Master in Finance: Our Application and Admission Process

We want graduates with business and/or economics degrees. With a strong quantitative background and finance-related experience. To make the world go round. 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 or economics

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s from an accredited institution with a minimum of 180 ECTS credits, either in a business-related field of study, or from STEM subjects with a strong quantitative background and practical experience in finance-related areas. 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 4 years

The program is designed for candidates with no more than four 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.

Quantitative & analytical proficiency: GMAT, GRE or GTEBS

We require one of the following test scores (online formats are accepted):

GMAT: min. 555 (Code: FBR-FH-93)
GRE: min. 158/158 - Verbal and Quantitative (Code: 7175)
GTEBS (formerly TM-WISO): min. 102 (must be taken in English)

Helpful resources: GMAT prep, GMAT quiz, GRE prep, GRE quiz, GTEBS info

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

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.

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

Submit your application via the WHU Application Center and ensure all required documents are uploaded. The review may take up to 7 business days.

Application document checklist:

1. CV (in English): 1 page (sample).

2. Bachelor transcript of records: In case you are still studying, please upload the most recent transcript of records. For degrees earned outside Germany, your university must be listed as “H+” at Anabin.

3. Passport: Copy of your passport or, for EU citizens, your national ID card (front and back).

4. English proficiency: TOEFL (min. 100) or IELTS (min. 7), valid for 2 years. Not required if your undergraduate or secondary education was entirely in English. In that case, submit proof (e.g., IB diploma, certificate of medium of instruction).

5. Quantitative & analytical proficiency: GMAT (min. 555); GRE (min. 158/158) or GTEBS (min. 102, in English) The scores must also be sent via the official portals.

Master in Entrepreneurship applicants must submit a pitch deck instead of a test score.

6. Practical experience: Document stating duration, position title and responsibilities. Minimum 3 months full-time, business-related. If you have multiple experiences, combine them into one PDF.

7. Secondary education: High school diploma or equivalent along with the transcript (e.g., Abitur, IB Diploma, American High School Diploma, AISSCE, Gaokao, etc.).

8. International experience: Mandatory only for applicants from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland applying to a 90 ECTS program. A minimum of 3 months abroad is required. Internships, study semesters, language courses, summer school, or comparable experiences completed outside your home country will be considered.

File format & size: All documents must be uploaded as PDF files, with a maximum size of 10 MB per file. For grouped items (e.g., practical experience), please merge all pages into a single PDF.

File naming: Name each file using your full name and document type (e.g., FirstName LastName_CV.pdf: John Doe_ToR.pdf; Max Mustermann_PitchDeck.pdf).

Accepted languages: We accept documents only in English or German. If your original documents (e.g., transcripts of records) are in another language, please provide certified translations along with the originals.

Are you eligible? Take our short test to find out!

Apply now!

2. Video interview

Interview format

Kira Talent is an online video interview platform where you’ll respond to timed questions using your webcam. Once you begin, the platform records your responses automatically - pausing or redoing answers is not possible. The interview takes approximately 30 minutes and must be completed in one sitting within 7 days of receiving your invitation. Use a laptop (not tablet or iPad) with stable internet connection and ensure you are in a quiet, distraction-free environment. Kira recommends using Google Chrome. You may use paper for notetaking, but AI tools are not permitted. This virtual interview is designed to assess your communication skills and critical thinking.

Oral presentation
Begin with a five-minute verbal presentation (without slides) on a topic of your choice, either business or non-business, reflecting your interests or passion. Make sure to prepare in advance and structure your presentation clearly, including an introduction, main points, and a conclusion.

Master in Entrepreneurship applicants must pitch their business idea from the pitch deck, also without slides.

Interview questions
Next, answer four timed questions assessing motivation, reasoning, creativity, and self-reflection. Questions appear one at a time with no prep time. One will be written, with seven minutes to respond—aim for around 180 words. For the problem-solving question, explain your thought process.

Results: We will review your interview within 14 business days.

3. Final interview

Interview format

If you are successful in the Kira Talent video interview, you will be invited to a live virtual interview via Microsoft Teams with a WHU representative, usually a faculty member. This interview lasts approximately 30 minutes and is conducted in English. Please ensure you are in a quiet, distraction-free environment with a stable internet connection. The recommended dress code is business casual. The purpose of this interview is to gain a deeper understanding of your academic background, professional motivation, and personal fit for the program.

Preparation

Before your interview, we encourage you to get to know our program and curriculum by checking our website. It’s also a good idea to review your CV and to think about how your academic and professional experiences have shaped your goals. To avoid any technical issues, make sure to download Microsoft Teams in advance and test your internet connection, camera, and microphone.

Results: You can expect to receive a study offer, a rejection, or a spot on the waiting list within 7 business days after your interview.

October 15 · November 12 · December 10 · January 14 · February 25 · March 11 · April 15 · May 13 · June 10

Additional or alternative dates may be offered depending on availability. You will receive your interview invitation via email. As the number of interview slots is limited, we kindly ask you to remain flexible and confirm your attendance as soon as possible. If you are unavailable on the proposed date, please contact the Admissions Team promptly so that alternative arrangements can be made.

4. Study contract

If you're admitted to WHU, you’ll receive your study contract via DocuSign for electronic signature. You’ll have 14 days to review and sign it. Once we’ve received the signed documents, including the declaration of consent and obligation, our Student Office will contact you within 7 business days to guide you through the enrollment process, including setting up your student portal access and preparing for your arrival. You’ll then have 14 days to pay the enrollment deposit, which will be deducted from your total tuition fee.

The study contract outlines your official agreement with WHU. By signing it, you confirm your admission to your chosen MSc program and commit to the terms of study, tuition fees, and academic policies. It also includes important information about deadlines, course participation, tuition payment schedules, leave of absence options, and your rights as a student. In addition to the contract, you will also sign two key declarations via DocuSign: the Declaration of Consent (regarding how WHU may use your personal data, photos/videos, and profile) and the Declaration of Obligation (confirming your duty to treat others' data confidentially, even after graduation, in line with EU regulations).

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

APS certificate

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 India; APS China; APS Vietnam.

Student visa

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

Housing

You'll find more information about living in Düsseldorf on this page. The Life in Düsseldorf website also provides a helpful overview of how and where to search for an apartment in Germany.

Pre-Master modules

This is an online, self-paced preparatory program offered by WHU at no cost, designed exclusively for master’s students. We recommend these modules to all incoming students as they provide foundational concepts and principles across key business topics. They 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.

German course

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 recommend that you 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

Welcome Week

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.

Residence Registration

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.

Residence Permit

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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