FAQs: Applying for Master degree programmes at the Department of Business and Economics
Application
Proof of language requirements
Applicants who apply for a study programme that requires specific language skills need to have the required language skills and proficiency level at the time of applying. There are two simplifications that apply during the current application process:
- In principle, proof of language proficiency has to be submitted with the application. Due to the current constraints, the proof of language proficiency can in exceptional cases be submitted until the beginning of the winter semester 2022/23 if you have sent a registration for the test with your application by the application deadline. In case of admission, the admission will be conditional until the required proof of language proficiency is submitted, at the latest at the beginning of the winter semester 2022/23.
- Generally we only accept standardised English tests. Currently you are allowed to take these test in their online formate, e.g.TOEFL iBT Home Edition / IELTS Indicator. Please, check which tests are accepted (below).
Please, apply online on our HWR Berlin homepage (platform only available in German)
AND
address your complete application (including the printed form and all relevant application documents) to:
HWR Berlin
Studienbüro 3 - Master Studiengänge
(name of degree programme you apply for)
Badensche Str. 52
10825 Berlin
For further information on the application process please go to:
https://www.hwr-berlin.de/en/study/how-to-apply/application-master/
Students with a Non-German Bachelor degree apply at uni-assist e. V.. It is a certification office founded to support German universities by converting foreign grades and degrees into their German equivalents. Once your application passes the uni-assist system check, it will be transferred to our university for further processing.
- uni-assist
- Find out quickly and simply if you are qualified to study in Germany
- You can find important additional country-specific requirements for several countries on this page
Please note that uni-assist charges a processing fee according to the number of universities you want to apply to.
Please register online and upload all the required documents.
Uni Assist recommends that applicants apply at least six weeks before the deadline.
For further information on the application process please go to:
https://www.hwr-berlin.de/en/study/how-to-apply/application-master/
The application period for students with a German Bachelor degree is
15.04.-15.06. for the winter semester.
The application has to be sent directly to HWR Berlin (Berlin School of Economics and Law).
The application period for students with a Non-German Bachelor degree is
15.03.-15.05. for the winter semesterstart.
The application has to be sent to uni-assist e.V.
Please note: Our master programmes start once a year in the winter term.
uni-assist e.V. is a certification office founded to make the application procedure for international student applicants easier and at the same time to support German universities in the selection of their foreign students. All applicants with a Non-German Bachelor degree wishing to study at one of the member universities of uni-assist must send their applications to uni-assist instead of their chosen university.
uni-assist checks whether foreign qualifications meet the requirements of the Central Office for Foreign Education and whether they are sufficient for admission to a German university.
uni-assist converts foreign grades into their German equivalents. Uni-assist verifies language skills and other course-specific requirements made by the universities.
uni-assist verifies the legitimacy of all certificates.
All applications that meet the general admission requirements are forwarded electronically to the universities and are then processed in the universities' individual admissions procedures.
Please take note that uni-assist charges a processing fee according to the number of universities you want to apply to. More information: www.uni-assist.de/fees-payment.
No, unfortunately this is not possible.
In general for all master courses requirements are the following:
- Bachelor's or equivalent degree
- At least 210 ECTS credit points (applicants with 180 ECTS credit points will be required to obtain the additional 30 ECTS credit points by completing a placement in the third semester, i.e. the programme will then last four semesters)
- Letter of motivation in English
- Curriculum Vitae in English
If you can present an official document proving that you are among the best 10 % of your final year group in your study programme you may add a copy to your application. You can provide sufficient evidence by indicating your final grade in ECTS. If you are among the best ten percent of the final year students in your study programme, you will have obtained the maximum grade (A) in the ECTS system. Also a certified ranking list showing that you were among the best ten percent is accepted. It is important that this certificate should be issued by an Examinations Office or signed by the Dean of the Faculty. Letters of recommendation are not accepted as a proof.
