If you would like to take a chance and pursue a career in business education in Germany, then this article is right for you! We will be discussing the top schools in Germany that provide highly regarded business programs. This country, one of the world’s largest exporters of goods can easily guide you towards your objectives. Germany’s economy is expanding rapidly, making it an excellent place to learn new skills and advance your education.
Higher education in Germany is a dream come true for international students. In Germany, unlike anywhere else, you’ll have your pick of dozens of highly regarded universities, a dizzying array of courses, and degrees that are highly sought after around the world—all while enjoying low living expenses.
Numerous reasons exist for why students from around the world choose German universities for their higher education every year. Germany is an affordable place to further your education. The cost of tuition is extremely low, and in some cases, it is even free. Germany is the only top study destination where universities do not charge tuition fees, even though higher education is becoming increasingly important due to the growing demand for highly qualified professionals and the rising cost of attending university.
Now let’s have a look at the top universities that offer business programs in Germany!
Top Business Schools in Germany
1. University of Mannheim
The University of Mannheim‘s Business School is one of the best business schools in Germany. It’s synonymous with high-quality research that’s both nationally and internationally oriented. To ensure that students have the most beneficial academic experience, they use cutting-edge teaching strategies and maintain high-quality standards throughout the school year.
An AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA triple accreditation is sufficient proof that Mannheim Business School is a prestigious institution. This German business school will provide you with world-class research, practical application, and innovative teaching methods.
2. University of Münster
The University of Münster School of Business and Economics has a well-defined study profile and is one of the best business schools in Germany. Its unique features include the combination of business administration, economics, and information systems through business, political, administrative decision-makers, international teaching, and training. This combination is focused on the realities of life outside of the academy, making it one of the most unique programs the university has to offer.
To this end, the university strives to give students a solid foundation in the fields of business administration, economics, and information technology. Instead of relying on what the university already knows, they look for new things to invest in. It tries to teach students methods and techniques that will allow them to gain new knowledge on their own and deal purposefully with the difficult challenges posed by a world that is constantly changing.
The exchange of academic theories and business practices is also critical in education at the University of Münster. Thus, the university places a high value on internationalization, which involves working with other academic institutions in other countries. Attending this university will provide you with exposure to cultural exchange and differences.
3. Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
The three business intelligence centers in Germany, namely; EQUIS, AACSB, and FIBAA, all triple-accredited Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. A big part of it was because of their specialties, including research, knowledge transfer, international focus, and regional involvement, topics that drew students from around the world to the university. Thus, the school has already made a name for itself as a key player in the reform movement.
Many of the school’s alumni have also gone on and found successful start-ups or joined other promising entrepreneurial initiatives. Furthermore, their alumni are active in all sectors, as evidenced by award-winning and successful start-ups like Braceless, Finanzguru, Fitvia, and Oatsome.
The business school’s academic programs have been updated to reflect the most recent societal and economic shifts. The curriculum and teaching methods at the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management have been modified to meet the changing needs of the start-up community. For example, some of their academic programs feature increasing amounts of content related to financial technology and business start-ups. That commitment led the school to develop specialized training to assist its students in dealing with ever-increasing data volumes.
4. WHU—Otto Beisheim School of Management
The Otto Beisheim School of Management at WHU is Germany’s best business school. The school’s four core values—community, globalism, entrepreneurship, and excellence—are all deeply held by the faculty and students. Particularly, in the field of finance, this helped them advance academically.
Furthermore, the university was ranked first in Germany for the Master of Finance in 2020 and was ranked 22nd globally at the time of publication. These accomplishments earned them the prestigious AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA triple accreditation.
The programs offered at WHU are designed to provide outstanding management education. Their programs can be completed in six semesters, thanks to a flexible curriculum and extensive support from WHU faculty and staff. The university ensures that all its students will be fully equipped with the critical skills and fundamental knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global business environment by the time they graduate.
5. University of Cologne
The University of Cologne is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, founded in 1388. This top business school ranks as one of Germany’s top universities. Its management education has a long history of success at the university.
In Germany, the only MBA program is offered by the Cologne Business School. They are solely concerned with delivering high-quality professional development programs, particularly in the area of leadership. This is why the university is well-known throughout Europe for postgraduate studies.
Innovative teaching methods and presentations based on real-life practice, delivered by internationally acclaimed professors and lecturers, are what sets the University of Cologne’s Business School apart. Whether you’re interested in an Executive MBA, a customized course, or a seminar, this business school has plenty to offer.
Because they only offer a few degrees, their business school is unable to accept exchange students. Transfer students, on the other hand, as well as students from other countries, are warmly welcomed.
