Inhalt
MBA programmes in full-time, part-time or as an Executive MBA are among the most popular study programmes at private business schools. In the MBA programme, you deepen your knowledge from a bachelor's degree in business administration or economics, for example. In addition, you actively work on your professional network - many MBA programmes at private universities are so expensive not least because they give you exclusive access to cross-industry networks.
Here I present the most important MBA programmes at private universities such as EBS University of Business and Law or the European Business School, WHU and Fresenius University of Applied Sciences and compare them in terms of study content and costs. You will find both the classic MBA programmes in face-to-face study as well as part-time programmes and distance learning programmes.
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 39 courses in the field of MBA. The first 30 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.
- Distance learning program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 4 Semester
- online
- German
- IT & Operations Management, International Seminar, Finance, Responsible Management, Leadership, Accounting, Economics and International Business, Principles of Private Commercial Law, Introduction to …
With the comprehensive General Management study at Euro-FH, you acquire the necessary know-how to fulfill leadership tasks - also in an international context - professionally and successfully.
- Distance learning program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 2 Semester
- online
- German or English
- Leadership, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Corporate Finance, Internationales Marketing, Managerial Economics, Performance Management, Strategisches Management, Wirtschaftsethik und Corporate Govern…
The English- or German-language MBA programme at Germany's largest university takes only 2-4 semesters in full-time study or 4-8 semesters in part-time study, depending on the requirements. If you wish, you can choose one of the more than 10 majors as a specialisation, such as Digital Business or Big Data Management.
- On-campus program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 2 Semester
- Berlin, Cologne, Munich or Hamburg
- English
- Economics, Financial Management, Strategy and Management, Entrepreneurship, Managing Innovation, Digitalization, Leadership
Enter the upper echelons of the business world with the MBA program at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences. This program is designed to equip ambitious professionals and leaders with the necessary knowledge, skills, and network to succeed in a globalized economy. Whether you are looking to advance your career, start your own company, or focus on specialized management areas, this MBA offers a wide range of specializations tailored to your individual career goals.
- Distance learning program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 2 Semester
- online
- English
- Sustainability Fundamentals, Leadership Fundamentals, Innovation Fundamentals, Leading with Numbers, Elective Impact Degrees: Thing & Act as a Leader / Improve the Global Impact of Your Organization /…
The course "Sustainability, Innovation & Leadership" imparts essential knowledge in the fields of sustainability, innovation, and leadership. Participants learn fundamental concepts and skills to make data-driven decisions and manage their organizations sustainably. Elective modules allow for in-depth exploration of topics such as change management and technology. The program is designed for executives and aspiring leaders who want to actively contribute to solving global challenges and obtain a Master of Business Administration in 18 months.
Master of Business Administration
University of Europe for Applied Sciences
Executive MBA
ESCP Business School
- On-campus program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 4 Semester
- Paris, London, Berlin, Madrid, Turin
- English
- Corporate Strategy, Financial Accounting, Marketing, Corporate Finance, Managerial Economics, Managing People and Organisations, Supply Chain Management, Responsible Leadership & Sustainability, Entre…
Executive MBA
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
- Part-time program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 3 Semester
- Frankfurt
- English
- Strategy & Decision Making, Global Economics, Competitive Strategy & Sustainability, Entrepreneurial Action, Digital Society, Marketing, Corporate Finance, Leadership & Responsibility, Innovation Mana…
Master of Business Administration
FOM University of Applied Sciences
General Management
Munich Business School
- On-campus program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 2 Semester
- Munich
- English
- Responsible Leadership, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Global Management, Online-Kurs der Harvard Division of Continuing Education, Accounting for Management Decisions, Strategic Marketing, Financia…
EBS - DBS | Executive MBA
EBS University for Business and Law
- Part-time program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 3 Semester
- Oestrich-Winkel, Germany and Durham, UK
- English
- Management, Leadership, Accounting, Boardroom Exercise, Economics for Global Business, Finance, Leading and Managing People, Marketing, Operations and Technology, Strategic Management, Sustainability,…
Master in Business Administration
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management
- On-campus program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 3 Semester
- Leipzig
- English
- General Management Essentials: Die Schlüsselqualifikationen von morgen, Business Administration & Economics, Leadership & Reflection, Entrepreneurship & Disruption, Electives: (Strategic Management, F…
The Frankfurt MBA | Full-Time
