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Studying entrepreneurship at a private university in Germany gives you NC-free access to specialised startup education – from business model development and venture financing to growth hacking and innovation management. Around 15 universities offer dedicated entrepreneurship programmes: as distance learning from €259/month, full-time on campus, or part-time alongside work. The range spans from affordable IU distance learning to the elite M.Sc. Entrepreneurship at WHU.
Good to know: Over 80% of entrepreneurship programmes in Germany are at Master level. If you are looking for a Bachelor, there are only a few options – distance learning at IU and Euro-FH, plus one part-time programme at HAM. Several programmes at WHU, MBS and SRH are taught fully in English.
- Overview of all Courses
- What does an entrepreneurship programme in Germany cost?
- Which entrepreneurship programmes in Germany are taught in English?
- What do you actually learn in an entrepreneurship programme?
- What are the entry requirements for entrepreneurship studies in Germany?
- Frequently asked questions
- Related fields of study
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 20 courses in the field of Entrepreneurship.
Craft Management
- FHM University of Applied Sciences
- 48 Months
- Bielefeld, Cologne, Hannover
- German
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- online
- from 299 € monthly
- English
Master in Entrepreneurship
- WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management
- 4 Semester
- Vallendar
- from 1550 € monthly
- English
Entrepreneurship
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German or English
Entrepreneurship
- RH Cologne – University of Applied Science
- 4 Semester
- Neuss
- from 599 € monthly
- German
Digital Business Modeling and Entrepreneurship
- Hochschule der Bayerischen Wirtschaft
- 3 Semester
- Munich
- from 650 € monthly
- German or English
International Management Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship
- SRH University
- 4 Semester
- Berlin
- from 790 € monthly
- English
Entrepreneurship
- University of Applied Management
- 7 Semester
- Ismaning (Munich)
- German
International Management and Entrepreneurship
- SRH University
- 3 Semester
- Heidelberg
- from 690 € monthly
- German
Strategic Business Management
- Leibniz University Hannover
- 7 Semester
- Hannover
- German
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Munich Business School
- 4 Semester
- Munich
- English
Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- BSP Business and Law School
- 4 Semester
- Berlin
- from 590 € monthly
- German
Growth Hacking for Entrepreneurs
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 2 Semester
- online
- from 449 € monthly
- English
Entrepreneurship
- SRH Fernhochschule - The Mobile University
- 3 Semester
- online
- from 499 € monthly
- German
Executive Master for Family Entrepreneurship
- Zeppelin University
- 3 Semester
- Friedrichshafen
- German
Brand Entrepreneurship
- Brand University of Applied Sciences
- 3 Semester
- Hamburg
- from 745 € monthly
- English
Entrepreneurship and innovation management
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 279 € monthly
- German
Digital Entrepreneurship
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 2 Semester
- online
- from 449 € monthly
- German
Business Development
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 4 Semester
- Hamburg
- from 495 € monthly
- German
Entrepreneurship
- HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management
- 4 Semester
- Leipzig
- English
What does an entrepreneurship programme in Germany cost?
Entrepreneurship programme costs vary significantly depending on format and institution – from €259/month in distance learning to €37,200 total at WHU.
Distance learning
Distance learning is the most affordable path into entrepreneurship studies. Both Bachelor and Master programmes are available, including specialisations like Digital Entrepreneurship and Growth Hacking.
Full-time on campus
Full-time campus programmes offer intensive learning with direct access to startup networks, incubators and hands-on projects. Prices range from solid mid-tier universities (from €590/month) to WHU as Germany’s leading entrepreneurship address.
