FAQ - Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence

Admissions FAQ

• Why join the Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence

  Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) is a full-time program that grants you a Master (MSc) degree from one of the top-rated business schools in Europe - ESMT Berlin. It is targeted at young, recent bachelor graduates in their early twenties with limited to no work experience who consider their future careers in the field of data analysis.

  ESMT searches for students with international experience who can perform work in high-performing, diverse teams. Our Master's programs are highly international - no nationality makes up more than 20% of the class.

• Am I a "good fit” for the MAAI?

  ESMT's MAAI is a personalized degree for high-potential candidates with little or no previous work experience.

  The qualities we are looking for in our applicants are:

  • Excellent analytical problem-solving abilities
  • A critical thinker who holds a scientific worldview
  • Highly attentive to detail
  • Knowledge and understanding of emerging technologies
  • A desire for continuous learning opportunities 

• What are the MAAI application requirements?

  The requirements for applying to ESMT’s MAAI program are:

  • A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent
  • Strong grades in your quantitative courses
  • Proof of English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) or graduating from a university program taught in English
  • Completed application, including essays and one recommendation
  • Ideally, applicants to the  MAAI program will have between 0-3 years of post-graduate work experience. Applicants with up to five years of post-graduate work experience will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis, following assessment and alignment of their academic and professional goals to the respective program.

   

• What are the MAAI GMAT and GRE requirements?

  GMAT, GMAT Focus, or GRE scores are not obligatory if candidates can provide alternative evidence of outstanding quantitative skills and/or scientific training within their Bachelor’s studies through competitive grades. As a guideline, GMAT scores below 600 (GMAT Focus below 555), or GRE scores below 304 are not competitive.” Please note that depending on the educational background, as well as the grades, the review of the scores can focus more on the quantitative section of respective test.

• Is there a minimum GPA required for admission to the MAAI?

  There is no minimum GPA requirement for the Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. Candidates with excellent grades, especially in quantitative areas, may have a competitive advantage. Strong GMAT or GRE scores may help in some cases to boost weak academic performance.

• Is work experience required to apply for the MAAI?

  No work experience is required for your application. Ideally, applicants to the  MAAI program will have between 0-3 years of post-graduate work experience. Applicants with up to five years of post-graduate work experience will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis, following assessment and alignment of their academic and professional goals to the respective program.

  Part-time work or internship undertaken before graduation does not count towards the work experience limit. The same applies to non-career-relevant experience that you gained previously.

• How many and what kind of references should be included in the application?

  You must include one recommendation letter in your application. You can choose either an academic or professional referees (from previous internships).

  Consider choosing a referee who can evaluate your performance either in an academic or professional setting and will take the time to write a thorough and supportive letter that will include specific examples rather than general statements.

  You can send the recommendation template to your referee from within the application platform. If you have a previously written recommendation letter, you can upload it to the application platform. Should you not be able to upload it online, you can send it to the office of admissions via email.

• Any tips for the essay questions?

  Please answer the questions as truthfully and directly as you can in whatever style you see fit. We highly recommend using a spellchecker to avoid easy mistakes, but apart from that, there are no further guidelines.

  Common mistakes that we notice and that can be easily avoided: not using a spellchecker for your essays (typos and misspellings), using a different school’s name in your essays (copy-pasting essays from other applications), and not answering the question (being too generic or writing an essay on topics not directly related to the question).

• How can I prove English proficiency or waive the test requirement?

  English is the working and instructional language at ESMT. Should you need to submit proof of English proficiency with your MIM application, we accept TOEFL (100 minimum), PTE (64 minimum), IELTS (7 minimum) or other English proficiency tests. If you have taken the TOEFL more than once, we consider your MyBest™ scores on the TOEFL iBT® test, as well as your TOEFL iBT scores from a single test date. The ESMT TOEFL institution code is 8707.

  You can request a waiver of the English proficiency test requirement if English is your native language or you have earned a university degree from a program exclusively taught in English.

• When should I apply to the program?

  As we operate on a rolling first-come basis we would highly recommend to apply as soon as possible as seats get filled quickly. You are welcome to apply with your current Bachelor transcripts if you have not completed your Bachelor studies yet. The deadlines mentioned should serve as a guide for your planning.

• Do I need to present my original documents?

  As part of the enrollment process, you must present, in person, the originals of your transcript and diploma of your previous studies. Note that if your transcripts are not in English or German, an official translation is required.

  Please bring those official documents when the program starts in September. We will check them then and immediately return them to you once checked. Please do not send original documents to us before you arrive on campus to begin your studies.

