Admissions
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Take the Next Step
Between now and the start of your Mannheim Part-Time MBA journey lies your application. So take the next step! A good way to get in touch with us and prepare to submit your documents is by taking part in one of our online or in-person information events. To clarify open questions and get initial feedback on your profile, you can arrange a personal counselling session with the admissions manager.
Admission Criteria
Learning with and from one another is a central component of the Mannheim Part-Time MBA. Thus, we constantly seek people who enjoy enriching the group by sharing their competences, experiences and commitment. Our standards are and always will be exacting in order to ensure an ideal learning experience for all participants.
The formal criteria at a glance
- An internationally recognized academic degree in any discipline (at least a bachelor’s). Successful candidates will typically possess a minimum B+ average in their undergraduate degree
- At least three years of postgraduate working experience
- Leadership potential
- International experience
- Fluency in English and proof of English proficiency: Please see details below
- GMAT or GRE required only if you apply for a scholarship (a minimum GMAT Focus Edition Score of 555 or an equivalent GRE score is recommended)
- APS required for applicants with a first degree from China, Vietnam and India. Please see details below
- October 1, 2026: Applications open
- November 30, 2026: Early Bird 1 (€6,000 discount)
- February 28, 2027: Early Bird 2 (€3,000 discount)
- Final Application Deadline: July 31, 2027
- Our recommendation: Apply as early as possible to secure your spot and ensure a smooth admissions process.
- A valid formal test such as TOEFL (95+), IELTS (7+) or TOEIC, TELC, BEC, FCE, CAE or CPE (C1).
- We also accept a two-year undergraduate degree, provided that at least half of the instruction and examination was conducted in English.
Alternatively, a higher education entrance qualification obtained within an English-speaking education system is acceptable.
Proof of this can be provided through:
- An explicit statement on the degree certificate or the degree supplement, OR
- an individualized side letter from the issuing institution (containing: your name, your program, percentage of English or fully in English).
If needed, you can request such a side letter directly from your university.
In general, APS is required for applicants with a first degree from China, Vietnam, and India. However, there are some exceptions.
Exceptions:
- For Chinese applicants living in Germany who hold a Chinese bachelor’s degree an APS certificate is required. They can use the so-called "Dokumentenprüfverfahren” to apply without being present in China. Finde more general information here.
- For applicants with a master’s degree (minimum one year) from an H+ institution (please check institutions here and find general information here), in addition to their bachelor’s degree regardless of country of origin, no APS is required.
Even if you're not ready for an MBA right now, you can still advance your leadership abilities with our open certificate courses. Consider enrolling in our Leaders of Tomorrow Certificate to start honing your skills today!
Acquire the knowledge and mindset you need to take your first steps in leadership and connect with other emerging leaders in an intensive, three-day MBA-level program.
After gaining your certificate, you will be eligible for a discount of €1,000 on the Mannheim Part-Time MBA tuition fee.
Perspectives
Dr. Benito Campos, Saribek Karapetyan and Gaurav Sinha, Co-Founders of Visual Abstract, Mannheim Part-Time MBA Class of 2020“For our application, we focused on showcasing our leadership skills, professional achievements, and motivations for wanting to do the MBA. We reached out to current participants and alumni, who were more than willing to share their experiences and provide valuable advice. Their insights helped us align our expectations and tailor our application effectively. Our first contact with the admissions manager and the MBS team was very warm and welcoming. They seemed genuinely interested in our profiles and career aspirations. They were also transparent about the program and its rigorous demands, which gave us a clear idea of what to expect.”
Read more
We decided to apply for the MBS Part-Time MBA because we believed in the power of lifelong learning and wanted to balance our existing careers with further academic and personal growth. The flexibility of the part-time program, the international reputation of Mannheim Business School, and its strong focus on entrepreneurship particularly appealed to us. Besides being home to Germany’s premier business school, Mannheim has been Germany’s hotspot for B2B startups and in some current rankings the startup climate was number one in the country, surpassing other startup hubs like Berlin and Munich. Next Mannheim is also one of the largest and best organized startup ecosystems. For the three of us, Mannheim was the natural choice.
For our application, we focused on showcasing our leadership skills, professional achievements, and motivations for wanting to do the MBA. We reached out to current participants and alumni, who were more than willing to share their experiences and provide valuable advice. Their insights helped us align our expectations and tailor our application effectively.
Our first contact with the admissions manager and the MBS team was very warm and welcoming. They seemed genuinely interested in our profiles and career aspirations. They were also transparent about the program and its rigorous demands, which gave us a clear idea of what to expect.