Dual programmes
One dual programme combines academic theory with in-company practice in the entrepreneurship space.
| Course | University | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craft Management, Bachelor of Arts Dual studies | FHM University of Applied Sciences | from 19604 € total |
Part-time
Part-time programmes are designed for working professionals who want to build entrepreneurial skills alongside their career – from a Bachelor to an Executive Master for family business succession.
| Course | University | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Arts Part-time program | University of Applied Management | ||
| Strategic Business Management, Master of Arts Part-time program | Leibniz University Hannover | from 13000 € total | |
| Executive Master for Family Entrepreneurship, Master of Arts Part-time program | Zeppelin University | from 28900 € total |
Funding options
International students have several funding options for entrepreneurship studies in Germany:
- DAAD scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service offers scholarships for international Master students
- University scholarships: WHU and MBS offer merit-based scholarships covering 10–50% of tuition
- EXIST startup grant: Germany’s federal startup grant funds graduates with €1,000–3,000/month for launching their own business – a major advantage of studying entrepreneurship in Germany
- Erasmus+: EU students can receive Erasmus+ grants when studying at German partner universities
- KfW student loan: Available to EU citizens, up to €650/month regardless of parental income
- Part-time work: International students may work up to 20 hours/week during term and full-time during breaks
Which entrepreneurship programmes in Germany are taught in English?
Several entrepreneurship programmes are taught fully or partially in English, making them accessible to international students:
- WHU Otto Beisheim: Master in Entrepreneurship (M.Sc., €37,200) – Germany’s top entrepreneurship school. WHU alumni founded Zalando, Flixbus, HelloFresh and numerous other companies. Strongest startup network in German-speaking Europe.
- Munich Business School: Innovation and Entrepreneurship (M.A., €24,000) – strong connections to Munich’s tech and startup ecosystem (BMW, Siemens, numerous venture capital firms).
- SRH University Heidelberg: International Management Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship (M.A., €19,710) – combines entrepreneurship with international management perspective. Also offers International Management and Entrepreneurship (M.A., €13,800).
- BSP Business and Law School Berlin: Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship (M.Sc., €14,160) – located in Berlin, Germany’s startup capital with access to one of Europe’s largest startup ecosystems.
Why study entrepreneurship in Germany?
Germany offers unique advantages for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Startup ecosystem: Berlin is Europe’s second-largest startup hub. Munich, Hamburg and Cologne also have thriving ecosystems.
- EXIST grant: Graduates can apply for the EXIST startup grant (€1,000–3,000/month) to launch their business in Germany – this programme is specifically designed for university founders.
- 18-month job-seeking visa: Non-EU graduates can stay 18 months after graduation to find employment or launch a startup.
- Freelance visa: Germany offers a freelance visa (Freiberufler) that allows self-employment without the EU Blue Card salary threshold.
- Affordable living: Compared to London, Paris or the US, German cities offer significantly lower living costs while providing access to a €4 trillion economy.
Your path from student to founder
For non-EU students, Germany offers a clear path from studies to your own company:
- During your studies: Develop your startup idea as part of coursework, join university incubators, and work up to 20 hours/week. Many programmes include practical startup projects from semester one.
- Apply for EXIST (semester 4+): From your fourth semester onward, apply for the EXIST startup grant (€1,000–3,000/month for 12 months). Your university must support the application – choosing a school with strong startup infrastructure pays off here.
- After graduation: Apply for the 18-month job-seeking visa. During this period, you can work, freelance, or launch your business. No minimum salary required.
- Register your business: Register at the local Gewerbeamt (trade office) or apply for a freelance visa if your work qualifies. No minimum capital required for a sole proprietorship (Einzelunternehmen).
- Scale with a GmbH: Once your business grows, convert to a GmbH (limited liability, €25,000 capital) or start with a UG (mini-GmbH, from €1). Both provide legal protection and investor credibility.
- Permanent residency: After 21–33 months of self-employment with sufficient income, apply for a permanent settlement permit.
Key advantage: Unlike the UK or US, Germany does not require a specific “startup visa” or large initial investment. The combination of EXIST grant, low bureaucratic barriers and the 18-month post-graduation visa makes Germany one of Europe’s most founder-friendly countries for international students.
What do you actually learn in an entrepreneurship programme?
