FAQs
Admissions
Why join the Global Online MBA at ESMT Berlin?
Our Global Online MBA is an ideal way to continue working full-time while gaining knowledge and competences to support your personal and professional development. The program is modular and consequently allows you as a student to learn with ultimate flexibility, at your own pace. This means that you can access online lectures and other study materials from anywhere.
The core topics of the program include decision making, analytics and innovation, in addition to all essential MBA topics. At the same time, interaction between participants and faculty, as well as interaction among participants themselves, is encouraged, with a strong focus on social learning.
After successful completion of the opening module, you can enroll in any scheduled module at the start of each term, offering you a high degree of individualization. As all courses are delivered exclusively online, there is no travel or on-campus attendance requirement (although a face-to-face module is offered in Berlin). Optional additional services such as personal career counseling or an international learning expedition, can be booked for an additional fee.
Am I a "good fit” for the Global Online MBA?
The Global Online MBA is for participants who want to develop their analytical skills, leadership qualities and their ability to innovate - but without having to give up their jobs. The program is particularly suitable for those who rely on a high degree of flexibility. As a student you can complete the program in as little as 24 months, but have a total of up to five years to complete the degree.
You must have at least three years of professional experience. In addition, an undergraduate degree or another equivalent qualification is required. Since the program is entirely in English, we also require you to provide appropriate language credentials.
Will my degree certificate show how I studied for my MBA?
No. Your degree certificate shows only that you earned an MBA from ESMT Berlin.
What are the admissions requirements for the Global Online MBA program?
Before starting an online application, prospective students must meet all of the following admission requirements. Find the full list here:
- 3 years postgraduate, professional experience
- An undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification
- A strong score in the ESMT admission test, GMAT, GRE, or GMAC Executive Assessment. A test waiver may be granted if you hold a PHD, or have studied a STEM subject at bachelor's or master's level
- English proficiency test scores (non-native speakers who did not earn a university degree exclusively taught in English have to prove a strong command of the English language, demonstrated as a rule in the admission interview, in case of a doubt an applicant might be asked to pass a test such as TOEFL or a similar one)
- Two written essays and one two-minute video essay
- Two recommendations
- Interview (per video call)
- Application fee of €50
Is there an application fee for the Global Online MBA?
Yes, you will be prompted to pay a €50 fee before submitting your online application. Start your application!
What are the Global Online MBA’s GMAT and GRE requirements? Can these be waived?
Scores from either the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, or ESMT’s admission test are are mandatory. However, a test waiver may be granted if you hold a PhD, or have studied a STEM subject at bachelor’s or master’s level.
What is the ESMT admissions test?
The Business Admissions Test (BAT) is a two-hour, online test that evaluates academic aptitude over four sections of 30 minutes each: communication analysis, critical thinking, data analysis, and data interpretation.
The test costs US$100 and must be paid before it can be taken. To take the ESMT admission test, please contact the admissions team.
How many and what kind of references should be included in the application?
As part of the application, you must include two letters of recommendation. These may be academic or professional referees (from previous employers).
The ideal letter of recommendation is from referees that know about your performance and will take the time to write a thorough and supportive letter, detailing specific examples rather than general statements.
Your recommenders can fill in the online reference form, which you can send from the online application system once you have filled in your referee’s contact details.
How can I prove English proficiency or waive the test requirement?
An English proficiency test will be waived if
- English is your native language or
- You earned a university degree exclusively taught in English or
- You have worked in an English speaking country or an organization whose language of communication was English for 12 months or more
In addition, a strong command of the English language should also be demonstrated in the admission interview. The admission rules state: Non-native speakers who did not earn a university degree exclusively taught in English have to prove a strong command of the English language, demonstrated as a rule in the admission interview, in case of a doubt an applicant might be asked to pass a test such as TOEFL or a similar one.
Is German proficiency required for the Global Online MBA program?
German language proficiency is not required. English is ESMT´s working and teaching language and English is widely spoken in Berlin.
Do I have to be employed when I apply to the Global Online MBA?
No, you do not have to be currently employed to apply to the program.
Fees
What are the Global Online MBA’s tuition fees?
The tuition and fees for the Global Online MBA are €28,000. This fee includes access to the learning platform and content, and required case study licenses. There are three payment options.
For the greatest financial flexibility, the Global Online MBA tuition can be paid by module.
Tuition can also be paid in full, in advance. Those selecting this option receive a 15% discount off total tuition, reducing it to €23,800.
Lastly, if tuition is paid over two installments a 5% discount is offered €26,600.
