The ESMT full-time MBA
ESMT’s MBA is a one-year, personalized program that starts in January each year. The MBA program is based in Berlin, in the heart of Europe, with significant international and intercultural components. MBA courses focus on innovation, technology, managing big data, sustainable business development, entrepreneurship, and global strategic management. Click here to learn more about our program strengths.
At its core, ESMT’s MBA program takes a general management and personal development approach that gathers up to 65 students from more than 30 countries, not just in Europe, but around the world. At ESMT, we believe that 50% of an MBA experience is new learning in the classroom, and 50% is integrative, personal development. Throughout the program, the MBA challenges students to work in diverse teams, discover their drives and limits, and question conventional thinking.
Living in Berlin provides students with great location advantages in any of the three core tracks. Innovation & Entrepreneurship courses lead you from idea generation all the way to implementation and commercialization, with Berlin's entrepreneurial ecosystem as a backdrop. Managerial Analytics concentrates on the skills and knowledge needed to manage analysts and drive insightful decision-making processes, while Strategic Leadership hones the aptitude to design, evaluate, and execute complex growth strategies across borders and in large corporations. Strong connections to corporations, small-and-midsized enterprises and industry allow students to observe and practice themes taught in the last two tracks.
Currently ranked in the FT Business School ranking as the #1 business school in Germany and #9 in Europe, ESMT is one of only two business schools in Germany to appear in every international ranking among the top business school rankings. Have a look at where our MBA program ranks!
You have a specific question about the program? Have a look at our FAQ page!
One-year, full-time program
Tracks in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Managerial Analytics, and Strategic Leadership
Customize your degree: Choose German language and Responsible Leaders Fellowship
Full-time MBA - Frequently asked questions
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Do you have an update on the online GMAT/GRE tests?
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I am finding it difficult to get a second recommendation because I do not want to inform my current employer about my plans to leave my job. Is it okay to get a recommendation from a manager who has left the job?
That is no problem at all, your references should come from someone who you have worked with recently, however it does not have to be your current employer.
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I am thinking about getting the Full-Time MBA financed by my current employer which will probably bind me to the company for 1-3 years. Since it looks like the program is designed for people looking for an immediate career change, could this approach fit?
You are in a somewhat unusual position, but we do have a few students every year in a similar place to yourself. One of our current MBAs is still working a few hours a week for his employer, who is also funding his tuition with the expectation he will work for them for another few years. He is one of the ambassadors for the MBA program and if you would like to speak to him in person simply drop us an email at degrees@esmt.org and we can put the two of you in touch.
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Are there any other scholarships that ESMT offers other than what is already mentioned on the website (early bird, GMAT-based etc.)?
The scholarships are all decided on a case-by-case basis, so we will look at your profile holistically when deciding your scholarship amount. If you would like to apply for something specific listed on the website, then you simply need to let the admissions team know when you apply.
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When will we receive the scholarship results?
You will receive your scholarship offer at the same moment you are accepted onto the program.
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How are the scholarships impacted?
Our scholarships have not been impacted by the crisis, we have a range of scholarships available and you can find more information here. You can also get more information at the MBA specific session tomorrow.
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If I got 8 years of management experience and 2.5 years of small team management experience within my company – would I be suitable for the MBA or the EMBA?
In your specific case, you are lucky enough to be applicable for both. So, depending on what you wanted from your degree would impact which you choose. The full-time MBA would create an immediate change in your career whilst the EMBA is more of a long term, gradual change.
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Are the years spent doing a PhD (in Germany) counted as working experience?
Yes, years spent doing a PhD count as work experience.
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Do you see the current pandemic affecting intake of international students by ESMT?
We have not yet seen an impact on the number of international applications we have received. The biggest thing we are wary of is people being unable to get a visa whilst embassies are closed. We do have provision for online teaching for all of our programs in case this is still going on later in the year. Yet, we are very confident it will not come to that.
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What are the extra costs of the pre/post MBA programs?
The Pre/Post MBA have a small extra cost, the German lessons are offered through a partner school at a discounted rate. The Responsible Leaders Fellowship however, is a funded position, so you will be paid a stipend from the school to attend.
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Could you share your view about the advantages of going through an MBA in Berlin rather than going direct to work in the city? I wonder if it’s worth it or if I should keep with my career and later think about an EMBA?
One of the main benefits we see for our students is the increased exposure to networking whilst they study with us. This benefit, alongside the technical and leadership knowledge does almost always lead to an immediate benefit to your career. We have a careers team who will work with you to find a job after graduation.
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What is the average age of the MBA class?
The average age of the MBA class is around 31, with the youngest in the class being 26 and the oldest members over 40, so it is a real mixture.
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Is the 7-week project for the MBA program paid?
The consulting project is an unpaid position; however, many students find it very helpful for their networking with regard to post graduation employment.
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To what extent do the classes consist of group work?
Every course and workshop has a group work component. How much of the class depends on the class itself. It is about 40-60%, depending on the course.
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Why would you say 88% of the graduates end up working in Germany?
We find that for many people staying in Germany, it is a good way to get access to the European economy, which has lots of opportunities. All graduates are given an 18-month work visa on graduation, which is accepted by all employers regardless of nationality or income. So, for many people this is a unique opportunity to relocate. Students also have access to many more networking opportunities in Germany, and therefore have a better chance of finding their perfect job here. After the 18-month visa has expired, around 1/3 of students will stay in Germany long term, 1/3 will move somewhere else in Europe, and the final 1/3 will move internationally.
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I am currently working for a big four as a consultant. Do you have any advice if I would like to continue on the same path in Germany? So far, I understand that speaking German is a must.
It is great to hear that you are interested in working in consulting. You are correct, speaking German is very important for those who are looking to move into the field. However, we do offer German language classes for those who are interested. We have one MBA student this year who moved from India to take advantage of this, he is now at B2 level and will be at C level before graduation, meaning he would be considered for consulting roles.