Can You Study MBA in Germany Without Knowing German Language?

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Mrunmayai Bobade
Updated on May 19, 2023 10:10 AM IST

Confused about whether you can study MBA in Germany without knowing German? Well, there are many private MBA colleges in Germany whose medium of instruction is exclusively English. Let us walk you through the detailed requirements to study MBA in Germany without knowing the German language.

Can You Study MBA in Germany Without Knowing German Language?

German or Deutsch is the most widely spoken tongue in the European continent. A number of countries, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg, speak and use German as their official language. More than 100 million people speak the language natively, and 185 million people speak it worldwide.

In terms of higher education, German universities are regarded as the best in the world. Over 400 institutions in Germany offer degree programmes in a wide range of subject areas including MBA. As an international student, you might be curious to know whether these courses are offered in English. All applicants, including non-EU students, are welcome to enrol in English-language programmes at almost 220 German universities.

Most of these institutions of higher learning in Germany are public and tuition-free. International students are also eligible to apply to language programmes where German is taught if they speak the language.

Given the abundance of options to choose from, finding where you can study an MBA in Germany without knowing German can be difficult. If you are a non-native speaker of German, this article will provide you with all the requirements to study MBA in Germany in the English language.

Why Study MBA in Germany?

Germany is well-known for its technical education and is becoming more popular as a study abroad destination to pursue MBA. Let us take a brief look at some reasons why you should think about pursuing an MBA in Germany:

  • Compared to another popular study abroad destinations like the United Kingdom or the United States, the cost of pursuing an MBA is significantly lower in Germany.

  • The QS Global MBA Ranking 2021 includes five German business schools, out of which four are among the top 100 business schools in the world.

  • German MBA curriculum is highly research-oriented, which means students have the opportunity to gain real-life experience and hone their critical thinking abilities.

  • There are many multinational companies where MBA students can find employment after graduating from MBA colleges in Germany.

Are you planning to study MBA in Germany but are unsure of how to choose the right MBA specialisation? Let our experts help you choose the right course tailored to your interests and flexibility!

Need Expert Help to Choose the Right MBA Specialisation?

Do German Universities Teach in English?

Yes, German universities do teach in English. German institutions are fully aware of the necessity of offering programmes in English if they hope to draw in foreign students. Although international students are welcome to apply to programmes where German is taught, it is uncommon for them to speak the language with academic proficiency.

Additionally, English-speaking personnel can typically be found working in admissions offices, registration offices, and all other pertinent and significant buildings on campus at colleges that offer English-taught programmes.

As discussed, the majority of German universities offer English-taught programs and many of them are globally ranked as well. Since all of these universities are public, it can be said that international students can study in Germany for free or pay low tuition fees.

Do I Need to Learn German to Study MBA in Germany?

No, you do not need to learn German to study MBA in Germany as long as you meet the minimum English language proficiency score requirements for your desired MBA programme. However, it is indeed fundamental to speak fluent German if you want to live in Germany. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CERF) advises having at least an A2 Language Certification, even if your preferred programme is entirely taught in English.

The six CERF levels, which are listed in ascending order of proficiency, are A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. The prospective student will be able to get part-time employment and be more successful in their daily lives in Germany if they have at least elementary knowledge of German or the A2 level. Higher proficiency levels are advised for research aspirants and if the students plan to continue on for employment following their studies.

To determine one's degree of German language proficiency, one could take the TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) or the DSH (Deutsche Sprachprfung fr dem Hochschulzugang) exams. These tests yield results that position one on levels ranging from B2 to C1. One organisation that provides tests tailored to each of the six levels is Goethe Institut. Start with Deutsch 1 for the A1 level and so on for the Goethe-Zertifikat. These tests are all accepted internationally and will increase the likelihood that students will be admitted to their preferred universities.

Requirements to Study MBA in Germany in English

Entry requirements to study MBA in Germany in English change from one university to another. However, there is surely a list of documents that are common for all MBA colleges in Germany. The following is the segregation of academic, English and German most common requirements to apply for MBA in Germany:

Academic Requirements

To be eligible for an MBA degree programme, international students need to have a bachelors or masters degree from a recognised university. Minimum GPA requirements will vary as per university and course. Apart from this, international applicants need to submit a few documents to support their application. Here is a checklist of documents required for an MBA in Germany without knowing German:

Do note that GMAT/GRE score requirements will differ as per university and type of MBA programme.