An entrepreneurship programme teaches all the skills founders need to build and lead a company – from the initial idea to market entry and scaling.
- Business model development: Business Model Canvas, Lean Startup, Design Thinking, idea validation
- Financing & investors: Venture Capital, Business Angels, crowdfunding, financial planning for startups
- Marketing & growth: Growth Hacking, digital marketing, customer acquisition, scaling strategies
- Legal & tax: Company formation, shareholder agreements, IP law, tax basics for founders
- Leadership & team: Team building, leadership in young companies, organisational development
- Innovation & technology: Digital transformation, AI-driven business models, technology scouting
Specialisation areas
- Classic Entrepreneurship: Full founding process from idea to market entry – offered at IU, SRH, RH Cologne and others
- Digital Entrepreneurship: Digital business models, growth hacking, data-driven scaling – focus at IU and BSP Berlin
- Innovation & Intrapreneurship: Innovation management within existing companies, corporate entrepreneurship – at MBS, SRH and Euro-FH
- Family Entrepreneurship: Succession and development of family businesses – exclusively at Zeppelin University (Executive Master, €28,900)
- Brand Entrepreneurship: Building brands as business foundations – unique to Brand University Hamburg
What are the entry requirements for entrepreneurship studies in Germany?
Private universities in Germany are NC-free – motivation and entrepreneurial potential matter more than grades.
- Bachelor: Secondary school leaving certificate equivalent to German Abitur. Some universities also accept professional qualifications without Abitur.
- Master: First degree, usually in business, economics or a related field. WHU recommends a GMAT score of 600+ points.
- MBA: First degree plus professional experience (minimum one year). The MBA in Entrepreneurship is currently available in German only (AKAD) and is designed for professionals who want to systematically build entrepreneurial competencies.
- Language: German-taught programmes require B2–C1 German (TestDaF or DSH). English-taught programmes require TOEFL (80+), IELTS (6.5+) or Cambridge Certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. WHU, Munich Business School, SRH University and BSP Berlin offer entrepreneurship programmes fully or partially in English. WHU’s Master in Entrepreneurship is one of the most prestigious English-taught programmes in Germany, with a strong international cohort and direct access to Germany’s leading startup network.
Financially and career-wise, yes – if you plan to found a company or work in the startup ecosystem. WHU alumni have founded companies valued at over €50 billion combined (Zalando, Flixbus, HelloFresh, Rocket Internet ecosystem). The €37,200 investment buys access to an unmatched network of founders, investors and mentors in German-speaking Europe.
Business administration (BWL) teaches broad management skills for existing companies. Entrepreneurship focuses specifically on founding, innovation and building new business models. Key entrepreneurship topics like Business Model Canvas, venture capital and growth hacking are not covered in traditional business administration programmes.
Yes. Non-EU graduates can apply for an 18-month job-seeking visa, which also allows self-employment. Germany’s EXIST startup grant provides €1,000–3,000/month for university founders. Additionally, Germany offers a freelance visa for self-employed professionals. Berlin, Munich and Hamburg provide thriving startup ecosystems with access to investors and accelerators.
Entrepreneurship graduates enter founding (own startup), business development (€42,000–55,000/year), innovation management (€45,000–58,000/year), consulting (€48,000–65,000/year) or venture capital (€50,000–70,000/year). WHU graduates earn a median of approximately €65,000/year, with many founding companies directly after graduation.
Currently, the English-language distance learning options focus on related fields rather than pure entrepreneurship. IU offers Growth Hacking for Entrepreneurs and Digital Entrepreneurship as distance Master programmes, though primarily in German. For fully English-taught options, campus-based programmes at WHU, MBS, SRH and BSP are the best choice.
Related fields of study
- Business Administration – broad business foundation
- Management – leadership, strategy and organisation
- International Management – global markets and cross-cultural leadership
- Marketing – brand management and digital marketing
- MBA – management education for experienced professionals
- Sustainable Management – sustainability and responsible business
About the Author Christian Wolf
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