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
- On-campus program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 2 Semester
- Frankfurt
- English
- u.a. Global Economy, Competitive Strategies, Financial Management & Accounting, Performance Management & Sustainability Reporting, Business Models for a Digital World, Managerial Data Science, Busines…
Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA
WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management
- On-campus program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 4 Semester
- Vallendar
- English
- Online Preparatory Module, Leading the Organization, Market Impact, Global Markets, Financial Performance, Developing Strategic Foresight, Business Functions, Creative Destruction, Kellogg Global Netw…
International Business
RH Cologne – University of Applied Science
- Part-time program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 4 Semester
- Cologne
- English
- Strategic Analyses and Intercultural Management, Change and Knowledge Management, International Marketing Management, International Controlling, Quantitative and Qualitative Methods, Global Innovation…
Executive MBA
European School of Management and Technology
- On-campus program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 3 Semester
- Berlin
- English
- Building a Solid Foundation, Mastering Management Functions, Global Network for Advanced Management Network Week, Evidence based Management, Electives, Comprehensive business challenge, Strategic Inte…
General Mangement
FHDW University of Applied Sciences
Full-Time MBA
WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management
- On-campus program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 2 Semester
- Düsseldorf
- English
- Managerial Finance, Financial Accounting, The World Economy, Marketing, Corporate Finance, Economics of Corporate and Competitive Strategy, Operations Management, Strategic Sourcing, Management Accoun…
Master of Business Administration
Steinbeis University
EBS MBA
EBS University for Business and Law
- On-campus program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 2 Semester
- Oestrich-Winkel
- English
- International Management, Leadership, Accounting, Boardroom Exercise, Economics for Global Business, Finance, Leading and Managing People, Marketing, Operations and Technology, Strategic Management, S…
Master of Business Administration
PFH Private University of Applied Sciences
Global Business Administration
SRH Fernhochschule - The Mobile University
- Distance learning program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 4 Semester
- Riedlingen
- English
- Empirical Research, General Business Administration, Human Capital Management, Marketing, Change Management, Data Analysis (Options: Qualitative or Quantitative Alignment), Accounting, Financial Manag…
Management and Leadership
accadis University of Applied Sciences
Communication & Leadership
Quadriga University Berlin
- On-campus program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 3 Semester
- Berlin
- English
- Economics and Strategy, Communication Circle, Finance and Law, Organisation, Design and Leadership, Resaerch, History and Fields of Communication Management, Thought Leadership and international Commu…
General Management
DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences
Master of Business Administration
Hochschule Weserbergland
Master of Business Administration
Berlin International University of Applied Sciences
- On-campus program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 4 Semester
- Berlin
- English
- Accounting for Managers, Marketing, Value-based Management, Managerial Skills 1, Entrepreneurship and Start-up Management Project, Doing Business Globally, Business Contexts, Managing Organizations, M…
International Management - MBA (Fast Track)
CBS International Business School
- On-campus program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 2 Semester
- Cologne
- English
- Quantitative Methods and Toolset, Modern Market and Business Intelligence, Basics of Industrial Management, Managerial Accounting, Career Seminar, Corporate Finance & Valuation, Modern Marketing Manag…
Master in Business Administration
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management
- Part-time program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 4 Semester
- Leipzig
- English
- Business Administration & Economics: (Financial Reporting, Business Strategy, Supply Chain Management & Logistics, Cost Accounting, Managerial Economics, Finance, Marketing), Leadership & Reflection: …
Global Online MBA
WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management
- Distance learning program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 4 Semester
- online
- English
- Online Preparation Courses (optional), Modules: Analyzing Markets & Competition, Understanding Financial Performance, Market-facing Functional Expertise, Strategizing for Success, Functional Expertise…
From European Business School to WHU: Which university is the best?
MBA programmes are offered by numerous private universities in Germany, especially business schools. Many of these universities are universities of applied sciences, such as the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences or the IU International University of Applied Sciences. However, an astonishing number of business schools with MBA programmes are also universities - such as EBS University or WHU.
I can't give you a general answer here about which university is the best. There are certainly many rankings, and every private university advertises a first place in some ranking of some third institution. When choosing your university, however, you should also consider the content of the MBA programmes, the price-performance ratio and the city in which you wish to study.