6. Leipzig University
Leipzig University, located in the historic city of Leipzig, is one of Germany’s oldest universities, with a history dating back to 1409. The university is renowned for its academic excellence across a wide range of fields, including business and economics. Its business school is highly respected for its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation in a global context. The university’s strong ties to the local business ecosystem and its research-driven approach provide students with valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and professional development.
For students with a strong interest in entrepreneurship and small businesses, Leipzig University provides a transformative learning experience. Mutiu Adebowale Oyero, a student from Nigeria, noted that he always looked forward to a “genuinely immersive, intensive, challenging, and transformative learning and research experience as well as a practical training opportunity.” He also highlighted that the program “broadened my horizons on local economy development as I also gained insights into the success of Mittelstand amongst several real cases of SMEs.” This showcases how the university’s curriculum provides students with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into business and management.
Mutiu’s experience further demonstrates how the university’s programs empower students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. He stated that the university’s highly diverse and dynamic academic landscape, combined with “unlimited access to the job market in Germany (the heart of Europe),” will afford him “lifelong career success in my chosen field.” This speaks to the university’s commitment to supporting students’ professional goals and providing them with the tools and opportunities needed to make a lasting impact in their home countries and beyond.
7. Steinbeis University
The School of International Business and Entrepreneurship is one of Germany’s leading graduate schools for leadership & management. The school began running its master’s program as far back as 1994 and has successfully graduated over 5,000 students who have become competent managers and business leaders worldwide.
The institution provides a conducive environment for students to have the best academic experience, designed to promote growth, innovation, and globalization. SIBE is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) for upholding the quality standard required to be recognized as one of the best business schools in the world.
SIBE offers master’s courses in International Management, Digital Leadership, International Business Law, and a doctoral program in Business Administration. These courses are characterized by high-quality innovation designed to add value and develop ideas that positively impact the business community.
8. European Business College Munich
Established in 1973, European Business College is one of the best private business schools in the world and is also among the top business schools in Germany. The school has dedicated years to ensuring that students thrive in various aspects of global business, driving changes that would enable the growth needed to see more productivity in the business world. The institution strategically promotes multiculturalism, diversity, and transformation, ensuring that its students are one of the brightest minds responsible for impactful policies that would greatly benefit the world.
European Business College maintains high-tech education services where individuals and public agencies can receive progressive and innovative education through degree and non-degree programs. The institution offers three years of bachelor’s programs in Business Administration, Communication & Public Relations, International Relations, Digital Business, Design & Innovation, and Business Finance.
The school also runs one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) master’s programs in Management, Marketing, Finance, Tourism & Hospitality Management, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. However, the EU Business School offers a doctoral program in Business Administration and MBA programs in International Business, Communication & Public Relations, International Marketing, and Global Banking & Finance that runs for one year (full-time) or two years (part-time).
The institution is accredited by The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), both of which are leading organizations responsible for analyzing the quality of business schools and ensuring students gain the right skills in business, management and accounting programs. EU Business School also has campuses in Barcelona and Geneva.
9. Gisma University of Applied Sciences
Gisma University of Applied Sciences is a privately owned leading business school in Germany established in 1999 and has contributed extensively towards the number of talented individuals entering the international business world. Over the years, this institution has provided an interdisciplinary foundation and innovative learning experience that develop students’ minds, turning them into creative and innovative individuals.
Students who pass through this business school go on to become leading members of the business community thanks to the institution consistently providing students with both physical and virtual learning experiences that make it easy for them to acquire knowledge through state-of-the-art technology, highly qualified staff, and a creative learning environment. Gisma ensures students learn through research and practical experience from top executives and founders
Gisma offers courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Its undergraduate courses include a bachelor’s degree in International Business Management, Data Science, AI & Digital Business, Business Management, etc. Its postgraduate courses, on the other hand, include master’s in Business Management, International Business Management, Leadership for Digital Transformation, etc. The school also runs a doctorate program, MBA, and short courses & Training.
10. ESMT Berlin
The European School of Management and Technology, popularly referred to as ESMT Berlin, is a private business school and one of the most prestigious schools in the country. It was established in 2002 by 25 global organizations, such as KPMG, T-Mobile, and The Boston Consulting Group.
ESMT Berlin is one of the leading business schools in Germany to be awarded triple accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), and the Association of MBAs (AMBA). The school focuses on providing education in leadership and innovation that cuts across various parts of politics, economics, and business.
ESMT offers master’s in innovation & entrepreneurship, global management, analytics, and artificial intelligence, etc. It also runs a global online MBA, Ph.D. programs, and also executive education.
These business schools in Germany continue to stand out for their high-quality education and impeccable standards, making them some of the best in the world. They have produced some of the best minds in the global business community and are easily great choices for anyone looking to attend a business school in Germany.
We hope that this article will help in your search for the best business school in Germany. For more articles about Germany, head on over to the Study in Germany Page! Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Germany for study opportunities!
