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Master in Entrepreneurship: Our Application and Admission Process

We want people who love the uncertain; are ambitious about the unknown. Who want to build, create, and lead new businesses. New business models. Who thrive in times of technological innovation and transformation.

If that is you, we would love to meet.
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Your application at a glance

Early Bird discount
Complete your application by January 15 and save €1,200!*

*valid for complete applications with required test scores

Final application deadline
May 31, 2026

Online application portal
Entirely online admissions process
WHU Application Center

Application process
Apply early to secure your place

Admission Requirements

Academic Background: Bachelor’s degree in business, STEM or other

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s from an accredited institution with a minimum of 180 ECTS credits. This should be in a business-related field, STEM, or another subject, that demonstrates a relevant background in entrepreneurship, for example, through electives, a thesis, or practical experience.

If the degree was obtained outside Germany, the university must be listed as “H+” in the Anabin database to confirm its equivalence to a German higher education institution. 

Practical Experience: Minimum 3 Months, Maximum 6 Years

The program is designed for candidates with no more than six years of postgraduate work experience. Applicants must have at least 12 weeks (480 hours) of practical experience in a business-related role. This requirement can be fulfilled before the start of your studies at WHU. Please submit a certificate or official letter from your employer that includes your name, position title, start and end dates, a brief description of your responsibilities, as well as the company stamp and an official signature.  

Pitch Deck: Present your business idea

Applicants must submit a 10-slide pitch deck describing a business idea. We recommend structuring your pitch deck around the following key elements: Title & Overview, Opportunity, Problem, Solution, Business Model & Financials, Market, Competition, Team, and Next Steps/Planning. 

For further guidance, see The Only 10 Slides You Need in Your Pitchfrom Guy Kawasaki. You may also refer to the books The Art of the Start 2.0 by Guy Kawasaki and Get Backed by Evan Baehr and Evan Loomis.

English Proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL

We require one of the following test scores (valid for two years; online formats are accepted):

  • IELTS Academic: min. 7.0
  • TOEFL iBT: min. 100 (Code: 0682)

This requirement is waived if your entire bachelor's degree or secondary education was taught in English (proof required). We do not accept alternative tests such as Duolingo English Test or TOEIC.

You can apply now without a test score and submit it later. If admitted, your offer will be conditional until the score is received. 

International Experience: Recommended

Candidates from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland applying for the 90-credit track are required to provide proof of international experience of approximately three months before the start of their studies at WHU. Accepted forms of experience include internships or exchange semester abroad, language courses, summer schools, or comparable international activities. For all other candidates, such experience is not mandatory but will enhance your application, as internationality is one of our core values.

Application Deadlines

  • April 30, 2026 – For applicants requiring a student visa
  • May 31, 2026 – For EU/EEA citizens and applicants who do not require a student visa to study in Germany (e.g., nationals of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the UK, or the USA)
Early Bird Deadline:
  • January 15, 2026 (Complete applications submitted by this date save €1,200 on tuition fees) 

APS Certificate (India, China, Vietnam)
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree from India, China, or Vietnam must obtain an APS certificate before applying for a German student visa. We recommend starting the APS process early, as it may take several months. More info: APS India | APS China | APS Vietnam

Your Admissions Journey

1. Application

Submit your application via the WHU Application Center.

2. Video Interview

Complete a virtual interview through Kira Talent, an online video recording interview platform.

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3. Final Interview

If successful in the Kira stage, you’ll be invited to a live interview via Microsoft Teams with a WHU examiner.

4. Study Contract

If admitted, you will receive your study contract via DocuSign, a platform for electronically signing documents. 

Your Admissions Journey - Step by Step

1. Application

Enrollment

After signing the study contract, you will receive access to our student portal. There, you can download your official letter of admission (for visa applications, if needed) and the invoice for the non-refundable enrollment deposit of €2,000. This amount is deducted from your total tuition fee and serves as your commitment to join WHU, securing your place in the program. Once the payment is received, you will gain access to the Pre-Master Modules and the German course, both offered online.

Before Arrival

Students with a degree from India, China, or Vietnam must obtain this certificate before applying for a German student visa. As the process may take several months, we strongly recommend starting it as early as possible, even before applying for a master’s program or receiving a study offer. For more information, please refer to the official websites: APS IndiaAPS ChinaAPS Vietnam.

Please check the specific visa requirements on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office, German Embassy, or consulate in your country. A blocked bank account as proof of financial resources and health insurance valid for student visa purposes in Germany are typically required.

You can start checking some options of apartments and dorms here, as well as offers from private landlords in our housing market

This is an online, self-paced preparatory program offered by WHU at no cost, designed exclusively for master’s students. We recommend this module to all incoming students as it provides foundational concepts and principles across key business topics. It will help you build a strong foundation, refresh prior knowledge, or deepen your understanding in areas such as Python Programming, Introduction to Economics, Foundations of Management, and Financial Accounting. 

WHU supports your integration and everyday life in Germany by offering German language classes at the beginning of your master’s program. Additionally, to help you get started, international students also receive free access to the online platform Busuu upon enrollment. We highly encourage you to begin learning German before arriving on campus. The courses are designed to build a solid foundation through engaging lessons for all levels, from beginner to advanced.

After Arrival

It takes place usually in the last week of August and participation is mandatory. During this time, you will receive your student ID, learn how to register for courses, meet your professors, classmates, and key departments such as the Career Center, Alumni Association, and International Relations Office. You will also be introduced to the selection processes for the semester abroad and how to prepare to apply for internship opportunities. Several workshops are planned to help you settle in both academically and socially. In addition to the official agenda, students organize informal activities such as tours of Vallendar/Düsseldorf and the surrounding region, dinners, hikes, and student club presentations.

After arriving in Germany, you are required by law to register your address (Anmeldung) with the local citizen registration office (Bürgeramt/Einwohnermeldeamt) within 14 days. To complete this step, you need a confirmation form signed by your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). Then you will receive the certificate of residence registration (Meldebescheinigung). This certificate is necessary for opening a bank account, applying for a residence permit, signing up for health insurance, or securing a mobile phone contract.

Once you have received both your certificate of residence registration (Meldebescheinigung) and your certificate of enrollment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung), you can apply for your residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at the local Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde). This official document allows non-EU students to legally stay in Germany for the duration of their studies. Appointments should be made early, as processing times can vary depending on the city and season.

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