If you submit your full application by the early application deadline you are eligible for a tuition reduction of €2,000 (this offer cannot be combined with payment in full, however).
Please refer to Tuition & Fees for more details.
Are there scholarships available for the Global Online MBA?
Yes. You can find out more information about the range of scholarships that we offer for the Global Online MBA on our dedicated scholarships page.
Curriculum
How is the Global Online MBA structured?
ESMT’s Global Online MBA consists of 100% online study and can be started in June or October. The MBA can be completed in as little as 24 months, or you can take up to five years and complete it at your own pace.
After completing a unique kick-off module, you choose the order in which you take the four core modules (subject to scheduling). Electives including the optional Berlin and Global Experience Weeks, and SNOCS offered by our many partner schools need to be taken and the program is rounded off by the final report module. The timeline and courses page lists module dates and details.
Our innovative course design means you can study at times which suit you. Modules last for 7-15 weeks and include live teaching with professors (Professor Sessions) and weekly live office hours (Tutor Sessions). All Professor and Tutor Sessions take place twice to ensure you can join from wherever you are in the world. Course materials including mini-lectures and interactive activities are built into all modules to allow study at your own pace.
Will I need to come to Berlin during the Global Online MBA?
All of the Global Online MBA courses are conducted virtually. Exceptions are the two Global Experience electives: The Berlin Experience Week requires presence in Berlin for one week, whereas the Global Experience Week takes you on an international study trip anywhere in the world.
Participation in either Experience week is optional. Participation in the Berlin Experience week is included in the Global Online MBA tuition. Participation in the Global Experience Week is not included in the Global Online MBA tuition and will be subject to an additional fee.
What's the Hub?
The Hub is the world’s most innovative virtual learning platform, designed by and for business schools. It is the primary platform you will use as you study for the ESMT Global Online MBA.
On the Hub you will find the program calendar, and all your course materials, activities, and assignments. You will also use the Hub to interact with other students, program faculty, and program management. Sign up and try the Hub today!
What's Engageli?
Engageli is a virtual classroom that helps you learn with and from each other (and is most definitely not another Zoom room). It’s a great way of bringing the classroom experience to you, irrespective of where you are in the world.
There’s no need to download an application, simply access the platform through your browser to join classes, social events, informal get togethers, and more.
What are live hours and do I have to participate in all of them?
There are two types of live hours: Professor Sessions, and Tutor Sessions. Both are designed to help you connect with the teaching team and with each other.
- Professor sessions supplement your asynchronous learning. These are teaching sessions with faculty and your attendance is required. If, however, you are unable to join, recordings of the sessions will be available to students.
- Tutor sessions are optional and unrecorded. This is your opportunity to ask questions about course materials or tasks, or to get help and support.
Both types of session take place over Engageli or Zoom, and are run twice to ensure you can join from wherever you are in the world.
How often do I have to submit assignments?
Coursework should be completed on a weekly basis. Each course consists of 10 sessions, and each session should ideally be completed in the week it is scheduled. Working ahead is usually possible, but you should strive to follow the course pace to ensure effective group work.
Graded assignments do NOT happen every week in each course. There are on average 3 graded assignments per course, with deadlines distributed over the entire length of the course to keep workload at a manageable level. At the end of the course, there tends to be a final assignment or exam due.
How will my work be assessed during the courses?
We seek to provide you with a variety of meaningful opportunities to show your learning and therefore, we have a wide selection of assessment types (essays, presentations, quizzes) in each course. Most courses include a combination of individual and group assessment, with deadlines which will be balanced across the courses in a module in a manageable way.
When will I be able to view the full course content?
Our courses use a variety of media (readings, presentations by Faculty, YouTube clips, etc.) and all materials are available to you at the start of a course. Our courses follow a weekly schedule but are designed for you to study at your own pace within those weeks, with occasional synchronous activities.
How will I be able to participate in group projects during the Global Online MBA?
There are a variety of collaboration opportunities for you and most courses will involve a combination of individual and group assessment. The ability to collaborate successfully with peers is traditionally an essential part of the MBA learning experience; the ability to collaborate in globally located virtual teams is an essential part of today's business landscape.
Our courses are designed to encourage and reward collaborative learning, and your fellow students will bring a wealth of different perspectives and knowledge from their various backgrounds.
Do I need to purchase additional study material apart from what will be offered online?
A few classes may require online textbooks and you will need to purchase those. The majority of our courses will have all materials provided through the Hub or available for free online. We strive to keep any additional costs to a minimum.