DE Inhalt
- Which German business school is the best?
- This is what private business studies cost
- The best German cities to study business administration
- Business studies vs. management: Which is suitable for whom?
- Study business administration part-time: These options are available
- Business studies in English language: These study programmes are available
Business administration programs are among the most popular courses of study in Germany, especially at private universities. As a branch of economics, business administration deals with companies and business environments. Graduates of business administration programs usually work as business economists, as team leaders, as managing directors or even founders or entrepreneurs.
Here I present all business programs at private universities in detail and compare them in terms of costs, study content and more. Further down, I will also introduce you to the most interesting business schools as well as study cities for business students.
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 110 courses in the field of Business Administration. The first 30 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.
- Hybrid course
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- 6 Semester
- Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bochum, Bonn, Brunswick, Cologne, Duisburg, Dusseldorf, Erfurt, Essen, Frankfurt a.M., Freiburg, Hamburg, Karlsruhe, Luebeck, Mainz, Mannheim, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Rostock, Wuerzburg or Virtual Campus
- German
- 2 Comments & Questions
- Consumer Behavior, Service Management, Business Mathematics, Law, Managerial Economics, Business Administration I II, Statistics, Introduction to Scientific Work, Collaborative Work, Computer Training…
Enterprises need generalists. People who skillfully implement economic goals, demonstrate analytical skills, and at the same time keep an eye on the big picture. This degree program provides a broad knowledge in the areas of purchasing, logistics, marketing, and human resources. Management skills and leadership qualities are also specifically trained. With this business administration degree at IU, you are a well-trained business administrator who can thrive in any industry.
- Distance learning program
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- 6 Semester
- online
- English
- Academic Integrity and Writing for Business, Business 101, Managerial Economics, Introduction to Academic Work, Principles of Management, Global Corporations and Globalization, Business Mathematics, O…
In the English-language online Bachelor of Business Administration at Germany's largest university, you will learn the basics of business administration in 6 semesters of full-time study or in 8-12 semesters of part-time study. You will also acquire soft skills such as collaborative working or intercultural and ethical decision-making.
- Distance learning program
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- 4 Semester
- online
- German
- Strategic Management, Business Ethics and Corporate Governance, Research Methodology, Applied Statistics, Financial Management, Institutional Economics, Quantitative Research Methods, Decision Theory …
The master's program in Business Administration provides students with advanced knowledge in the areas of management, finance, marketing, and human resources. Students not only acquire theoretical expertise but also gain practical skills to analyze complex business problems and develop effective solutions. This program is suitable for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field and aim to advance their career in this area.
- Part-time program
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- 7 Semester
- Virtual Campus
- German
- Introduction to Business Administration, Accounting and Cost Accounting, Media, Ethics and Society, Business Language Issues, Introductory Project for Self-organized Learning, Communication and Presen…
The part-time business administration degree programme is offered in Hamburg, Cologne, Wiesbaden, or on the virtual campus and is aimed at students who work full-time or part-time alongside their studies. All lectures typically take place on 2-3 weekday evenings and on 2-3 full Saturdays per month.
- Distance learning program
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- 6 Semester
- online
- German
- Business Management, Business Ethics and Corporate Governance, Business Models and Business Plan, Project Management, Change Management, Consulting, Digital Transformation, Elective Focus Areas [Selec…
The distance learning course "Business Administration" offered by the European Fernhochschule Hamburg GmbH leads to a Bachelor of Science degree within 36 months. The course includes modules such as General Business Administration, Marketing, Cost Accounting, and Project Management. With three 2-day presence seminars and a total of 180 ECTS credits, the course provides comprehensive preparation on business related topics, management, and finance. Elective focuses in areas such as Marketing and Logistics allow for an individual emphasis.
- Distance learning program
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- 6 Semester
- online
- German
- Business Administration, Accounting and Financial Reporting, Introduction to Scientific Work, Marketing, Law, Managerial Economics, Business Mathematics, Consumer Behavior, Collaborative Work, Cost an…
In the online studies of Business Administration at IU, you will learn everything about the basics of business administration from accounting and balancing to personnel management and project management to investment and financing in 6 semesters of full-time study or 8-12 semesters of part-time study. During the distance learning course, you will specialize in areas such as communication and PR or market research and customer management.