Here is a brief portrait of the most important business schools with MBA programmes:
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 12,991 students were enrolled at the university. The Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is located in Idstein, Hesse, and also has campuses in Cologne, Hamburg, Munich, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Berlin and New York. The university mainly offers degree programmes in the fields of economics and natural sciences. Special feature: Many courses are not only offered as attendance courses, but also as distance learning or evening study courses. The university offers an MBA programme in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich and Wiesbaden.
EBS University of Business and Law: EBS University (formerly European Business School) is a private, state-approved university based in Wiesbaden, Hesse, with an additional location in Oestrich-Winkel. The university was founded in 1971 and the business school is the oldest private university for business administration in Germany. In the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 1,931 students were enrolled at EBS. In addition to Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in business administration, the university also offers a law programme leading to a state examination. Special feature: As a university, EBS is entitled to award doctorates.
WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management: WHU is a private, state-recognized university located in Vallendar, Rhineland-Palatinate, with a campus in Dusseldorf. The business school was founded in 1984 and a total of 1,371 students were enrolled at WHU in the winter semester 2019/2020. In addition to its Bachelor's degree in International Business Administration/Management, the university offers a range of Master's and MBA programs.
IU International University of Applied Sciences: Dith over 100,000 enrolled students (winter semester 2022/2023), 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 study programmes mainly in Berlin and Bad Honnef. In addition to the campus programmes in Business Administration & Management, among others, the university offers over 100 distance learning programmes as well as a large number of part-time and dual programmes.
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management: The Frankfurt School is a private, state-recognised university based in Frankurt am Main, Hesse. The university was founded in 1990 and a total of 2,701 students were enrolled at the university in the winter semester 2019/2020. The university is a business school and offers Bachelor's and Master's or MBA programmes in business and IT. Special feature: As a private university, the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management is entitled to award doctorates.
ESCP Europe: ESCP Business School is a private, state-recognised university with campuses in Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris, Turin and Warsaw. ESCP was founded in 1819, and in the winter semester 2019/2020 a total of 736 students were enrolled at the university. The university is run by the ESCP Europe Wirtschaftshochschule Berlin e.V. Due to its university status, the university can also award doctoral degrees.
Munich Business School: Munich Business School is a private, state-recognised 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 managers for business enterprises since its foundation in 1991. Bachelor's, Master's and MBA programmes with integrated semesters abroad are offered.
NORDAKADEMIE University of Applied Sciences: NORDAKADEMIE is a state-recognised, private university of applied sciences based in Elmshorn/Schleswig Holstein. The university was founded in 1992, with a total of 2,655 students enrolled in the 2019/2020 winter semester. The university focuses on dual business degree programmes, such as business administration and business informatics. In addition, the university offers a part-time MBA at the Hamburg location, which leads to a degree in 4 semesters.
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management: HHL (formerly Handelshochschule Leipzig) is a state-recognised, private university based in Leipzig. HHL was founded in 1898 as a private business school. In the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 657 students were enrolled at HHL. The university offers Master's programmes in management in particular, including a full-time and a part-time MBA programme as well as an Executive MBA. As a university, HHL is also eligible to award doctorates.
European School of Management and Technology: ESMT European School of Management and Technology is a state-recognised, private university based in Berlin. The business school was founded in 2002 and a total of 373 students were enrolled in the 2019/2020 winter semester. The 3 study programmes focus on leadership, innovation and analytics.
RFH – University of Applied Science: Die Rheinische Fachhochschule ist eine private, staatlich zugelassen Fachhochschule mit Sitz in Köln. Gegründet wurde die Hochschule im Jahr 1985. Im WS 2019/2020 waren insgesamt 6203 Studierende an der Hochschule immatrikuliert. Neben einem Bachelor in Wirtschaftsrecht bietet die Hochschule beispielsweise einen MBA in International Business in Köln.
Dresden International University: Die DIU ist ein An-Institut der Uni Dresden, also eine Ausgründung der staatlichen Universität Dresden. Die private Universität wurde im Jahre 2003 als Weiterbildungsuniversität gegründet. Im WS 2019/2020 waren insgesamt 2.189 Studierende an der DIU immatrikuliert. Die Hochschule bietet neben weiteren Studiengängen einen MBA in Unternehmensführung.

What are the costs & tuition fees in the MBA programme?
