Master in Management: Our Application and Admissions Process
If that is you, we would love to meet.
Women application fee waiver until the end of March!*
*All female applicants who submit their application by end of March will get their application fee waived.
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 degree in business or economics from an accredited institution with a minimum of 180 ECTS credits. 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 2 years.
The program is designed for candidates with no more than two 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 (classic scoring system, code: 0682) or min. 5.5 (new format, valid from January 2026)
Not required if your undergraduate or secondary education was completed entirely in English. In that case, please submit proof (e.g., IB diploma, certificate of medium of instruction). 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.
International experience is not a formal requirement for this program, but it is highly recommended. As internationality is a core value at WHU, such experience will strengthen your application. This may include a study semester abroad, internship abroad, language course, summer school, or a similar opportunity.
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)
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Master in Management or Master in International Business?
A degree in business or economics is vital to join us in the Master in Management. But no need to worry if your undergrad is in something else—our Master in International Business covers everything you need to know from the ground up. We give you the structure and all necessary skills. Come graduation, you will have all you need to achieve your leadership goals and take them beyond borders.
Find out more