Furthermore there are some programme specific requirements (named courses/modules have to be completed during prior studies):
Business Intelligence and Process Management
- Bachelor's or equivalent degree in Business Information Systems / Business Informatics, Administrative Information Systems / Administrative Informatics, (Applied) Informatics / (Applied) Computer Science (with major in business), or Business Administration / Business Studies / Business Engineering (with major in Informatics, Computer Science, or Business Information Systems)
- Evidence of having completed the following undergraduate courses (or equivalent):
Business Administration (10 ECTS)
Quantitative Methods / Databases (10 ECTS)
(Applied) Informatics (10 ECTS)
Excellent English skills equivalent to at least B2 on the CEFR (Common European Framework of References)
Finance, Accounting, Controlling and Taxation (FACT)
- Proof that at least two of the four relevant study subjects – Accounting, Controlling, Finance and Taxation – were concluded in the previous course of studies (at least 20 ECTS)
- Excellent English skills equivalent to at least B2 on the CEFR (Common European Framework of References)
Global Supply Chain and Operations Management
- Undergraduate courses in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Logistics totaling at least 15 ECTS credit points
- Excellent English skills equivalent to at least B2 on the CEFR (Common European Framework of References)
- By providing a GMAT score of 600 Points or above, you can increase your chance of admission (in this case an English proof is not necessary).
International Business and Consulting
- HR Specialisation – courses in Human Resource Management, Organisation and Labour Law worth at least 15 ECTS credit points
- Strategic Management Specialisation – courses in Strategic Management, Financial and Managerial Accounting, and Operations Management (or equivalent topics) together worth at least 15 ECTS credit points
- GMAT with a score of 600 or above (applies only for non-EU / non-EEA degrees)
- Excellent English skills equivalent to at least B2 on the CEFR (Common European Framework of References)
- Evidence specifically of having completed undergraduate courses in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and International Economics
- Excellent English skills equivalent to at least B2 on the CEFR (Common European Framework of References)
- Basic Lectures in Finance and Investment Theory, Corporate Finance, Macroeconomics
- GMAT voluntarily
- All students that cannot show a placement of at least 6 months in advance, have to undertake a placement during the third semester; the programme then lasts for 4 semesters
- Excellent English skills proved by TOEFL – at least iBT 83 or IELTS – at least 6.0
International Marketing Management (English)
- Marketing totalling at least 15 ECTS credit points
- Excellent English skills equivalent to at least B2 on the CEFR (Common European Framework of References)
- GMAT with a score of 600 or above (applies only for non-EU / non-EEA degrees)
Marketing Management (dt./englisch)
- Undergraduate courses in Marketing totaling at least 15 ECTS credit points
- Excellent English skills equivalent to at least B2 on the CEFR (Common European Framework of References)
- Since many classes are taught in German a proof of German proficiency of at least B2 level (CEFR) is required for Non-German applicants
- By providing a GMAT score of 600 Points or above, you can increase your chance of admission (in this case an English proof is not necessary)
Political Economy of European Integration
- Evidence of having completed undergraduate courses in Macroeconomics, Political or Social Science (or comparable courses) and/or European Studies
- Excellent English skills equivalent to at least B2 on the CEFR (Common European Framework of References)
Business Law in an International Context
- An undergraduate law degree (Bachelor or German Diploma degree) or the first State Examination in Law or a comparable qualification from a recognised university
- Excellent English skills equivalent to at least B2 on the CEFR (Common European Framework of References)
- Since many classes are taught in German a proof of German proficiency of at least B2 level (CEFR) is required for Non-German applicants
You need to present a standardised test to prove that your English level is a high B2 CEFR (Common European Framework of References) or above. The required minimum score of the accepted English certificates are listed below. We accept certificates of up to five years old.
If you have studied in the higher education system a minimum of two semesters entirely in English, this can be accepted as equivalent (please provide proof with your application). You do not need to provide further English certificates if you hold a GMAT.
For the Master programme International Finance only TOEFL, IELTS or GMAT will be accepted.
- TOEFL iBT – 83 points
- IELTS – 6.0 points
- TOEIC Four Skills –1200 points
- PTE Academic – 67 points
- Cambridge English Scale – 170 points
- Oxford Test of English – 126 points
- UNIcert II
Please note: We cannot accept A-level /school leaving certificates or DAAD language certificates as English proficiency tests.
