Global Online MBA admissions
Secure your place in the Global Online MBA
ESMT Berlin warmly welcomes applications from students of all nationalities for its Global Online MBA program. We are an international business school that thrives on international exchange and discourse.
Through the application process, we are searching for a diverse range of individuals who share our values, want to be part of our mission to develop responsible leaders, and who will thrive academically, professionally, and personally in our flexible, global, online MBA program.
The next intake will start September 6, 2027: applications are now open.
What do I need to apply?
The Global Online MBA from ESMT Berlin will help you learn everything a modern decision-maker needs to become a better leader. Offered fully online with optional in-person weeks, you will earn your MBA from Germany’s leading business school without needing to come to Berlin.
To get the most from the program, we look for candidates with the following competencies and qualities:
- International outlook, intercultural competence, and a responsible approach to business
- The ambition and motivation to study part-time alongside work and personal commitments
- Willingness to learn from others in a collegial environment
- Proven teamwork skills
- A change and innovation mindset.
Meet us on campus & get an application fee waiver
Join us on our historical campus for a one-on-one Coffee Chat or come to an ESMT Open House and receive a full waiver on your degree program application fee
How do I apply?
Admission requirements
To apply for the program, you must meet the following admission requirements:
- At least three years of postgraduate professional experience at the time of program start.
- A bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years duration (minimum 180 ECTS), or equivalent qualification.
- Strong score in an admission test
- A test waiver may be granted if you hold a PhD, or studied a STEM subject at bachelor’s or master’s level.
- ESMT accepts scores from the following admission tests:
- The ESMT admission test (BAT, learn more). This is a two-hour, online, test that costs US$100 and is delivered by Business Test Methods. Contact the admissions team if you want to take the BAT.
- The GMAT exam
- GRE
- GMAC Executive Assessment.
- English proficiency test score (if applicable)
- If English is your native language or you earned a university degree exclusively taught in English you do not need to take an English proficiency test. If you have worked in an English speaking country or an organization whose language of communication was English for 12 months or more the English proficiency test requirement may be waived. A strong command of the English language should also be demonstrated in the admission interview.
- TOEFL - 5.0 minimum, with a minimum score of 5.0 in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing (updated 2026 scoring); our institution code is 8707
- PTE - 64 minimum
- IELTS - 7 minimum
Step 1: Apply online
To begin the admissions process, please complete and submit an online application. Applications are now open for the Global Online MBA starting March 1, 2027. Start your application here.
You will be asked to provide the following information:
- Basic personal information, including name, address, date of birth, and citizenship.
- An up-to-date CV showing at least three years of postgraduate professional experience.
- Answers to the following questions:
- Share three reasons why you will be a great ESMT MBA student and alumnus? [Video essay; max 2 minutes]
- Identify a specific event that changed your perspective on life. Describe what happened, what you learned, and how you changed [Text; max 500 words]'
- Tell us about the worst job you ever had. [Text; max 250 words]
- Optional: Is there any other information, not covered in the application, that you would like us to know about you? [Text; max 250 words]
- Two professional recommendations – at least one is needed to submit your application, the second can follow at the time of your admissions interview.
- Your English proficiency test scores (if applicable)
- Transcripts of your undergraduate degree detailing courses and grades
- A valid admission test score (if applicable)
- €50 application fee
Applications will only be reviewed once all required documents, including test scores, have been submitted. If you believe you qualify for a test waiver, you may submit your application without a score. The admissions team will review your application and determine if the waiver will be granted.
Step 2: Interview
After we have reviewed your application, successful candidates will be invited for an Admissions interview (in person or video).
The interview will last 30-40 minutes and helps us learn about each other. We want to get to know you – your career to date, career goals and aspirations, and what you’re looking for - and in turn you get to ask us questions about the program, school, and life at ESMT Berlin.
Step 3: Offer
Successful applicants will receive an offer of admission. To secure your place, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit by the date indicated in your offer letter.
Congratulations and we look forward to welcoming you to ESMT Berlin!
When do I apply?
Two intakes per year
The Global Online MBA program has two intakes a year, in March and October.
Applications for the intake starting March 1, 2027 are now open.
Application dates for the October 2027 intake will be announced later in 2027.
Early application awards available
All accepted students who apply to the GOMBA by Oct 31, 2026 will receive a €3,000 Early Application Award to reduce the full cost of tuition.
We also have a select number of awards and scholarships available for candidates who display academic excellence, leadership, and socially relevant achievements.
If you are interested in a scholarship, we suggest applying early as these are awarded on a rolling basis.
GOMBA applications: March 2027 intake
Applications for the Global Online MBA March 2027 intake are now open
The intake will start on March 1, 2027.
- If shortlisted, you will be invited to interview.
- Interviews happen on a rolling basis, usually within two weeks of being shortlisted
- The Admissions Committee will inform you of the results within approximately three weeks of your interview
- You can apply for a scholarship at the same time as you submit your application
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, we recommend applying early.
Earlier applications will also receive an automatic Early Application Award.
Apply now and start advancing your career on your schedule.
All application deadlines for the March 2027 intake
Application round |
Application deadline |
Early Application Award |
|---|---|---|
Round one |
October 31, 2026 |
€3,000 |
Round two |
Dec 15, 2026 |
€1,000 |
Round three* |
Jan 31, 2027 |
not available |
| Application round: | ||
Round one |
||
| Application deadline: | ||
October 31, 2026 |
||
| Early Application Award: | ||
€3,000 |
||
| Application round: | ||
Round two |
||
| Application deadline: | ||
Dec 15, 2026 |
||
| Early Application Award: | ||
€1,000 |
||
| Application round: | ||
Round three* |
||
| Application deadline: | ||
Jan 31, 2027 |
||
| Early Application Award: | ||
not available |
Apply now for the Global Online MBA starting March 2027
Ready for flexible learning and career enhancement? Apply to the Global Online MBA by Oct 31, 2026, and receive a €3,000 Early Application Award off your total tuition.
Additional information
Wondering which test to choose? Read our guide to the business school admissions tests.
ESMT Business Admissions Test (BAT)
The ESMT admission test (BAT) is taken online and is administered on behalf of ESMT by Business Test Methods. It costs US$100 and preparation materials are available online once you have registered.
In order to take the test, please reach out to our admissions team.
Find out how to ace the BAT with MBA programs director Rebecca Loades
GMAT Online Test
The GMAT can be taken online Instead of sitting for the traditional GMAT test, we recommend that you submit results for the GMAT online test.
Testing times are flexible and there is no need to find a local test center.
Click here for more info about the GMAT online or test your knowledge with the Mini GMAT Quiz.
GRE General Test at home
ETS offers candidates the option to take the GRE® General Test at home or at a test center.
The GRE® General Test is available everywhere that the computer-delivered GRE General Test is normally available, with the exception of Mainland China and Iran.
Need more information?
Meet us at an event and get a chance to ask questions.
