Studying full-time at ESMT Berlin means relocating to Germany's vibrant capital city (if you don't already live here!). Every year, about half of ESMT students relocate to Berlin from abroad and whether you plan to return home after graduation, or stay in Europe's largest economy, Berlin is the perfect place to launch your international career.
Berlin is a major global city, a central hub of both the German and European economy, and one of the continent's most exciting startup ecosystems. But living in Berlin is about more than just studying and work. You'll also be moving to an influential cultural capital famed for its history, music, and art that is regularly ranked as one of the world's most livable.
On this page, find out everything you need to know about moving to Berlin and getting started.
What to do before you arrive
Once you have confirmed your attendance to ESMT, you will receive a student handbook from our Student Services Team that contains detailed information and advice on immigration to Germany and other relocation processes involved. The team will also give you advice and support for any necessary visa applications to enter Germany.
Admitted students from other countries need to apply in person at the German embassy to receive a visa.
Student visa processing typically takes at least six to ten weeks or more. If you need a visa, please make sure to apply for it as soon as you confirm your attendance at ESMT.
Visa requirements for non-EU students
As a general rule, all non-EU nationals staying in Germany for more than 90 days wanting to work or study in Germany need a visa before entering Germany, however there are several exceptions.
Nationals of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States may apply for the necessary permit after arrival in Germany. The same applies for nationals of Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, and San Marino who do not intend to take up employment.
Student accommodation at ESMT Berlin
We now offer student accommodation in seven shared apartments/flats near the ESMT Berlin campus, with one apartment/flat reserved exclusively for women. Full-time ESMT students can apply for standard or comfort rooms in the shared apartments/flats.
Comfort rooms offer more space and can be equipped with a second bed upon request for ESMT students who bring their partner or want to accommodate a visitor (which is not possible in the standard rooms).
Location
Mühlendamm 1, 10178 Berlin (300 m to campus)
Room types
Each apartment/flat has:
- four standard rooms (10.75 m² each)
- one comfort room (20 m²)
Prices
Standard room: €795/month
Comfort room: single occupancy €995/month, double occupancy €1,095/month
Rental period
A standard rental contract runs for 12 months. After 7 months, monthly cancellation is possible, with one-month prior notice.
For exchange students, we also offer short-term contracts of 3 or 4 months for €895/month for a standard room.
How to apply
To apply, please reach out to housing@esmt.org.
Please note that room availability is limited, and a successful placement is not guaranteed.
Amenities (per flat)
- Two shared bathrooms
- One shared kitchen
- Basic furnishings including washing machines
- Internet/Wi-Fi connection
Common areas (corridors, kitchen, and bathrooms) are cleaned once per week. Students are expected to clean their own rooms as well as shared spaces after use.
Other accomodation options
If you decide to explore other housing options, there is a variety of accommodation available to students in Berlin to fit your needs. Typically, our students are able to find an apartment in Berlin before, or during the first weeks, of their respective program.
ESMT also partners with various private and public housing providers to arrange housing opportunities for our students. You can learn more about these in the handbook that will be sent to you when you have confirmed your place in one of our degree programs.
Arriving in Berlin
Once you arrive in Berlin, it is time to start making the city your home. This will require some admin work, but it is also a lot fun: there has so much to explore, both on the ESMT campus and in wider Berlin.
Living in Berlin on a student budget
Compared to other capitals, Berlin's cost of living for students is low. We estimate average living costs – per month – to be:
- Health insurance (required): €35 (private) to €139 (public)
- Rent: €400-800 (private room, known as a WG or Wohngemeinschaft) or €1,000+ (apartment). You can also apply to live in the ESMT Student Housing.
- Food: €200
- Transport: €63 (with a Deutschland ticket)
Once you arrive
Once you have found a place to live, you need to start the process of:
- registering your new address with the Berlin authorities
- getting the right health insurance
- opening a German bank account and, where applicable,
- applying for a German residence permit.
Full details are provided in the student handbook and at orientation sessions during the first week of class.
Life on campus and in Berlin
Life on the ESMT campus is exciting. With student clubs and organizations, networking events, extracurricular activities, and so much more, to explore, you will be able to have opportunities to make new friends from day one: both inside and outside your cohort.
Life in Berlin is also all about possibilities. With thousands of restaurants, cultural activities, and more, plus connections to many other major cities in Europe, Berlin is the kind of city you fall in love with. Once you arrive, we recommend setting aside time to explore the city (perhaps with some new classmates!) to find your favorite places in Berlin.
Read about students who have made Berlin their own
Staying in Germany after graduation
Up to 90% of ESMT graduates of full-time study programs (such our master's programs and the Full-time MBA) stay in Germany after graduation. Most of these students are non-Germans hired by local German startups, small companies, and multinational firms who need valuable international business expertise in their industries.
Extending your visa
After graduation, students can extend their residence permit and stay in Germany for up to 18 months while looking for a job. During the job search phase, graduates are allowed to work in any job without restriction. Once a suitable employment is secured, graduates are advised to apply for a work permit.
ESMT graduates also enjoy significant benefits in obtaining a work permit in Germany. German companies are incentivized to hire foreign talent with a degree from a German school through fewer HR constraints. This allows ESMT graduates to be competitive players when applying to jobs in Germany.
Further post-graduate options
Full-time MBA students and master's student also have the opportunity to apply for a Responsible Leader's Fellowship (RLF) after graduation. The RLF is a unique post-graduation experience that offers an opportunity to take the business and management knowledge that you have acquired over the course of your time at ESMT and apply it at an institution at the forefront of social challenges in developing countries.
ESMT covers your travel expenses and will pay you a stipend for the six-month duration of the fellowship, so that you can focus on putting your skills to use and making a positive impact. Additionally, if you are chosen for the RLF, you can put your German job-seekers visa on hold for the duration of the fellowship, giving you extra time to decide on your post-ESMT career.