  Please also make sure that you have sent your GMAT / GRE and/or TOEFL / IELTS score report to us via the test provider's website.

• What is evaluated during the admission interview?

  During the interview process at ESMT, applicants are assessed on their analytical and problem-solving skills, teamwork abilities, and English language proficiency. Interviews are conducted in English by trained staff or alumni, using the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) to ensure candidates meet the B2 level or higher.
Show less

Fees

• What are the program tuition fees and payment schedule?

  Tuition for the full two-year Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence is currently €35,000.

  The fees are paid in three installments over the two academic years, as follows:

  • To officially confirm your enrollment and reserve your place in the class, a first deposit of €5,000 should be paid no later than four weeks after receiving your acceptance offer. This deposit will be deducted from future tuition payments.
  • The remaining tuition fees are to be paid in two equal installments, at the beginning (September) and after the first year of the program.

  These fees cover all courses and seminars, teaching materials, orientation, and career support.

  Please, consider having enough money for relocation and living expenses. We recommend a budget of around €1,200 per month for living expenses.

  Full tuition fee information can be found here.

• What kind of scholarships are available for MAAI applicants?

  Scholarships are offered to accepted students with outstanding academic merit and leadership potential. To apply for a scholarship, you should complete the proper essay included in the online application form, and indicate your suitability for a scholarship.

  The scholarships offered in ESMT cover partial tuition fees. Most of our students cover the costs of their studies with a mix of scholarships, loans, and personal savings.

  Here you can find more information about the scholarships and financing options.

• Are loans and other financing options available for MAAI applicants?

  Besides scholarships, admitted students may be eligible to borrow the program’s full tuition costs through Prodigy Finance or Brain Capital.

  Prodigy Finance offers an innovative model of alumni-funded loans to international students at the world’s top business schools, including ESMT Berlin. Offering competitive rates to over 150 nationalities of students. Read all information about Prodigy Finance, its model, and requirements here.

  Brain Capital, on the other hand, offers ESMT degree-seeking students, who are citizens of the EU, Canada, or USA, the ability to cover tuition fees through an innovative funding scheme. Find more information about Brain Capital, its model, and its requirements here.

• How does ESMT help with finding the right career?

  ESMT students enjoy the advantage of a distinct network that they can leverage in the future. At ESMT, our Career Development Center provides numerous opportunities for you to network with potential employers and alumni, and we will make every effort to facilitate connections for you. However, the outcome of your engagement with this network ultimately lies in your hands.

  While ESMT offers robust career support, the task of securing a job primarily depends on your determination, hard work, and how effectively you utilize the provided opportunities. It is crucial to maintain realistic expectations and target the right companies in order to maximize your chances of success.

Student life

• Does ESMT offer on campus housing?

  ESMT offers student accommodation in 7 shared flats near campus, just a 10-min walk away. Full-time ESMT students can apply for single or double rooms in the shared flats – each fully furnished and equipped with WIFI. For more information on ESMT student accommodation, click here. As there are limited rooms available, please also consider other housing options. 

• What should I consider before moving to Berlin?

  Visas

  As a general rule, all foreigners staying in Germany for more than 90 days wanting to work or study in Germany need a visa before entering the country.

  Depending on the country, issuing a student visa for studying in Germany can take up to 6 months. Though the process is often quicker, we advise all admitted students to book an appointment with the embassy in their countries as early as possible.

  * EU nationals do not require a visa to enter Germany.
   

  APS

  The APS Certificate is mandatory for Chinese and Indian students who are interested in studying in Germany. Before applying to a German university you have to hand in your academic certificates and documents to the APS office in your respective country. This procedure might take time. We would recommend booking an appointment as soon as possible.

  You can read all about the APS for China and the APS for India on their respective websites or contact the German embassy.

   

  Residence permit after entering Germany

  After moving to Germany, students are required to register as a resident at their new address with the local authorities and apply for a residence permit (“Aufenthaltserlaubnis”) at the immigration authority. This document is the permit that allows non-EU or non-EEA nationals to live and study in Berlin for the duration of the program.

  Upon receiving a valid residence permit in a Schengen member country, you may travel to another country within the Schengen zone, visa-free, using a valid passport for up to 90 days per six-month period.

  Can my residence permit be extended after the MAAI is finished?

  According to current German regulations, after finishing a graduate degree in Germany, you have the option of extending your residence permit for up to 18 months. During this time, you can search for suitable employment that complements your German university degree.

• Can I join a student club at ESMT Berlin?

  There are many student clubs  active on campus, covering a vast variety of topics such as agriculture, entrepreneurship, investment, women in leadership, and many more. All students are welcome to join and take part in initiatives.