Awards and scholarships: Full-time MBA

Completed online applications submitted in rounds one-two will receive an award corresponding to the round in which the application is submitted.

• Round One - March 1, 2026, 23:59 - €6,000

• Round Two - April 26, 2026, 23:59 - €2,000 

   

If you submit a test score at the 85^th percentile or higher, you will receive a €3,000 award that celebrates your success.

Eligibility: Applicants will be considered after submitting a completed application to the Full-time MBA program that must include official results from one of the tests mentioned below.

The scores required are:

• GMAT: total score of 690 or higher
• GMAT Focus: total score of 645 or higher
• GRE: verbal score of 160 or higher and quant score of 165 or higher
• BAT of 16 or higher
• EA of 157 or higher

Requirements: Applicants must submit official test results, no older than five years from the date of application.

Non-native German-speaking applicants can be considered for awards based on their German language ability.

Value:

• German language level A1 - €500
• German language level A2 - €1,000
• German language level B1 - €2,000
• German language level B2 - €3,000
• German language level C1/C2 - €5,000

Eligibility: Applicants will be considered for this award after submitting a completed application to the MBA program including test results from an official test of the German language. 

There are two points at which you can demonstrate your language level: during the application process, and after acceptance but before program start.

• During the application process: official test results must be submitted as part of your application. Your offer letter will include the scholarship pertinent to your proven language level at the time of application.
• Before program start: if you submit an official test score before program start, your scholarship amount will be updated to reflect your German language ability.

Requirements: Applicants must submit official test results from either the telc, TestDaF or Goethe language tests.

• Results submitted with an application must be from within the past two years.
• Results submitted before program start must be from after you were accepted into the program.

Despite progress, women are frequently paid less than their male counterparts for the same work. We believe this needs to change and the gender pay gap scholarship seeks to address this disparity. All women are eligible to apply.

10 scholarships of €8,000 are available.

Essay Question: What do you believe are the biggest systemic barriers preventing more women from reaching senior leadership roles? How might businesses innovate to overcome them, beyond traditional diversity initiatives?

Diverse candidates.  Special consideration is given to self-identified LGBTQ applicants.

The rainbow scholarship supports ESMT’s commitment to diversity.  Special consideration will be given to self-identified LGBTQ applicants.

Two scholarships of €5,000 are available.

Question:  How have you contributed to LGBTQ+ causes and impacted the community?

Excellent academic and/or professional profiles, leadership skills, and growth potential.

Regional scholarships will be awarded to those with extraordinary academic and/or professional profiles, leadership skills, and growth potential.  You will be expected to be an ambassador for ESMT.

• Africa and the Middle East – two scholarships of up to €25,000 are available
• Latin America – two scholarships of up to €10,000 are available
• Asia – two scholarships of up to €8,000 are available
• Europe – two scholarships of up to €6,000 are available
• North America – two scholarships of up to €2,500 are available

Question:  What does being an ambassador for your region in the ESMT community mean to you; and how will you be an ambassador for ESMT in your home region?

Excellent academic credentials, significant professional achievements, and demonstrable leadership skills.

Awarded on the basis of excellence, the Dean’s Excellence scholarship rewards students with strong academic credentials and demonstrated achievements.  Beneficiaries are expected to be active members of the ESMT community and ambassadors for the school.

Two scholarships of €15,000 are available. One each for a male and female candidate.

Question: What impact would you like to have as an ambassador of ESMT?

Either working at your own company or proactively exploring new business ideas.

Voted the best city to start a company in, Berlin has an active startup scene and ESMT wants you to be part of it.  Scholarship recipients will be guaranteed a place in the Vali Berlin Summer Entrepreneurship Program.

Four scholarships of €5,000 are available.

Question: In the course of developing your business, what was the most useful piece of advice you received and how did you apply it?

Have created a positive social impact by addressing one or more of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Change can be accelerated when social issues and business are aligned. The impact scholarship is for applicants who have had and will have, a positive impact in making the world a better place. 

Two scholarships of €5,000 are available.

Question: How have you positively impacted society or the environment?

Citizens and current residents of a country in Africa, 30 years old or younger, who have founded a business or social enterprise.

The Panzer scholarship supports emerging leaders from Africa in creating impact, driving change, and shaping the future of business and society.

One scholarship of €20,000 is available.

Question: By 2035, what will your business/enterprise have contributed to Africa's future? Describe what you will have accomplished, and the impact it will have.

ESMT has a partnership with e-Fellows and members may apply for this scholarship (proof of membership is required). Those who have attended an e-Fellows event are also eligible.

Unlimited number of scholarships of €10,000 are available for self-funded applicants answering the below essay questions along with your proof of membership or attendance at an e-Fellows event.

Question: How will you positively contribute to the learning environment of your peers at ESMT? How did e-Fellows influence your decision to apply?

ESMT is pleased to offer scholarships to all German Bundeswehr Officers who are exiting the military.

Unlimited scholarships of €15,000 are available.

Question: What skill, developed during your service with the Bundeswehr, will help you and your fellow students most as you study for an MBA, and why?