- On-campus program
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- 4 Semester
- Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Dusseldorf or Wiesbaden
- German
- Digital Transformation, Digital Economy, Creative Tools & Design Thinking, Business Planning & Finance, Digital Law, Empirical Methods in Applied Research, Agile Product and Innovation Management, Dig…
In the Master's programme Digital Management & Leadership, both the proven classical management approaches and new, digital management methods are taught and addressed. They systematically deal with topics such as entrepreneurship, digital media, decision theories, international management, financial management, organizational management, and business ethics.
- On-campus program
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- 5 Semester
- Hamburg or Munich
- German
- Business fields in SMEs, Controlling and Financing in SMEs, Changing nature of work, Innovation and Technology Management, Business Ethics and Corporate Governance, Quantitative and Qualitative Resear…
This master's programme systematically provides you with expertise for management and leadership tasks, specialized knowledge, intercultural competence, and the ability to tackle entrepreneurial challenges. The full-time programme lasts 4 semesters, and you can choose to study in Hamburg, or Munich.
Which German business school is the best?
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management: Frankfurt School is a private, state-recognized university located in Frankurt am Main, Hesse. The university was founded in 1990, in WS 2019/2020 a total of 2701 students were enrolled at the university. The university is a business school and offers bachelor and master or MBA programs in business and in IT. Special feature: As a private university, the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management is eligible for doctoral studies.
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences: Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest private universities of applied sciences in Germany. In the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 12991 students were enrolled at the university. The university is headquartered in Idstein, Hesse, and also operates campuses in Cologne, Hamburg, Munich, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Berlin and New York. The university mainly offers degree programs in the fields of business and natural sciences. Special feature: Many courses of study are offered not only as face-to-face courses, but also optionally as distance learning courses or evening study courses.
IU International University of Applied Sciences: With over 60000 enrolled students, IU is one of the largest private universities of applied sciences in Germany and the largest private distance learning university in Germany. The university is based in Erfurt, but IU offers its campus degree programs in Erfurt, Berlin, Bad Honnef. In addition to the campus programs in business administration and management, among others, the university offers more than 80 distance learning programs as well as a variety of part-time and dual programs.
WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management: WHU is a private, state-recognized university located in Vallendar, Rhineland-Palatinate, with a campus in Düsseldorf. The business school was founded in 1984, and in the winter semester 2019/2020 a total of 1371 students were enrolled at WHU. In addition to its Bachelor in International Business Administration/Management, the university offers a range of Master's and MBA programs.
Munich Business School: Munich Business School is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences based in Munich. In the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 567 students were enrolled at the university. As the first private university in Bavaria, Munich Business School has been training executives for business enterprises since its founding in 1991. It offers bachelor's, master's and MBA programs with integrated semesters abroad.
CBS International Business School: CBS International Business School is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences based in Cologne. The school was founded in 1993, and in the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 1771 students from 75 nations were enrolled at the university. As a business school, CBS offers a range of business degree programs according to international standards.
This is what private business studies cost
Studying at a private university has its price, and the price differences between the individual universities are quite considerable. For example, the business administration program at the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management is significantly more expensive than the EUR 25,000 business administration program at the Business School Berlin, with tuition fees of just under EUR 50,000.
Here is a comparison of the costs of a number of Business Administration degree programs.
Incidentally, students at private universities can also receive German BAFöG. Many private universities also maintain their own scholarship programs, through which particularly capable students can be supported.
The best German cities to study business administration
Business schools can be located all over in Germany. Interestingly, many of the popular universities like WHU are not located in metropolises like Berlin, but often in smaller cities like Munich or Frankfurt. Perhaps it is simply easier to study in smaller cities?
Tip: If the nearest university city is too far away for you, simply study virtually. Interesting universities with distance learning programs in business administration are, for example, the IU International University, the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences and the European Distance Learning University Hamburg.
Here is a list of the most interesting cities for business studies at a glance:
| City | Cost of living | Quality of life | Population density | Business Schools |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munich | 59,35 | 177,40 | 4736 | IU International University of Applied Sciences, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, University of Applied Management, Munich Business School |
| Frankfurt/Main | 55,36 | 173,16 | 3067 | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management |
| Hamburg | 51,34 | 165,92 | 2447 | Hamburg School of Business Administration, European Distance Learning University Hamburg, University of Applied Sciences Europe, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, Nordakademie University of Applied Sciences |
| Cologne | 47,83 | 158,75 | 2686 | HSD Döpfer University of Applied Sciences, IU International University of Applied Sciences, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, Rhenish University of Applied Sciences Cologne |
| Dusseldorf | 47,66 | 176,29 | 2860 | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management, IST University of Management, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences |
| Berlin | 46,62 | 164,42 | 4115 | University of Applied Sciences, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, IU International University of Applied Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Europe, bbw University of Applied Sciences, Steinbeis University of Applied Sciences, Business School Berlin |
Business studies vs. management: Which is suitable for whom?