For the following Master Programmes, excellent German skills equivalent to at least B2 on the CEFR (Common European Framework of References) are necessary.
- Marketing Management (deutsch/englisch)
- Business Law in an International Context
For the following Master Programmes, knowledge of German is not necessary, as these master programmes are taught in English:
- Business Intelligence and Process Management
- Finance, Accounting, Controlling and Taxation (FACT)
- Global Supply Chain and Operations Management
- International Business and Consulting: Human Resource Management
- International Business and Consulting: Strategic Management
- International Economics
- International Finance
- International Marketing Management (English)
- Political Economy of European Integration
German language classes for business are available at HWR Berlin (Berlin School of Economics and Law) for all levels. Due to limited capacity we cannot guarantee a place in the courses.
In accordance with DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) we do not send any more letters to prove that you are in contact with us. When applying for a DAAD scholarship, you would have to also prove to them that you meet the relevant criteria to apply for the course (i.e. evidence specifically of having completed undergraduate courses in the relevant subjects. All specific admission requirements are listed on the respective programme's web page). This is sufficient. Should there be further questions, please contact DAAD directly about this matter.
When applying you have the option to name a second choice of studies at HWR Berlin (Berlin School of Economics and Law), but your second choice will only be considered if there is no sufficient number of applicants with a first choice in that programme.
You can do the online application again if you have made a mistake in the first one. We will only consider the last online version of your application.
You can add a post-paid self-addressed postcard which we will stamp and send back so you know that your documents have been received. It is only a notice of receipt. The sufficiency and correctness of the documents will not be checked. The applicants are held responsible for verifying that.
You do not get any notice if documents are missing.
Your former application does not have any impact on the likeliness to be accepted when you re-apply.
Work experience is an asset but does not necessarily influence your application.
The main focus is on the overall bachelor grade, grades of specific modules, English proficiency and the motivation letter. In the three masters taught in German, Germanproficiency is also required. It is not possible to take work experience (even in a special field) into account for the required courses.
The HWR Berlin (Berlin School of Economics and Law) does not select according to a specific numerus clausus. Your chances in being accepted depends on the number of students who apply for the respective master programme. There are 35 places in most programmes.
The programme Business Intelligence and Process Management offers just 20 places, whereas the Master programmes Marketing Management (dt./engl.) and Global Supply Chain and Operations Management have 40 available places and the programme Finance, Accounting, Controlling and Taxation (FACT) has 80 places.
Due to experience we receive always many more applications than places are available.
The admission process for the winter semester starts in July (applicants who apply through uni-assist will be informed by e-mail). It may last until September. Then letters of refusal will be sent.
First, all the applications that meet all requirements are collected. Out of these, a ranking composed of the Bachelor grades relevant to the Master programme modules, together with the total overall Bachelor grade is created.
You are more than welcome to apply, if you meet the requirements. At this point of the application process we cannot decide whether your former study background matches the mandatory academic courses. The final decision, whether your academic background is considered sufficient will be made by the board.
You can pick up your documents within three months after semester start during our office hours.
After that the documents will be destroyed. If you have applied at uni-assist your documents will be kept there for one year and be destroyed afterwards.
Enrolment
You do not have to appear in person to enrol, you can send all your documents by post. You should be here for our introduction day at the end of September/March.
You have to hand in your Bachelor degree within the application period.
For students with a German Bachelor degree this is 15.04.-15.06. The application has to be sent directly to the HWR Berlin, for students with a Non-German Bachelor degree it is: 15.04.-30.05. The application has to be sent to uni-assist e.V., www.uni-assist.de).
In case of examinations later than the application period it is possible to make an exception and to hand in your degree later. Therefore we would need a provisional official transcript (including a provisional average Bachelor/Diploma grade) from your university. Additionally you would have to hand in a verification from your university that the study aim will be achieved by the start of your master programme (30.09). If you receive your final certificate after the admission, please send a copy directly to the HWR Berlin.
