MBA in Germany without GMAT, Work Experience and Tuition Fees | Admissify

Are you looking to do an MBA in Germany without a GMAT? Germany is a magnet for international students, offering top-notch business schools at a fraction of the cost you might find elsewhere.

The exciting part is that many German universities do not have GMAT requirements. Instead, they value what truly matters — your academic achievements, relevant work experience, and, most importantly, the unique drive and ambition you showcase in your application essays. This makes you feel genuinely appreciated and valued.

These business programs from the top-rated universities typically last 1-2 years and come at an affordable price tag. Plus, you can earn anywhere from €54K to €88K (INR 48L to INR 79L) per year with an MBA.

So, leave the stress of standardised tests behind. Your ambition alone can help you on your way to a rewarding MBA program. 

Key Highlights MBA in Germany without GMAT

Here’s a highlight of everything you will learn in detail in this blog post on the top universities to study MBA in Germany without the GMAT.

Particulars	Description
Top MBA Universities / MBAColleges in Germany Without GMAT	Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University MunichUniversity of Cologne
Top Scholarships Available to Study MBA from Germany without GMAT	DAAD Germany Scholarship ProgramESMT MBA ScholarshipDean’s Excellence Scholarship
Cost of Living in Germany	€1831 (INR 1.6L)
Cost of German Study Visa	€75 (INR 7K)
Top Recruiters for MBA Graduates in Germany	DeloitteBayerBMW
English Proficiency Tests to Study MBA in Germany without GMAT	IELTS: 7+TOEFL: 90+
GPA Needed at MBA Colleges in Germany without GMAT	3.0 or higher

Why Study for an MBA in Germany without a GMAT?

Are you considering an MBA but concerned about the GMAT? Germany has got you covered. Did you know that Germany will have approximately 28 universities in the QS top 500 universities in the world by 2025? It provides an excellent balance of high-quality education, affordability, and career opportunities.

It is the ideal place to pursue an MBA as an international student.

• Save money by skipping the GMAT: Many German universities are dropping the GMAT requirement altogether. This saves you time and money when preparing for the test. You can save around $849 (INR 79,000), which you can spend on your studies. Now, you can focus on creating an excellent application package to showcase your achievements.
• Top education at an affordable price: German universities are world-renowned for their quality education at a fraction of the cost in the US or UK. Imagine earning an MBA in a leading European economy with a booming job market.
• Work in Germany after graduation: You may be eligible to stay and work in Germany and immediately put your new skills into practice.
• Hands-. About learning: The German education system is famous for combining theory and practical application. This means you will gain the knowledge and practical experience employers seek.

Top Universities to Study MBA in Germany Without GMAT

The country has six universities in the top 600 of the QS Ranking 2025, allowing you to pursue an MBA in Germany without taking the GMAT.

Many German universities offer programs taught entirely in English. They are also among the most prestigious in the world. With over 4,50,000 international students, they are a welcoming environment for people worldwide.

Here is a list of the top six universities in Germany that offer MBA programs without the GMAT. 

Name of German Universities	QS World Ranking 2025	Tuition Fees
Technical University of Munich	28	€4K to €6K (INR 3.6L to INR 5.3L) Per Semester
Ludwig Maximilian University Munich	59	€374 (INR 33K) (Semester Fee)
University of Cologne	285	€304 (INR 27K) (Semester Fee)
University of Stuttgart	314	€1500 (INR 1.3L) Per Semester
University of Mannheim	487	€42K (INR 38L) (Lumpsum)
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management	527	€33K to €39K (INR 30L to INR 35L) (Lumpsum)

Popular Specialisation in MBA Germany Without GMAT

Over 42,000 Indian students have enrolled in German universities for the 2023-24 academic year. This represents a 25% increase over the previous year, 2022, which saw over 34,000 Indian students. This demonstrates Germany’s increasing popularity as a study destination for Indian students.

Germany’s MBA programs without the GMAT provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for various industries. Many programs allow you to specialise in a particular field, such as marketing, human resources, finance, etc. These specialisations will enable you to develop specific skills and knowledge, making you a strong candidate in your chosen field.

Here is a list of the best specialisations available with an MBA in Germany without a GMAT.

Specialisation	Job Prospects
Finance	Financial AnalystInvestment Banker
Marketing	Marketing Manager, Brand Manager
Information Systems	IT Manager, Systems Analyst
Operations Management	Operations Manager, Supply Chain Analyst
Human Resources	HR Manager, Talent Acquisition Specialist
Entrepreneurship	Entrepreneur, Business Owner
Consulting	Management Consultant, Strategy Analyst

MBA in Germany Without GMAT

The good news is that public universities in Germany are well-known for offering MBA programs that do not require a GMAT exam, and there are no tuition fees. While pursuing your MBA, you must pay minor semester fees and living expenses. Here’s the exciting part: this category includes several of Germany’s top universities, so you have options.

• University of Stuttgart.
• The University of Tubingen
• Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich
• University of Kiel.
• Goethe University, Frankfurt
• Ruhr-University Bochum
• Universität Hamburg
• University of Duisburg-Essen
• University of Cologne
• University of Münster
• RWTH Aachen University

Scholarships Available for MBA in Germany Without GMAT

Here are some top scholarships available for MBA in Germany without GMAT.

