MBA

The MBA program at the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT Berlin) is a premier international business education designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing global environment. The program combines a rigorous core curriculum with specialized electives, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of essential business disciplines, including strategy, finance, marketing, and leadership. Emphasizing both theoretical foundations and practical application, the ESMT MBA prepares students to address complex business challenges with analytical rigor and innovative thinking.

The program attracts a diverse cohort of professionals from various industries and countries, fostering a vibrant, multicultural learning environment. This diversity enhances peer learning and broadens perspectives, enabling participants to develop a global mindset and cultural agility. The curriculum is designed to promote leadership development through experiential learning, team projects, and interactions with industry leaders. Students benefit from ESMT's strong network of corporate partners and alumni, which offers invaluable opportunities for mentorship, internships, and career advancement.

The ESMT MBA is a full-time program that typically spans 12 to 15 months, allowing students to immerse themselves fully in their studies while balancing personal and professional commitments. The program features a combination of classroom instruction, case studies, workshops, and international study trips, which together provide a rich, hands-on learning experience. Emphasis is placed on sustainability, digital transformation, and innovation, aligning the curriculum with the evolving demands of the modern business landscape.

Graduates of the ESMT MBA program are well-positioned to step into leadership roles across various sectors, including consulting, finance, technology, and entrepreneurship. They leave with enhanced strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a global network, empowering them to drive change and create impact within their organizations. Committed to excellence and innovation, the ESMT MBA prepares students not only to meet today’s business challenges but also to shape the future of business globally.

Educational organisation

The ESMT MBA programme is a 12-month, full-time course of study taking place at the ESMT campus in Berlin-Mitte.

Study abroad unit(s)

Through the optional International Field Seminar (IFS) or the Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM), participants discover emerging markets which are expected to play an essential role in the future business world. The IFS trips have taken members of previous classes to China, India, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, and Silicon Valley.

Internships

A special part of the one-year, full-time MBA programme is the Consulting Project. It is the foundation of the Master's thesis which every participant writes and defends in front of ESMT faculty.
In the consulting project, participants work on an assignment submitted by one of ESMT's partner organisations in order to propose applicable recommendations to the organisation's management. The nature of the assignment is similar to that of a management consulting project.
Participants work in teams formed by the MBA office and receive input from sponsors, faculty and participants. In this project, participants are given a unique opportunity to make a difference through interaction with senior executives. ESMT faculty members, who are also highly experienced consultants and enjoy close relationships with their corporate clients, provide tight supervision and guidance. For project sponsors, this is an opportunity to become acquainted with a select group of high-potential MBA candidates.
Additionally, through the optional international field seminar, participants discover selected countries which are expected to play an essential role in the future business world. The field trips have taken members of previous classes to Silicon Valley, South Africa, Russia, Turkey, China, India and Mexico.

Forms of assessment

Assessments can take the form of written and oral exams, individual and/or group presentations as well as submission of papers. Many courses also allocate a percentage of the course grade for class participation.

Course objectives

Development of integrative leaders with:

• Cross-functional managerial expertise
• Strong intercultural skills
• Excellent team-working skills
• Entrepreneurial thinking
• Enhanced problem-solving capacities
• Responsible approach to critical business decisions

Language requirements

English proficiency test (TOEFL or equivalent). The required level is 95-100 on the internet-based TOEFL, or IELTS 7.0.

Academic requirements

• Strong academic first degree (at least Bachelor's degree or equivalent)
• Balanced GMAT or GRE, and TOEFL or IELTS scores
• At least three years of full-time work experience, preferably first leadership experience (e.g., as a project manager, team leader, senior scientist) managing either people, processes or budgets
• International experience preferable

See: https://www.esmt.org/degree-programs/full-time-mba/mba-admissions

Enrolment fees

Confirmation deposit of 4,000 EUR (will be deducted from tuition and fees)

Costs of living

Accommodation and living expenses: 12,000-15,000 EUR per year

Job opportunities

German student visa regulations allow students to work a total of 120 days per year. Due to the heavy workload, we do not recommend working during the one-year, accelerated programme.

Funding opportunities within the university

Supported by its 25 corporate founders, ESMT is able to offer substantial scholarships to support students. ESMT offers a number of merit-based scholarships for applicants to the Full-time MBA programme commencing in January 2017.
Scholarships will be allocated on the basis of intellectual excellence, evidence of personal and professional achievement, and evidence of strong leadership potential as well as superior interpersonal skills.
The application and interview results will be used to measure the above-mentioned criteria.
The scholarships are restricted to self-funded candidates and will be accounted for against the applicant's programme fees. Applicants must meet ESMT's general admission requirements.
Scholarships are offered exclusively in conjunction with a successful application to our MBA programme.
http://www.esmt.org/degree-programs/full-time-mba/scholarship-programs

Arrival support

ESMT provides extensive support with visa, relocation, apartment search, health insurance and residence permit application. The ESMT Admissions Team provides each student with access to its pre-programme networking platform for newly admitted students which contains thorough information about living in Berlin, living in Germany, and German administrative regulations.

Services and support for international students

The ESMT Admissions Office and the MBA programme office support international students from the very beginning. As an international institution, ESMT's faculty and staff often speak the native language of the students, which is another way in which the school can support its international student body.

Accommodation

There is no on-campus housing available. Students are responsible for finding an apartment and signing a personal lease but are supported by the ESMT Admissions Office. Studio apartments in central Berlin cost from 400 EUR upwards per month.