While economics deals with the economy as a whole, in particular with economics in addition to business administration, business administration focuses on activities in companies. Management, in turn, is a sub-field of business administration.
For most students, it is optimal to work through as many topics as possible in the Bachelor's degree and, if necessary, to deepen their knowledge of individual topics in the final semesters through elective modules and the Bachelor's thesis. A specialisation such as management or international management can then be tackled via a Master's degree.
In my view, a management degree programme is therefore particularly suited to…
- for students who already have extensive knowledge of business administration and/or economics, for example because they have completed training in business administration;
- for bachelor graduates of business administration or economics who want to enter management professionally;
- for experienced professionals who want to position themselves professionally, for example as a team leader or managing director.
Here are the most interesting management bachelor's degrees at a glance:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Business Studies, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | EBS University for Business and Law | 6 Semester | from 54480 € total | |
| Corporate Management and Economics, Bachelor of Arts On-campus program | Zeppelin University | 8 Semester | from 42000 € total from 875 € monthly | |
| General Management, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | PFH Private University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 26620 € total from 700 € monthly | |
| Management, Bachelor of Arts On-campus program | Macromedia University of Applied Sciences | 7 Semester | from 26100 € total from 725 € monthly | |
| Management, Philosophy and Economics, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | Frankfurt School of Finance and Management | 7 Semester | from 46800 € total |
Study business administration part-time: These options are available
Part-time study programmes, online study programmes and distance learning programmes are in vogue because they allow flexible study from home and alongside work. Distance learning programmes at private universities are also particularly favourable compared to campus study programmes.
Incidentally, the largest German private distance learning university is the IU International University of Applied Sciences, based in Erfurt. More than 100,000 students were enrolled at IU in the winter semester 2022/23, the majority of them in one of the numerous distance learning programmes.
What is the difference between distance learning and part-time study? In distance learning, there is almost no compulsory attendance. Depending on the university, you only have to be on site for exams and other examinations. In part-time studies, you have more on-site events, which are usually organised in block weeks or offered in evening studies.
Here is an overview of the most important distance learning and part-time degree programs in the field of Business Administration:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Business Studies, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | EBS University for Business and Law | 6 Semester | from 54480 € total | |
| Corporate Management and Economics, Bachelor of Arts On-campus program | Zeppelin University | 8 Semester | from 42000 € total from 875 € monthly | |
| General Management, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | PFH Private University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 26620 € total from 700 € monthly | |
| Management, Bachelor of Arts On-campus program | Macromedia University of Applied Sciences | 7 Semester | from 26100 € total from 725 € monthly | |
| Management, Philosophy and Economics, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | Frankfurt School of Finance and Management | 7 Semester | from 46800 € total |
Business studies in English language: These study programmes are available
Studying business administration in English offers several advantages:
- International career opportunities: In a globalized economy, English language skills are critical. Studying business administration in English greatly increases the range of potential employers, as many multinational companies use English as their working language. This opens up more international career opportunities.
- Access to international resources: English is the dominant language for business reports, research publications, and business news. Studying in English gives you direct access to a wider range of business resources and better access to current information and trends.
- Intercultural Competence: studying in an English-speaking environment allows students to work in multicultural teams and develop intercultural competencies. This is invaluable in a globalized economy.
- Expanding vocabulary: studying in another language not only expands professional knowledge, but also vocabulary and language skills. This can improve communication skills in all areas.
- Competitive advantage: Employers often value applicants who have studied business in English, as this shows that they are prepared to work in an international environment.
- Preparation for International Business Practices: Studying in English allows students to become familiar with international business practices and rules. This is important if one intends to work in global companies or in international trade.
- Network Building: Studying in English provides the opportunity to connect with fellow students from around the world. This can lead to valuable international contacts and a broader professional network.
Here is an overview of all English-language business administration study programs at german private universities:
About the Author Christian Wolf
Study Advice
Questions on the topic? Use our study advice, we are happy to help.
or post as a guest