Students will be automatically registered for their classes in the first semester.
International students can only be fully registered with a visa.
As it is sometimes difficult to get a visa, students can hand it in later in some cases.
All students studying in Germany need to have a health insurance (compulsory or private) by law. Students with a private health insurance need proof of their insurance and additionally need an exemption of the compulsory health insurance when registering at the HWR Berlin.
There are no preparatory classes at the HWR Berlin.
If you have received 180 ECTS within your previous studies you have to make an internship within the third semester. The content of this internship has to be related to the master programme you have chosen. Whether previous work experience or an internship can be acknowledged will be verified after matriculation at the HWR Berlin. In exceptional circumstances the course director could acknowledge previous practical experience. This acknowledgement means that you are exempted from the internship and you can write your thesis in the third semester, but you will not receive extra 30 ECTS on your transcript.
Please hand in the relevant documents to the Master Office after your start here. The decision is made by the course director of the Master programme.
Financial aspects
There are no tuition fees. Semester fees currently sum up to approximately €300 per semester (subject to change), which includes public transportation in Berlin.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the largest funding organisation in the world supporting the international exchange of students and scholars. Furthermore, Germany has various foundations supporting international students studying in Germany. An online database for scholarships is offered by the DAAD.
The HWR Berlin (Berlin School of Economics and Law) awards scholarships and serviced under the DAAD funding also final aid for already registered foreign students.
Many students work during their studies. However, this is a full-time programme, please plan accordingly.
Whether you are allowed to work depends on your visa status.
General information
The winter term starts on 1 October and ends on 31 March. The summer term starts on 1 April and ends on 30 September. Lecture periods are shorter and it differs slightly from year to year when lectures start and end.
The type of Master degree depends on your chosen Master programme:
- Master of Arts (M.A.) for Global Supply Chain and Operations Management, International Business & Consulting, International Economics, International Marketing Management (English), Marketing Management (dt./engl.), Political Economy of European Integration
- Master of Science (M.Sc.) for Business Intelligence and Process Management, Finance, Accounting, Controlling and Taxation (FACT), International Finance
- Master of Law (LL.M) Business Law in an International Context
ECTS – European Credit Transfer System – has been developed by the European Commission in order to provide common procedures to guarantee academic recognition of studies abroad. It provides a way of measuring and comparing learning achievements, and of transferring them from one institution to another. ECTS credits are awarded only if the course has been completed and all required examinations have been successfully taken.
Uni-assist will assign credits to courses for students applying at HWR Berlin (Berlin School of Economics and Law) with a Non-German Bachelor degree and without any credits in prior studies.
If you have received less than 210 ECTS within your previous studies you have to make an internship within the third semester. In this case, the Master programme will last for four semesters. Students who were not awarded with ECTS during their undergraduate programme (usually from outside the European Union), will not be asked to complete a placement. The content of this internship has to be related to the master programme you have chosen. Whether previous work experience or an internship can be acknowledged will be verified after matriculation at the HWR Berlin. In exceptional circumstances the course director could acknowledge previous practical experience. This acknowledgement means that you are exempted from the internship and you can write your thesis in the third semester, but you will not receive extra 30 ECTS on your transcript.
Please hand in the relevant documents to the Master Office after your start here. The decision is made by the course director of the master programme.
As the Master programmes differ a lot between the respective universities and the courses are not offered every semester, it is very difficult to change into our programmes. Usually the HWR Berlin does not have any capacities for transfers.
It is possible to go abroad for one semester. It would be easiest if you study an extra semester and go abroad during your third semester. In this case your final semester will take place in the fourth semester. Please contact the International Office for further information, if you are accepted to one of our exchange programmes.
The HWR Berlin does not offer any student dormitories. Student residence halls, which can be found all over Berlin, are managed by Studentenwerk Berlin. Please contact the Studentenwerk Berlin for further information.
Unfortunately not. Due to maximum capacity, we are unable to do so. Please note that enrolment in more than one university at one time is not allowed.
More information
Presentation on the application process