.
Related programmes at private universities
- International Management – business administration with an international focus and mandatory study abroad
- Financial Sciences – specialised finance, banking and controlling programmes
- Economic Psychology – business combined with consumer behaviour and HR psychology
- Marketing – digital marketing, brand management and PR
- MBA – management qualification for experienced professionals
- Entrepreneurship – startup-focused business programmes
- General Management – broad leadership qualification
About the Author Christian Wolf
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