FAQs: Applying for Master degree programmes at the Department of Business and Economics

 Please, apply online through the HWR Berlin application platform (S.A.M.).

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 an association 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. April - 15. June for the winter semester.
Please, apply online through the application portal of HWR Berlin.

The application period for students with a non - German Bachelor degree is
15. March - 15. May for the winter semester start.
Students with a non - German Bachelor degree apply online at uni-assist e. V..

Please note: Our master programmes start once a year in the winter term.

Uni-assist e.V. is a certification and credentials 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. They verify 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.

• www.uni-assist.de

No, unfortunately this is not possible.

In general for all master courses requirements are the following:

• Bachelor 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 for example by completing an internship in the third semester, i.e. the programme will then last four semesters)
• Letter of motivation in English
• Curriculum vitae in English
• Helpful, but not required: Proof of work experience in the field of studies if you have worked for at least one year in the field of studies (showing the content and period of employment)

Furthermore there are some programme specific requirements such as courses or modules that must be completed before application:

Business Intelligence and Process Management

• Bachelor 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)

In addition, „nice to have“:

• A GMAT/ GMAT Focus with a score above 600 points; with a GMAT/GMAT Focus no extra English proof has to be submitted
• Proof of work experience in the field of studies if you have worked for at least one year in the field of studies (showing the content and period of employment)

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)
• A GMAT/ GMAT Focus with a score above 600 points; with a GMAT/GMAT Focus not extra English proof has to be submitted

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
• Excellent English skills equivalent to at least B2+ on the CEFR (Common European Framework of References)

In addition, „nice to have“:

• A GMAT/ GMAT Focus with a score above 600 points; with a GMAT/GMAT Focus no extra English proof has to be submitted
• Proof of work experience in the field of studies if you have worked for at least one year in the field of studies (showing the content and period of employment)

International Economics

• 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)

International Finance

• Evidence of having completed undergraduate modules in Capital Market Finance, Corporate Finance, Statistics
• 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

In addition, „nice to have“:

• A GMAT/ GMAT Focus with a score above 600 points; with a GMAT/GMAT Focus no extra English proof has to be submitted
• Proof of work experience in the field of studies if you have worked for at least one year in the field of studies (showing the content and period of employment)

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)

In addition, „nice to have“:

• A GMAT/ GMAT Focus with a score above 600 points; with a GMAT/GMAT Focus no extra English proof has to be submitted
• Proof of work experience in the field of studies if you have worked for at least one year in the field of studies (showing the content and period of employment)

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 according to these regulations are requested

In addition, „nice to have“:

• A GMAT/ GMAT Focus with a score above 600 points; with a GMAT/GMAT Focus no extra English proof has to be submitted
• Proof of work experience in the field of studies if you have worked for at least one year in the field of studies (showing the content and period of employment)

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 according to these regulations are requested

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/ GMAT Focus.

For the Master’s 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.

The language certificate has to be submitted as part of your application by the deadline.

For the following Master’s Programmes, excellent German skills according to the regulations are necessary.

• Marketing Management (deutsch/englisch)
• Business Law in an International Context

For the following Master’s Programmes, knowledge of German is not necessary, as these Master’s programmes are taught entirely 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 on the courses.

• Language courses

Both tests, GMAT and GMAT Focus are accepted.

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. If you have any further questions, please contact DAAD directly about this matter.

You can name up to three master programmes. In case you want to apply to more than one programme you have to prioritise your choices. Your second and third choice will only be considered if there is no sufficient number of applicants with a first choice in those programmes.

You may modify your application and add documents any time within the application period as long as we have not started to process your application.

Due to the high level of applications we are not able to notify you of any documents missing.

When you get the notice from uni-assist “We are forwarding your application to Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht (HWR Berlin) for further consideration. // The university will contact you directly.” your data has been transferred to our system. We will subsequently process your application. After all applications have been submitted and formally checked the admission board will examine the academic point of view. The decision will be taken early July. The first admissions are published mid July. Later admissions are possible until September. End of September you will be informed if you did not get a place. Please refrain from enquiring about your status.