Receiving the acceptance notification was a thrilling moment. We felt that the MBA would open many doors for us but that it would also “close” doors in ways that we could not yet fully grasp: It would inevitably shape our path. In addition, we saw it as a validation of our hard work and potential, and it also marked the beginning of a new exciting chapter in our lives.
MBS has been incredibly successful in bringing together some of the brightest talents who are also great team players and good comrades. Walking into our class for the first time was a mix of nervousness and excitement. Seeing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our classmates, we knew that we were going to learn as much from them as from the program itself.
The program was filled with numerous highlights and challenges. Some highlights included working on real-world business problems, engaging in stimulating debates, and forming close bonds with our classmates. The most challenging moments were usually associated with balancing the demanding coursework with our professional responsibilities, but overcoming these hurdles was a rewarding experience in itself.
Founding our own company was something we had aspired to, and the program definitely reinforced that decision. The Mannheim startup ecosystem felt like a natural extension of the Mannheim Business School environment: MBS and the Mannheim startup ecosystem provided us with invaluable resources such as access to funding, accelerator programs and potential customers. This support system played a crucial role in getting our business off the ground.
The Mannheim Part-Time MBA has been instrumental in our professional and personal development. It not only equipped us with the tools and knowledge needed to run a successful business but also instilled a sense of resilience, strategic thinking, and ethical responsibility. It expanded our network and introduced us to diverse industries, which have been beneficial in our current roles. As #Mannheimerforlife we always had the unique opportunity to leverage Mannheim Business School’s powerful brand and network. Some of our professors still mentor us to this date, long after graduation and have been instrumental in shaping our business model.
When we started our MBA journey, we could understand the value of the MBS Network but now, we can fully appreciate it. The MBS Network has been an essential part of our journey. It provides ongoing support, learning opportunities, and connections that transcend our time in the classroom. On a personal level, it has given us lifelong friendships. Professionally, it's an immense resource for new business opportunities, partnerships, and insights. We consider it an indispensable part of our success. It speaks highly of Mannheim Business School that, even in times of pandemic and hard competition on the business school market, it has not diluted its prestigious “Mannheimer for life” brand.
Admissions Process
Excited? This is where it all begins. Fill out the Mannheim Part-Time MBA application form and ask your referee to fill out the reference form. Send all the required documents to the Admissions Manager. You can find a checklist of everything you need to include with the application form.
The Admissions Committee will review your application as a whole. If your application package is convincing enough, we will want to get to know you personally. In the first interview, you will then get the opportunity to introduce yourself and explain your motivation for pursuing the Mannheim Part-Time MBA more fully.
We want to make sure of two things: that the brightest minds join the class and that they are also the right fit for the program and our Mannheim Network in general. This is why the next step is an online group interview where you will join a group of fellow applicants and two members of our Part-Time MBA Alumni Board. Here you can show how capable you are of learning from and working with your peers. This is also a great opportunity to network with our alumni and your potential classmates!
The Admissions Committee will consider all of the interviews and application documents and notify you of their decision within two weeks. If you are selected to join the next cohort, you will receive the admission notification and contract to sign and return. Your MBA journey is about to begin!
Fees
The application fee is €150 (non-refundable).
The tuition fee for the Mannheim Part-Time MBA starting in September 2027 is €48,000. Apply by November 30, 2026 to benefit from an Early Bird discount of €6,000, or by February 28, 2027 for a discount of €3,000. The discount is based on the date your complete application package is received, including English test and APS, if applicable.
Many countries allow tuition for an MBA program and related expenses such as travel costs to count as tax-deductible expenses. Find out more and request information here.
*The price is based on 24 monthly installments after a down payment of €8,500. Other payment options are available. For more information, please contact Ms. Siebler. The monthly payment option is available for participants with a permanent employment contract in the European Union only. Paying the full tuition in a single payment earns an early payment bonus of €500.
Contract validity
Your study contract is valid for six weeks. If you sign within this period, you secure the Early Bird conditions that applied when you submitted your application. If the period is extended, the conditions of the tier valid at the time of signing apply.
What's included
90 ECTS, international study trip including accommodation - travel costs are not included. Outdoor Leadership Training, individual career counseling, course materials, access to the Mannheim network and events, gym access and coffee breaks. Lunch is not included.
Finance your studies
Private loans that cover education expenses are available from many banks. We recommend that you contact your local bank to explore your options.
Brain Capital’ Generation Contract is another model to finance your studies. Under the contract, you can focus on your studies without having to worry about finances. It covers tuition fees and living expenses. Read more about the terms and conditions, and how to apply for a loan on the Brain Capital website.
