Summer School
Why take part in the ESMT Berlin Summer School?
Through interactive classes, real-world case discussions, and hands-on group work, you will strengthen your analytical thinking, build confidence, and develop skills that matter for your future studies and career – all in a unique academic environment.
Beyond the classroom, Berlin becomes part of the learning experience: you'll experience one of Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems and a vibrant cultural scene that brings together creativity, technology, and global perspectives.
What you will gain from the program
What you will learn at the ESMT Berlin Summer School and how you will grow
Business knowledge you can act on
Gain a solid introduction to key business topics taught by ESMT faculty, with a strong focus on practical relevance. You will work on real business challenges, sharpen your problem-solving skills, and understand how companies operate in a global context.
A global network of lasting connections
Meet like-minded students from around the world, collaborate in diverse teams, and connect with ESMT’s academic and alumni community. The relationships you build during the program can become part of your personal and professional network long after the summer ends.
Skills for your future career
Strengthen essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and presentation skills. You will gain confidence working in an international setting and leave better prepared for academic challenges and early career opportunities.
Beyond the classroom: Berlin
Berlin is one of Europe's top cities for student life – and for innovative business, too! Discover a city that is a leading startup hub, explore its unique corporate landscape, and enjoy its openness, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit. And all this while learning in ESMT’s historic campus in the heart of the city.
Certificate of Participation
Once you complete the program you will receive a Certificate of Participation to add to your CV. This will be provided as both a physical copy, and as a digital badge – perfect for adding to your LinkedIn profile.
Summer School curriculum: Managing & Leading with Vision
Your Summer School program has been designed around the theme Managing & Leading with Vision. Over the five-day program you will explore how leaders think, organizations innovate, and decisions drive the future of business.
Sample curriculum below, please note, exact offerings are subject to change.
Day:
Kick off the week by discovering what truly differentiates managing from leading. Through interactive discussions and hands-on team challenges, you will explore what makes certain people, organizations, and ventures successful.
Evening:
Welcome Dinner
Day:
Step into the mindset of decision-makers facing ambiguity and pressure. Uncover how biases shape choices – and learn practical tools to make smarter, more confident decisions in complex environments.
Evening:
Cultural event
Day:
Explore how organizations turn data, technology, and diverse perspectives into competitive advantage. In collaborative exercises, you will see how collective intelligence drives better insights and stronger outcomes.
Evening:
Social activity
Day:
See how ideas come to life in the real world. From entrepreneurship to corporate innovation, connect business frameworks to real organizational challenges in Germany and gain insight into how companies adapt and grow.
Evening:
Free time
Day:
Put your leadership skills to the test. Through interactive role-play and reflection, strengthen your ability to communicate, influence, and lead with impact, ending the week ready to take your next step with confidence.
Evening:
Farewell BBQ
What you will need to submit
- Your curriculum vitae (CV)
- Your most recent (interim) transcript
- Your personal government ID/passport, as well as the government ID/passport of the person paying the tuition
- A brief self-introduction video in English (maximum 2 minutes)
Please be sure to have all documents on hand before you begin the application process.
Summer School admissions requirements
The ESMT Berlin Summer School is open to driven bachelor students and recent graduates from all academic backgrounds who are curious about business and eager to learn in an international environment. The program is taught in English and takes place on our historic campus in central Berlin.
Applicants are selected on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged, as places are limited. Successful applications received by May 4, 2026 will receive a €300 Early Application Award that will be applied to the total cost of tuition.
Final application deadline: June 26, 2026.
Summer School FAQs
Key facts about the program and how to manage your stay in Berlin.
What does the program cost?
The full cost of the ESMT Berlin Summer School is €1100.
Payment is due in full before program start on July 6, 2026.
An Early Application Award of €300 is available for all successful applications made before May 4, 2026. This will be applied directly to the full cost of tuition, meaning the total payment due will be €800.
We also offer a special legacy discount to family of alumni – for further information, please contact your Summer School Program Coordinators.
What does the course fee cover?
The program fee covers:
- Program workshops and seminars
- All course material
- ESMT-planned social activities, including a welcome dinner, farewell BBQ, and cultural event
- A daily lunch allowance
It does not cover accommodation, transportation/travel, extra meals, or visa costs (if relevant).
What is the daily schedule like?
Each day of your summer school program has a slightly different timetable, allowing you to experience a range of different educational topics and Berlin activities.
The exact timetable will be released to participants closer to the course start date, but in general you can expect to spend a full day on campus, followed by a shared evening activity.
Where can I stay during the program?
ESMT does not have any on-campus housing.
However, there is ESMT housing a short walk from campus. Availability is severely limited, so we recommend reaching out as early as possible for the best chance of securing a room. Alternatively, we can provide a list of nearby recommendations.
If you have any questions about accommodation, please reach out to your Summer School program coordinators:
Can I attend the Summer School if I am not in the target group?
The ESMT Summer School has been created specifically for undergraduates still pursuing their bachelor's degrees and those who have recently graduated. We do not currently accept applications from people outside of this target audience.
However, if you fall outside of this range, you may be a good fit for some of our advanced programs. You can find an overview of available programs here:
Do I need a student visa to attend the Summer School?
Students who are EU citizens do not need a visa to take part in the ESMT Summer School.
Students from many countries outside of the EU are able to enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days for the purposes of study. However, please note that this is not a universal rule, and can change at short notice depending on country of origin and other mitigating factors.
If you are a student from outside the EU, please reach out to our Summer School program coordinators for an individual assessment.
Further information about the ESMT Berlin Summer School
If you have further questions about the ESMT Summer School, please get in touch.
Your program manager is Ivana Gjorgievska.
You can email her with questions about the admissions process, as well as any other questions you may have about the program.
Ready to get started? We look forward to welcoming you on campus this summer!
Ready to kickstart your career this summer?
Start your ESMT Berlin Summer School application.