Master in Global Management FAQ

Admissions FAQ

• Why join the Master in Global Management at ESMT Berlin?

  The ESMT's Master in Global Management (MGM) is a ‘pre-experience’ full-time program. Targeted at young, recent graduates in their early twenties with limited or with no work experience. Combining a series of internships and a social impact project with applied coursework and research on the latest business and management theories.

  Most ESMT MGM students share a desire to launch an international career while applying analytical and strategic solutions to today's business challenges. ESMT searches for students with international experience who can perform work in high-performing, diverse teams. Our program is by far the most international in Germany - no one nationality makes up more than 20% of the class.

• Would I be a "good fit” for the MGM?

  When evaluating applications, we look for the following qualities in our candidates:

  • Candidates who want to change business to make a positive impact
  • International outlook, intercultural competency, and a responsible approach to business
  • Potential for high-performance career growth in a global environment
  • Willingness to learn from others, collegial behavior in high-stress situations
  • A strategic mindset

• What are the MGM application requirements?

  • A Bachelor's degree
  • Proof of English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) or graduating from a university program taught in English
  • Completed application, including essays and one recommendation
  • Having less than 24 months of post-graduate professional experience (not including internship or work experience prior to bachelor program graduation)

• Can I apply before receiving my bachelor's degree?

  Yes, applications are encouraged from final-year undergraduate students awaiting completion of their degree.

  However, a grade overview or transcripts must be included with the application.

• What are the MGM 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

• Am I eligible for a GMAT / GRE waiver?

  A strong GMAT / GMAT Focus / GRE score will strengthen your application and boost your chances of acceptance. Nevertheless, the GMAT/ GMAT Focus / GRE requirement can also be waived in case of strong evidence of outstanding quantitative skills. You are welcome to send your CV and Bachelor transcripts to the Admissions team in order to get a first review and evaluation on your eligibility for a GMAT / GMAT Focus / GRE waiver. Please note that the final decision on the waiver will be made after your submitted application has been reviewed by the Admissions Committee.

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

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

• Is work experience required to apply for the MGM?

  No work experience is required to apply to the program. You should have no more than 24 months of post-graduate (following your BA degree) work experience at the time of application. (The average work experience in the current Master's class is 4 months).

  Part-time work undertaken before graduation does not count towards the 24-month total.

  Similarly, if your post-graduate work experience is not “career-relevant” you can request that this not be considered as part of the 24-month limit.

• What about the requirements for my references?

  Your application must include one recommendation letter. You are free to choose either an academic or professional referees (from previous internships).

  The ideal letter of recommendation is from 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, detailing 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 as part of your MGM application, you can send it to the office of admissions via email.

• How should I write an essay for my application?

  The essays are an opportunity to let the admissions team get to know you a bit better. 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 can be easily avoided: not using a spellchecker for your essays, using a different school’s name in your essays, and not answering the question.

• How do I prove English proficiency? Can I count on a waiver?

  English is the working and instructional language at ESMT. Should you need to submit proof of English proficiency with your MGM 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.

• 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 an official translation is required if your transcripts are not in English or German.

   

  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.

• How can I join the Global Impact Program (GIP)?

  As part of your general application to the Master in Global Management, you can indicate your interest in the GIP and will be asked to confirm your choice during the first months of your ESMT experience. Please note that places in the GIP are limited to 30 slots. For more details, please visit our Global Impact Program page.

Fees

• What are the MGM tuition fees and payment schedule?

  Tuition for the full two-year MGM program is currently €35,000.

  MGM full tuition 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.

  In addition to tuition, students should budget enough money for relocation and living expenses. We recommend that you budget around €1,200 per month for living expenses.

  Full tuition fee information can be found here.

• What scholarships can I rely on as an MGM applicant?

  Scholarships are offered to accepted students who show academic merit and leadership potential. To be considered for a scholarship, you should complete the scholarship 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.

  Read all about your Master scholarship options.

• Can I apply for a loan as a MGM applicant? Are there any other financing options?

  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.

• What are the career opportunities after graduating the MGM?

  You can read about the career of our Master in Management graduates in our employment report.

• Can I work during the MGM?

  According to German laws and regulations, students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week as working students while maintaining their student status. When deciding how many hours to work per week, It is important to remember that the studies have priority and must not be negatively affected by a working student position.  

• 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 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 non-EU/non-EEA nationals staying in Germany for more than 90 days for work or study purposes need a visa before entering the country.

  Issuing a German student visa might take up to 6 months. Though the process is often quicker, we advise all admitted students to reach the embassies in their countries as early as possible.
  
   

  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.

   

  What is a residence permit?

  After entering Germany for study purposes, students are required to register as a resident at their new address with the local registration office (Bürgeramt) and apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis/Aufenthaltstitel) at the local immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde/Landesamt für Einwanderung). 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 Germany, 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 I extend my residence permit after the program is finished?

  According to current German immigration regulations, after successfully graduating from a German higher education institution, you are eligible to extend your residence permit for up to 18 months and receive a so-called job search permit (which is more beneficial compared to job seeker visas for specialists without a German diploma). During this time, you can search for suitable employment that complements your German university degree.

• Are there any student clubs and organizations 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.