Scholarships
Mannheim Business School offers partial scholarships to outstanding candidates. To apply, you need to submit a complete application and succeed in the first interview with the Admissions Manager. Answer the two essay questions for that category (see below). Each essay is limited to 300 words. Questions and answers are in English.
A minimum GMAT Focus Edition Score of 555 or an equivalent GRE score is recommended. GMAT or GRE is only required if you apply for a scholarship.
Excellence in this case refers to several achievements and desirable characteristics such as an excellent educational and professional background, a high GMAT score, international working experience, language skills and social engagement. In addition, your performance throughout our selection process will highly contribute to the final scholarship amount, up to a maximum of €4,800.
This scholarship emphasizes Mannheim Business School's commitment to increasing the number of women in executive positions. Any woman with a proven track record of outstanding achievements in her professional life or social commitments can apply. The scholarship amount is determined individually, up to a maximum of €3,000.
We would like to inform you that our institution does not offer full scholarships. Therefore, we kindly ask you to refrain from sending inquiries regarding full scholarships, as there is absolutely no chance of success in this regard.
Our scholarship program is limited and covers a maximum of €4,800, which is 10% of the standard tuition fee. Scholarships cannot be combined with early bird reductions for this program.
Given that all participants are employed full-time and, within the EU, have the option to pay monthly over the course of the 2-year MBS program, full scholarships are not necessary for financing the studies. We recommend considering private consumer loans for financing your education.
Additionally, a significant portion of the total costs can be refunded through tax returns within the EU. For more detailed information, we will be informing you about this topic in the near future with a corresponding video, which will be linked here in due time.
Thank you for your understanding.
The joint Doctorate–MBA program by Heidelberg University and Mannheim Business School is designed for doctoral candidates who want to do more than publish – they want to build. Over 24 months, you continue your doctorate while earning an MBA at an internationally top-ranked business school, working in interdisciplinary teams to develop the business acumen and entrepreneurial mindset needed to turn your research into a real venture. The skills, network, and mentorship to become a science-based entrepreneur –built around your research.
Find further information and the application form exclusively here.
Essay Questions
- Describe a situation in which your personal commitment, leadership, or professional expertise enabled you to make an exceptional contribution to your organization, team, or society. What was the outcome, and what was your personal role in achieving it?
- Why are you a particularly strong candidate for the Excellence Scholarship? How will you contribute to and enrich the Mannheim Business School community during and after your MBA?
- What challenges, as well as structural or individual barriers, have shaped your professional journey as a woman? Please describe how you have overcome them, the insights you have gained for your leadership style and personal development, and how these experiences have influenced your future career goals.
- How do you plan to leverage the knowledge, perspectives, and network gained through the Mannheim Part-Time MBA to expand your impact as a leader? Please describe how you intend to contribute to the advancement of women in business and society over the long term, and what tangible change you hope to create.
PAID EDUCATIONAL LEAVE
In Germany, employees usually have the right to Bildungsurlaub, a period of paid leave granted to take part in educational programs. These programs are accredited by Germany’s individual federal states. Mannheim Business School has been accredited by the states of Baden-Württemberg and North-Rhine Westphalia. In some states, MBS has to apply for selected modules while some others automatically approve of educational events that have been approved in another state. Only Bavaria and Saxony do not have legislation for paid educational leave.
If you are a participant in one of our part-time MBA or EMBA programs, you may be eligible to apply for five days’ paid leave per year, depending on where your company is based. The rules and application deadlines differ widely in each state, so make sure to inform yourself and apply early. Find more information (in German) here.
Contact Person
Downloads
- Mannheim Part-Time MBA Brochure
- Mannheim Part-Time MBA Payment Information
- Factsheet Mannheim Part-Time MBA
- Mannheim Part-Time MBA Tax Tip
- Mannheim Part-Time MBA Sample Schedule
- Guidelines for the Crediting of Professional Competencies
- Application Form for the Crediting of Professional Competencies
- Attachment for the Crediting of Professional Competencies
- Mannheim Part-Time MBA Examination Regulations EN
- Mannheim Part-Time MBA Prüfungsordnung DE
- Mannheim Part-Time MBA Impact Report
MANNHEIM BUSINESS SCHOOL (MBS)
Located in the heart of the German and European economy, Mannheim Business School (MBS), the umbrella organization for management education at the University of Mannheim, is considered to be one of the leading institutions of its kind in Germany and is continuously ranked as Germany’s #1.
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