Scholarship Name	Offered By	Amount Awarded
DAAD Germany Scholarship Program	German Academic Exchange Service	€934  (INR 83K) (Monthly)
ESMT MBA Scholarship	ESMT Berlin	€1K to €6K (INR 90K to INR 5.4L) (Lumpsum)
Dean’s Excellence Scholarship	ESMT	€16K (INR 15L) (Lumpsum)
Mannheim School of Business Scholarships	Mannheim School of Business	€2K (INR 1.8L) (Lumpsum)
Women in Business Scholarship	ESMT	€4.5K (INR 4L) (Lumpsum)
Asia Scholarship	ESMT	€10K (INR 9L) (Lumpsum)

Eligibility Criteria to Study MBA in Germany Without GMAT

Here’s an overview of what you will probably need to get accepted:

• Academic solid Background: Aim for a GPA of 3.0 to 3.5 (83-86%). This demonstrates a solid foundation for your undergraduate (bachelor’s) studies.
• English language proficiency:
  • IELTS: You will typically need an overall score of 7.5, with no individual band score below 7.
  • TOEFL: A score of 90 to 100 is usually expected. 
• Work Experience: Most programs require at least 3-5 years of experience to ensure that you can effectively apply what you have learned.
• A Standout Resume: Go Beyond Your Job Titles. Highlight specific accomplishments, skills you learned, and significant projects you led during internships and jobs.
• A compelling statement of purpose: This is your chance to shine. Showcase your personal and professional goals, explain why you want to pursue an MBA in Germany and show how your experiences qualify you for the program.
• Strong letters of recommendation: Get two letters from professors or former employers who can attest to your academic abilities, work ethic, and potential for success in a demanding program.

Even if you do not have a GMAT score, combining these strengths will help you stand out.

Job Prospects After MBA in Germany Without GMAT

Here’s a list of top recruiters for MBA graduates in Germany.

Top Recruiters	Average Annual Salary
Deloitte	€50K to €75K (INR  45L to INR 68L)
Bayer	€50K to €65K (INR 45L to INR 58L)
BMW	€60K to €100K (INR 53L to INR 90L)
Siemens	€60K to €100K (INR 53L to INR 90L)
Zalando	€50K to €80K (INR 45L to INR 71L)
Deutsche Bank	€55K to €90K (INR 49L to INR 80L)

Cost of Living in Germany

The cost of living in Germany varies depending on which city you choose. Still, Germany is a more affordable option than other Western European countries.

You will find a comparable quality of life at a lower cost of living than in the UK, Ireland, or the United States. Cities such as Dusseldorf, Cologne, and Frankfurt are known for being exceptionally affordable to students.

Here is an overview of the cost of living for a single person. 

Particular	Amount (Monthly)
Rent	€942 (INR 84K)
Utilities	€367 (INR 32K)
Transport	€49 (INR 4.3K)
Groceries	€33 (INR 3K)
Gym	€200 (INR 18K)
Entertainment	€240 (INR 21K)

German Study Visa

Germany welcomes Indian students with a visa acceptance rate of around 90%. The number of Indian students receiving German student visas has steadily increased, from more than 28K in 2021 to 42K in 2023.

Because a student visa is required to study in Germany, this section will walk you through the application process step by step, ensuring a smooth path to your academic goals.

• First, consult the official website of the German embassy or consulate for a complete list of visa requirements.
• Once you have determined the requirements, gather all the necessary documents for your visa application. Here’s a checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything:

• A valid passport with at least two blank pages was issued within the last decade.
• I completed the application and declaration forms.
• Three recent passport-size photographs.
• Your CV.
• A powerful statement of purpose letter.
• Travel insurance.
• When you have all your documents ready, complete the official visa application form online and pay the INR 7K visa fee (€75). Ensure all the information is correct, and double-check that you have completed everything on the checklist.
• Depending on the procedure, you may need to schedule a biometrics appointment. This usually involves providing fingerprints.
• Once submitted, you can track your application status online or contact German authorities for updates. Be prepared to provide any additional information they may request during processing.
• Finally, when the decision arrives, review your visa grant carefully. It details any entry requirements and visa conditions you need to fulfil.

• Two copies of your passport’s data page (A4).
• The letter of admission from the university.
• Proof that you can financially support yourself while studying (minimum 11L (€11.8K).
• Copies of your academic credentials (diplomas, bachelor’s).
• Proof of language proficiency (unless your admission letter indicates otherwise).
• Proof of payment for all tuition and study fees.

Wrapping Up

Germany is a popular destination for international students looking for a no-GMAT MBA, with top-ranked universities offering programs that do not require the GMAT. These programs typically last 1-2 years and are affordable, with annual earnings ranging from €54,000 to €88,000. Top scholarships for MBA studies in Germany without GMAT include the DAAD Germany Scholarship Program, ESMT MBA Scholarship, and Dean’s Excellence Scholarship. The cost of living in Germany is €1,831, and the cost of applying for a German student visa is €75. 

FAQs

Can I study for an MBA in Germany without a GMAT? 

Many German universities offer MBA programs without requiring GMAT scores, focusing instead on academic and professional backgrounds.

Can I do an MBA in Germany without work experience? 

Yes, some universities in Germany admit students who need to gain prior work experience, especially for specialised MBA programs.

What is the tuition fee for an MBA in Germany? 

Tuition fees for MBA programs in Germany range from €10,000 to €30,000 per year, varying based on the institution and program duration.

How much experience is required for an MBA in Germany? 

While some MBA programs in Germany prefer candidates with work experience, several universities accept applicants immediately after completing their bachelor’s degree.