The price range between the various MBA programmes at private universities is extreme. The RFH - University of Applied Science in Cologne and the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, for example, are particularly inexpensive, with the MBA costing around 13,000 euros in total. One of the most expensive MBA programmes is at the private university ESCP Europe - the MBA there costs almost 70,000 euros for just three semesters of study.
But why are many MBA programmes so expensive? It's because with many MBA programmes you don't just pay for the lectures, seminars and supervision. In some cases, you also pay for semesters abroad, seminars abroad and, of course, for interesting contacts in the business world.
Here is an overview of the tuition fees for MBA studies at private universities:
Which study cities are the best for MBA studies?

MBA programmes are offered by private universities in all major cities in Germany. Most programmes are in the German capital Berlin: over 9 private universities offer MBA programmes in Berlin, which may be due in no small part to the fact that Berlin is one of the most important centres for the start-up, tech and founder scene in Germany.
By the way, some universities also offer their MBA programmes in several cities. For example: Fresenius University of Applied Sciences offers a comparatively inexpensive part-time MBA programme at its locations in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich or Wiesbaden. Advantage: During the course of your studies, you can easily change cities. And the FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie und Management also offers a part-time MBA programme in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Essen, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Cologne, Mannheim, Munich, Nuremberg, Stuttgart and even Vienna.
Here is an overview of the most interesting cities to study for an MBA:
City | Cost of living | Quality of life | Population density | Universities |
---|---|---|---|---|
Munich | 66.53 | 176.16 | 4,736 | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, Munich Business School, International School of Management |
Frankfurt/Main | 59.05 | 172.67 | 3,067 | Frankfurt School of Finance and Management |
Hamburg | 56.32 | 162.48 | 2,447 | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, University of Europe for Applied Sciences, NORDAKADEMIE University for Applied Sciences |
Stuttgart | 55.23 | 165.16 | 3,067 | FOM University of Applied Sciences |
Berlin | 54.18 | 160.49 | 4,115 | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, IU International University of Applied Sciences, University of Europe for Applied Sciences, ESCP Europe, European School of Management and Technology, Steinbeis University, Quadriga University Berlin, Berlin International University of Applied Sciences, Touro College Berlin |
Cologne | 52.94 | 158.48 | 2,686 | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, RFH – University of Applied Science |
Dusseldorf | 52.61 | 175.02 | 2,860 | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management |
Distance learning MBA: online to Master of Business Administration
Distance learning and online degree programmes are currently in vogue because they offer the possibilities to obtain academic degrees in a completely flexible way and predominantly without compulsory attendance. In addition, online MBAs are significantly cheaper than part-time MBAs or full-time face-to-face MBAs.
However, distance learning MBAs also have the major disadvantage that they offer hardly any networking opportunities, as is the case in face-to-face MBAs. However, some distance learning universities offer supplementary seminars and sometimes international seminars in the course of the distance learning programme, such as the European Distance Learning University Hamburg.
Here are the most important MBA distance learning programmes at a glance:
You can find a complete overview of MBA distance learning programmes at state and private universities here: Distance learning MBA: The 20 best programmes in comparison
Part-time MBA: study at weekends and in the evenings
Part-time programmes offer similar advantages to distance learning programmes in terms of flexibility: you can continue to work and gain professional experience while continuing your education at an academic level to become a Master of Business Administration.
Compared to distance learning programmes, however, part-time degree programmes have the great advantage that you attend classroom lectures. These usually take place in the evenings on several days a week or in block weeks per semester. Example: MBA General Management at the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences. Lectures in this MBA programme generally take place on 2-3 evenings a week, usually from 6:00 pm to 9:15 pm. Additional lectures take place on 2-3 Saturdays per month, each from 8:00 to 16:00. You can also complete many modules online or from home.
Here is an example of the course of study for the MBA General Management at the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences:
- Semester 1: Approaches and principles of management and economics, organisational management and behaviour in organisations, economic developments and management decisions, economic modelling
- Semester 2: Investment, financing and controlling, leadership and leadership personality, human resource management, methods of data analysis for entrepreneurial decisions
- Semester 3: Marketing Management and Brand Management, Leadership of Companies in Change Processes, Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics, Strategic Management
- Semester 4: Master Thesis
Here are the most important part-time MBA programmes at a glance:
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