Germany is one of the most popular destinations to study abroad, especially for Indian students who want to pursue their MBA overseas. The country is famous for its quality educational infrastructure, great B-schools, and practical research-oriented programs. Moreover, the tuition fees in many German B-Schools can be affordable compared to other popular global MBA destinations.
However, many students might incorrectly think that GMAT is a mandatory requirement for MBA. While many German universities indeed ask for a valid GMAT score, it’s possible to study MBA from Germany without GMAT. There are many good B-Schools in Germany where GMAT is recommended but not mandatory for admission to their MBA program.
However, you need to focus on certain areas during the admission process to compensate for not having a valid GMAT score. Let’s find out the details regarding MBA in Germany without a GMAT score and the universities you can aim for.
Top Universities in Germany for MBA Without GMAT
- Technical University of Munich (Executive MBA)
- Offenburg University of Applied Sciences
- Reutlingen University
- University Of Kiel
- Ludwig Maximilian University Munich (LMU)
- Berlin School of Economics and Law
- Cologne Business School (CBS)
- Accadis Hochschule Bad Homburg
Eligibility to Study MBA in Germany Without GMAT
Admission to B-schools Germany for MBA without GMAT is intensely competitive as many applicants from all over the world apply for these programs. So, check the admission requirements carefully before you apply for an MBA program in Germany.
While finer nuances of admission may differ among various institutions, the following are the key admission requirements in most German B-schools.
Bachelor’s Degree
If you’re applying for an MBA without GMAT in Germany, a high undergraduate score can increase your chances of acceptance. A 3.0 GPA score or higher can increase your chances in many universities. However, to better your chances, you should try to secure a GPA of 3.5 or more.
Professional Work Experience
Most German B-Schools give a significant weightage to a relevant work experience of at least 3 years or more in a reputed organization.
Proof of English Language Proficiency
International applicants from Non-EU countries must submit a valid TOEFL or IELTS test score as proof of English language proficiency.
Resume
Like most top MBA universities abroad, B-Schools in Germany carefully examine applicants’ resumes. The importance of a good resume increases further if you want to study MBA in Germany and don’t have a valid GMAT score. Therefore, take time to prepare an appealing resume. Apart from documenting your academic achievements, highlight your professional achievements.
Additionally, mention all the relevant skill sets you acquired, your internships, and the notable accolades you received.
Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose (SOP) is an essay you submit while applying for an MBA program in most overseas universities. Many German B-schools may call it the Letter of Motivation. The B-schools provide the topic for the essay. Many universities may ask for 2-3 SOP essays.
The admission committee wants to know you as a person through your SOP answers. Therefore, SOPs are a great opportunity to demonstrate your thought process and the unique aspects of your personality. You can use SOPs to provide strong reasons for pursuing an MBA from Germany without GMAT.
Moreover, an SOP can be the right area to showcase certain interesting aspects of your personality, like your leadership skills, which otherwise may not be highlighted in your resume.
Letter of Recommendation
Many B-schools in Germany ask for a letter of recommendation (LOR) from MBA applicants. Some B-schools may ask for two or more LORs. In Germany, most B-schools prefer recommendation letters written by academic professors.
Whether you apply for an MBA with or without GMAT in Germany, the LOR is vital in both cases. However, it can hold more significance when you apply for an MBA without GMAT in Germany. Your recommender can highlight your professional/academic achievements to increase your chances of acceptance to a particular MBA program.
Application Process in Germany MBA Colleges Without GMAT
Many German B-Schools use online application tools. If you are eligible to pursue MBA without GMAT in Germany, you can apply online by visiting their website.
- Visit the official website of your desired B-school to know their admission requirements and deadlines.
- Upload scanned copies of all your necessary documents.
- Complete the online application form and pay the requisite fee.
- The B-school will send you a conditional offer letter if selected.
- Once you receive the conditional offer letter, you can proceed to pay the deposit fees to confirm your admission.
- Apply for a German student visa after you receive the admission letter.
Cost of Pursuing MBA Without GMAT in Germany
Study Cost
The cost of study in Germany can significantly vary depending on the universities. Most public universities in Germany don’t charge tuition fees. You only need to pay an administration fee of €150 to €300 at the beginning of every semester.
On the other hand, private universities can charge about €9,000 or more each semester as tuition fees from international applicants. However, many universities offer merit-based scholarships to deserving students. Scholarships and financial aid can reduce the tuition fee by up to 50% in many universities.
Living Cost
International students seeking German student visas are required to open a blocked bank account, Sperrkonto. From 1 January 2023, international students entering Germany must have at least €11,208 in their blocked account. The amount is considered sufficient to sustain yourself financially for a year. You’ll be able to withdraw a maximum of €934 monthly from this fund.
Job Prospects After Getting an MBA Degree Without GMAT in Germany
Pursuing an MBA from Germany without GMAT is unlikely to affect your job prospects. Germany is a developed country with a thriving economy. Many top global multinational companies, including some well-known automotive majors, have headquarters in Germany.
Therefore, the demand for skilled MBA graduates will likely stay for many years. So, if you acquire the right business administration skills and develop networking opportunities during your MBA studies, you can get a well-paying job in Germany, irrespective of whether you had GMAT scores or not during your admission.
So, it might be the right time for you to take the plunge and fulfill your overseas MBA dreams in Germany.
FAQs related to MBA in Germany Without GMAT Score
1. Is GMAT Required/Compulsory for MBA in Germany?
While it is not compulsory, a strong GMAT score, preferably 600 points or more, is highly recommended for MBA applicants. However, many German MBA colleges without GMAT requirements can have an alternate system in place.
For example, LMU Munich School of Management conducts a written test for students who do not have a minimum GMAT score of 600 points. The university waives the GMAT requirement if you pass this test.
2. Is a Bachelor’s Degree in a Field Non-related to Business or Economics Accepted for MBA Without GMAT in Germany?
A completed university education in any field can be adequate for pursuing MBA from Germany without GMAT in most universities. However, check the university’s admission criteria for detailed information.
3. Is German Language Proficiency Required When Pursuing MBA in Germany Without GMAT?
There’re B-Schools, like the Berlin School of Economics and Law, that require proficiency in the English language only. They ask for TOEFL/IELTS scores only. However, some B-schools, like LMU Munich, demand fluency in both English and German.
Therefore, checking the language proficiency criteria from the B-School’s official website is better before applying.
4. Can I Work While Studying MBA in Germany?
You can work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week on your German student visa. The same visa would allow you to seek employment in Germany for 18 months after you finish your MBA or any other program. Once you get employment, you have to convert your post-study visa into a work visa.