Related Reads:

GMAT Score Requirement for MBA Colleges in Germany

GRE Score Requirement for Top Universities in Germany

English Language Requirements

Here are the English language requirements to study MBA in Germany without knowing German:

German Language Requirements

Here are the German language requirements to study MBA in Germany:

Every student enrolled in a programme taught in German must be able to prove that they have a solid grasp of the language at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference. However, if you are only enrolled for one or two semesters in German studies, you might not be required to present this proof.

Before enrolling for an MBA in Germany, you must first confirm that your undergraduate degree is accepted at your preferred university. Universities typically have a list of credentials that are recognised at their institutions. If the degree you earned in your home country is not accepted in Germany, the university may require you to take a two-semester preparatory course before you can start your regular studies.

It must be noted that certain colleges may accept alternative relevant credentials or a job history in lieu of an undergraduate degree. Additionally, keep in mind that if you want to apply for MBA Executive degree programmes, work experience is highly regarded.

Top B-schools in Germany that Teach in English

Although there are more than 200 universities in Germany that offer degree programmes taught in English. Some affordable German universities are particularly well-liked by international students. Nevertheless, we have collated a small number of universities that attract a lot of interest from international students and have included them below. Remember that not all institutions with English-taught programmes are included in this list, nor is it exhaustive.

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

A research university with campuses in Garching, Heilbronn, Munich, Freising-Weihenstephan, and Singapore is the Technical University of Munich (TUM). It has been a University of Excellence since 2006 and is a member of the TU9, a group of the largest and most prestigious German technological institutes. With over 60 study programmes taught in English, TUM is a top choice for international students, as evidenced by the fact that 20% of the student body is international.

Free University of Berlin

The Freie Universitt or the Free University of Berlin was the first college in Berlin to receive the designation of the 'University of Excellence', which it has received since 2007. The university has grown to become one of Germany's and Europe's most prestigious universities despite its relatively recent founding at the outset of the Cold War in 1948. Many foreign universities, including Oxford University, UC Berkeley, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Peking University, have strategic alliances with The Free University.

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), founded in 1472, is the second-largest university in Germany in terms of student enrollment. It is situated in the city centre of Munich. LMU boasts one of the largest medical complexes in all of Europe, with 46 clinics, institutes, departments, and interdisciplinary centres that span every area of medicine.

Humboldt University of Berlin

The oldest university in Berlin, Humboldt-Universitt (HU), was first established in 1806. It was formerly known as Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universitt until 1949. Friedrich Engels, Max Weber, Max Planck, Albert Einstein, and 55 Nobel laureates are just a few of Humboldt University's illustrious former students. The Humboldt University is regarded as one of the most prominent universities in Europe, not just in Germany.

Technical University of Berlin

One of the largest technical universities in Germany is the Technical University of Berlin (TU). A broad spectrum of technical and natural science disciplines are offered at TU, and its famous humanities faculty is home to prestigious organisations like the Center for Research on Antisemitism and the Center for Gender Studies. TU Berlin, along with the Free University and Humboldt University, was named a University of Excellence for the first time in 2019 as part of the Berlin University Alliance. TU Berlin is a member of TU9, an incorporated society of the largest and most famous German technological institutes.

Universities from English-Speaking Countries Having Campuses in Germany

Having discussed the top business schools and most common requirements to study MBA in Germany, let us discuss some international universities having campuses based in Germany. Currently, a number of (private) foreign institutions run campuses in Germany and confer degrees to international students. Below are a few of them:

Lancaster University Leipzig

Students in Germany can graduate from a prestigious UK university. The first students from Lancaster University arrived at the new Leipzig campus in January 2020. Numerous degree programmes are available from LU Leipzig, which promote student mobility between the UK and Germany. Additionally, they will be able to apply for placements, graduate jobs, and internships in Lancaster and Leipzig.

Schiller International University - Heidelberg Campus

Private US-American institution Schiller International University has campuses in four distinct cities: Heidelberg (Germany), Madrid (Spain), Paris (France), and Largo (USA). The Heidelberg German campus first opened its doors in the late 1960s. Bachelor's and master's degrees are available from the Schiller International University in a variety of fields, including management, tourism, and international relations.

Arden University - Berlin Study Centre

A UK-based private teaching university, Arden University offers students a range of academic programmes and courses. The bachelor's and master's degree programmes at Arden include both mixed online and distant learning alternatives. The university has study centres all around the UK, as well as one in Germany (Berlin). The university offer degrees in a range of subjects, psychology, including banking, and data analytics.

