MBA in Germany Without GMAT
The GMAT exam has been an important part of MBA programs around the world for years. And although it still remains a crucial requirement for admission to MBA programs in numerous universities, a large number of business schools are offering GMAT waivers. There are business schools in Germany that accept students without GMAT scores by giving them the opportunity to submit GRE scores or take tests administered by the schools themselves.
Can I Study MBA in Germany Without GMAT?
There are universities in Germany that list submission of GMAT scores as completely optional — allowing you to pursue an MBA in Germany even if you have not sat for the GMAT exam. Usually, universities require that you submit test scores of alternative admission tests. Information about what test scores the university accepts is usually included on the website of the university.
Some German business schools rank in the top 100 MBA rankings. Whereas all business schools offer intensive MBA programs. From the beginning of your MBA studies in Germany until graduation, you will receive continuous preparation for what waits ahead. You will also have the opportunity to stay and work in Germany after graduation — hence putting into practice what your German business school taught you.
MBA Admission Requirements in Germany
In order to be eligible for admission to an MBA program in Germany, you must meet the criteria set by your chosen university. Now, not all business schools in Germany share the same requirements, but there are general requirements that apply to almost all MBA programs, and they list as follows:
Bachelor’s Degree
Part of the admission requirements is having an undergraduate degree. To apply for an MBA program in Germany, you must check if your degree is recognized by the German institutions. If your degree is not recognized, you will have the option of attending preparatory courses before you begin your regular studies.
Work Experience
Work experience is an important element in MBA programs because business schools seek to develop their students’ business skills not only through lectures but also through their peers’ prior experience. In Germany, most universities expect students to have at least three years of work experience when applying to their MBA programs. But, there are also other German universities that do not list work experience as a minimum requirement.
English or German Language Proficiency
MBA programs in Germany are offered both in German and English. If neither of the two languages is your first language, depending on the language of instruction of your university, you will need to provide proof of language proficiency. If you choose to study in German you will have to submit scores of TestDaF, DSH II or III, Goethe-Zertifikat C2. If you are going to study in English you must submit scores of TOEFL, IELTS, or as specified by your university.
Test Scores
To MBA programs, test scores can be of great importance. In German business schools, you might be required to submit GMAT or GRE scores. There are possibilities where business schools administer their own test. Although not all universities offer flexibility in test scores, there are some business schools in Germany that offer different options for MBA entrance exams.
Related: Erudera’s Complete Guide on Studying MBA in Germany.
Universities in Germany for MBA Without GMAT
Germany has plenty of great business schools that will accept you even if you do not submit GMAT scores. The following include only some of the business schools that offer MBA programs to students who have not sat for the GMAT exam.
Here are some universities in Germany for MBA without GMAT:
| Universities | Admission Requirements | Duration | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | Master’s entry qualification.At least 3 years of professional experience.English language proficiency. | 3 Semesters + Master’s Thesis | €39,000 |
| Reutlingen University | An undergraduate degree or equivalent recognized in Germany.Proof of work experience. English language proficiency (C1).Pass the aptitude test.GMAT test score or equivalent GRE score. | 1 Year Full-time | €1,500 per semester for international students |
| HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, Leipzig University | Bachelor’s degree.At least 3 years of work experience.GMAT or GRE scores.Proof of English Language Proficiency TOEFL 90+IELTS 7.0. |
1 Year + 3 Months Master Thesis Or 21 Months |
€33,500 to €37,500 |
| Berlin School of Economics and Law | Completed university degree.At least three years of work experience.English language proficiency (TOEFL: cbt 213 points or ibt 79 points or IELTS: 6.5 points). |
15 Months Full-time 2 Years Part-time |
€19,800 |
| Cologne Business School (CBS) | Undergraduate degree.English language proficiency.Work experience. | 2 Years Full-time | €5,850 |
| Dresden International University | First university or technical college degree with 240 ECTS points.If you have less than 240 ECTS you must attend additional modules.At least five years of professional experience. | 18 Months | €23,900 plus individual specialization |
| Accadis Hochschule Bad Homburg | Completed non-economic university degree or completed pilot training for MBA for pilots.At least two years of professional experience.English Language Proficiency (B2 to C1).Good final grade from the first degree. | 1 Year Full-time | €16,800 |
| Academy Würth Business School | Diploma awarded from an accredited university.At least three years of work experience.Two reference letters.CVPass the interview. | 13.5 Months | €24,200 |
MBA in Germany Without GMAT and Work Experience
Pursuing an MBA in Germany if you have not sat for the GMAT exam or have no work experience is not easy, but it is not impossible either. Germany has a large number of universities and their admission requirements are not always similar to one another. German universities that accept students without GMAT or work experience expect to see excellent results in other elements of the admission requirements.
For example, to counterbalance your lack of work experience you must make your application stand out with activities such as internships, community service, or provide exceptional leadership examples. This will allow the admissions committee to decide whether you will be a good fit for their MBA program.
Whereas, to compensate for the nonexistence of GMAT scores you must highlight your college success. This includes having an exceptional undergraduate GPA, great recommendation letters, or other persuasive evidence of your academic and professional excellence. If you have a successful academic record, applying without GMAT to German universities will not penalize you.