Any former applications do not have any impact on the chances of being accepted when you re-apply.

The main focus of admission is on your overall bachelor’ grade. 

Additionally the grades of relevant modules can improve your place in the ranking. So does work experience. It has to be full-time, in your field of study and for least one year. 

In the master programmes BIPM, FACT, GSCOM, IBCON-HR, IBCON-SM, Int. Finance, Int. MM and Marketing Management (dt./engl.) also a GMAT / GMAT Focus with a score of more than 600 points can improve your place in the ranking. 

English proficiency is a prerequisite for all programmes. In the two masters Marketing Management (dt./engl.) and Business Law in an International Context, German proficiency is also required.

Your chances in being accepted depends on the number of students who apply for the respective master’s 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.

We usually receive many more applications than there are places available.

The admission process for the wintersemester starts in July. It may last until September. Late September you will be informed if you did not get a place.

First, all the applications that meet all requirements are collected. Out of these, a ranking is established, composed by the bachelor’s overall grade, the bachelor grades of the relevant courses and the work experience in the field of studies. For the Masters BIPM, FACT, GSCOM, IBCON, Int. Finance, Int. Marketing Managment and Marketing Management also a GMAT above 600 Points will be taken into consideration.

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 admission board after the application period.

It is not mandatory to appear in person to enrol.

Please upload your Bachelor degree within the application period.

For students with a German Bachelor degree this is 15. April - 15. June. Please apply online through the application portal of HWR Berlin.

For students with a non - German  Bachelor degree it is: 15. March -30. May. Please apply online at uni-assist e. V..

In case of examinations later than the application period, it is possible to make an exception and to hand in your degree later. In that case we 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’s programme (30. September). If you receive your final certificate after the admission, please send a copy directly to the HWR Berlin. 

Students will automatically be registered for their classes in the first semester.

International students can only be fully registered with a visa. Students who have difficulties obtaining their visa in time should contact the master’s office for advice. In exceptional cases short extensions are possible.

All students studying in Germany need to have a health insurance (public or private) by law. It is essential that we receive a digital information from a public health insurance about your insurance status. In case you have private health insurance, please contact any public health insurance so they can confirm your exemption from the public health insurance scheme.

HWR Berlin does not offer preparatory classes.

If you have received 180 ECTS within your previous studies you should do an internship within the third semester to gain additional 30 ECTS. 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. Please hand in the relevant documents to the Master’s Office after your start here. The decision is made by the course director of the Master’s programme.

There are no tuition fees. Semester fees currently sum up to approximately €300 per semester (subject to change), which includes public transportation in Berlin. Find more information here.

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.

Find out about the HWR Berlin funding options here.

Many students work during their studies. However, our master’s progammes are full-time. Please plan accordingly. Whether you are allowed to work depends on your visa status.

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 differ slightly from year to year when lectures are due to start and end.

The type of Master’s 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 within the EU. 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 outside the ECTS credit system in prior studies.

Students who were not awarded with ECTS during their undergraduate programme (usually from outside the European Union), will not be asked to complete an internship.

If you have received less than 210 ECTS within your previous studies you should do an internship within the third semester to gain the missing 30 ECTS. In this case, the master’s programme will last for four semesters. The content of this internship has to be related to the master’s programme you have chosen. Whether previous work experience or an internship can be acknowledged will be verified after matriculation at the HWR Berlin. Please hand in the relevant documents to the master’s office after your start here. The decision is made by the course director of the master programme.

As the master’s programmes differ a lot between the respective universities and the courses are not offered every semester, it is very difficult to transfer onto one of our programmes. Usually the HWR Berlin does not have any capacities for change.

You have the opportunity to study abroad after the two study periods and before your final semester. This will then become your fourth semester. Please contact the International Office for further information.

The HWR Berlin does not offer any student accomodation. Student residence halls, which can be found all over Berlin, are managed by Studierendenwerk Berlin. Please contact them 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.