SAE Institute Berlin

The SAE Institute, which was established in 1976, has more than 50 campuses in 28 nations and is the broadest creative media programme with an industry focus. SAE provides bachelor's and master's degrees in a range of creative media fields like film, audio, music, animation, etc. Some campuses are located in major cities throughout the world, including Berlin, Paris, Munich, New York, and London. Both English and German are used to teach programmes in Berlin.

How Learning German Language Might Prove Beneficial to You?

It will be simpler for you academically if you enrol in one of the affordable MBA colleges in Germany that are taught in English. You will also make friends with international students who share the same interests as yours, but having a basic understanding of German can be quite beneficial in day-to-day contexts when you are living as an international student in Germany. Now, let us understand how learning the German language might prove beneficial to you:

German For Your Daily Life

Germans in smaller cities, the elderly, and businesspeople prefer to speak their mother tongue, much like in the majority of other countries. Due to various distinctive accents, some people occasionally find it difficult to talk in English.

At the university, most people will undoubtedly speak English with you, but outside the campus, this might not always be the case. It may be hard or difficult for a bank teller, grocery store cashier, or police officer to switch the conversation to English.

Therefore, if you intend to relocate to Germany, you might think about enrolling in some German language classes while you are studying at MBA colleges in Germany.

German For Your Future Plans

After completing your education in Germany, you would not need to worry about learning German if you intend to move back home or to an English-speaking nation.

However, if you plan to stay back in Germany or find high-paying jobs in Germany, you should consider learning the language as soon as you get enrolled in the course.

If you reside in a region where English is not the primary language, knowing the local tongue is always advantageous. You would benefit from knowing the language in your post-study period or while doing part-time jobs in Germany. German classes are simple to take at your university and may even be free.

German For An Unforgettable Experience

Keep in mind that encountering and integrating with a new culture that is extremely dissimilar from your own is one of the primary priorities of studying abroad. Your international experience will be limited if all you do is take English-language lessons and socialise with just other English speakers.

Learning German will offer you a thorough understanding of German culture, thought processes, and way of life. You can only truly comprehend the nation and its citizens by mastering their language. Learn German if you desire a more in-depth international experience.

Finalising Your Decision

If you are willing to learn German, make an effort to integrate yourself into the local culture in some way or the other. Even if you are unwilling to learn German, Germany is an excellent alternative for studying MBA programmes. International students who speak English have a virtually limitless array of options because most universities offer full semesters of courses taught exclusively in English in addition to all English-speaking dorms.

Feeling this information is insufficient? Drop us your queries at abroad@collegedekho.com. and apply to top MBA colleges in Germany with the help of our study abroad expert team!

Apply to Top MBA Colleges in Germany With the Help of Our Experts!

FAQs

Can I study in Germany without knowing German for free?

Yes, you can study in Germany without knowing German for free. There are over 400 institutions in Germany that offer degree programmes in a wide range of subject areas including an MBA degree. You do not need to speak German to attend a German university as long as you can meet the minimum language requirements for the degree programme you want to enrol in. 

Can I apply to German universities without the German language?

Yes, you can apply to German universities without the German language. There are top-notch universities in Germany that are entirely run in English. If you think about programmes that are taught in both English and German, you will have more alternatives. 

Can I study MBA in Germany without IELTS?

Yes, you can study MBA in Germany without IELTS. German universities that accept applicants without IELTS want alternate methods of evaluating applicants' English proficiency. As a result, before being admitted, applicants must provide proof of their proficiency in English or a Medium of Instruction (MOI). To get detailed information, you may check our article - Study in Germany Without IELTS.

Can I study MBA in Germany without work experience?

Yes, you can study MBA  in Germany without work experience. Universities like RWTH Aachen University, Dresden University of Technology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, University of Stuttgart, University of Bremen, etc. For more information, check out our article - Study MBA in Germany Without Work Experience.

Can I study MBA in Germany without GMAT?

Yes, you can study MBA in Germany without GMAT. You can apply to a number of MBA programmes in Germany without providing your GMAT results. These include the Technical University of Munich, the University of Reutlingen,  the University of Kiel, the University of Munich, the Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, the University of Stuttgart, the University of Tubingen, etc. You may check out our article on the Universities in Germany for MBA Without GMAT for more information.

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