Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Wirtschaftswissen­schaftliche Fakultät

This page offers some standard answers to many frequently asked questions about the MEMS program.

What is the language policy of the MEMS program?

Do I need to know German?

Do you offer the German Language course?

Are there tuition fees for the Master's Program?

My mother tongue is English. Do I have to take TOEFL and GRE tests?

Is the "study abroad" period compulsory?

What scores do I need?

Are there any scholarships available for international students?

What is the ETS institution code of Humboldt-Universität?

Can you give me advice about which German Universities offer bilingual Bachelor Degree/ Master's/ PhD Programs?

What is the difference between your Program and an MBA Program?

My marks are good. Do I still have to hand in GRE results?

May I substitute the GRE with my GMAT results?

Can letters of recommendation be written in English?

Do I have to translate English documents into German?

Do I have to hand in verified copies of my Diploma and transcripts?

Are there employment possibilities for international students?

Which professional opportunities do I have after graduation?

I didn't study economics before. Do I have a chance to be enrolled to the MEMS program?

Do I have a sufficient academic background?

Do you recommend any literature in order to prepare my studies in the program?

Could you help me to find accommodation upon arrival in Berlin?

What is the language policy of the MEMS program?

More than half of the courses in the program are in English. Students usually have no problem finding enough courses in English during their first year at our School of Business and Economics. Learning German will of course, widen your choice of courses considerably since some courses are only offered in German. But most importantly, a good knowledge of the German language makes your integration into the school and the city a lot easier and more enjoyable. We offer German courses for students who would like to improve their skills. However, German language skills are not a requirement for admission and little knowledge of the language should not be seen as a major obstacle when applying for our Program.
 

Do I need to know German?

Even though German is not necessary for admission, knowing German will make your stay in Berlin more fun. That is why we strongly suggest that you learn German before coming to Germany. Some courses will only be held in German, however, the Program is designed in a way that you can succeed without prior knowledge of the German language.
 

Do you offer German Language courses?

Yes, during the whole two year period of study, different levels of German courses are offered for a comparatively small fee at the Language Center of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Please refer to their website for the most up-to-date schedule and course costs.
 

Are there tuition fees for the Master's Program?

Education in Germany is financed by the government. This sponsorship holds for German students as well as for foreign students studying in the Master's Program. See our costs page for the information about living costs.
 

My mother tongue is English. Do I have to take TOEFL and GRE tests?

Applicants holding passports from the following counrties are exempt from submiting proof of the English language:

Other applicants must submit a TOEFL score not older than 2 years. All applicants are required to take the GRE test without exception.
 

Is the "study abroad" period compulsory?

A semester abroad is desirable especially for those students who have not spent at least one semester of their previous study at a foreign university. Because this is an international program, we strongly suggent that all students take advantage of a semester abroad. Our faculty has a wide variety of international exchange offers. For more information and a detailed list of our international exchange partners, please see http://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/international/.

What scores do I need?

We expect a minimum TOEFL score of 100 points iBT or 600 points PBT. The GRE score needed to enter the program may vary from year to year. See Statistics. Still, we would like to stress that we put special weight on your results in the analytical and quantitative sections of the test. Please note that we expect the average sum to rise as the competition increases.
 

Are there any scholarships available for international students?

Unfortunately we cannot offer any grants. You will have to cover your living expenses (around 600,- Euro per month) by yourself. See our costs page. Please, check the DAAD website for the possibilities to get financial aid: www.daad.de
 

What is the ETS institution code of Humboldt-Universität?

Our institutional code both for TOEFL and GRE test is 8167.
 

Can you give me advice about which German Universities offer bilingual Bachelor Degree/ Master's/ PhD Programs?

Here are some examples:

What is the difference between your Program and an MBA Program?

The intention of the Program is to provide students with the necessary methodology to work in a large variety of different positions. In this respect, it prepares you for an academic or professional career in economics or international management. It places a substantial amount of weight on quantitative methods
 

My marks are good. Do I still have to hand in GRE results?

Yes. The GRE is a standardized test for the graduate students that measures your general aptitude in analytical and quantitative thinking. GRE is no measure of direct qualification with respect to your academic backround but more a possibility to rate your overall analytical abilities and your likelihood of succeeding in a graduate academic program like ours on the basis of a common test. Please understand that we insist on this requirement regardless of your other qualifications.
 

May I substitute the GRE with my GMAT results?

No, we only accept GRE scores not older than five years.
 

Can letters of recommendation be written in English?

Letters of recommendation may be written in English or German. Recommendation are expected to be written by Professors from your previous university and sent by post in signed, sealed envelopes.
 

Do I have to translate English documents into German?

No.
 

Do I have to hand in verified copies of my Diploma and transcripts?

Yes, we require that you produce verified copies of documents at immatriculation like a Bachelor's degree certificate or a "Vordiplom" and your study transcripts from the institution which issued this certificate or diploma.
 

Are there employment possibilities for international students?

There are limited possibilities for student employment in the faculty. Student employment at other places is generally possible but limited in duration.
 

Which professional opportunities do I have after graduation?

The job opportunities for our students are generally excellent, as they have gathered a rich background in both economic and management theory. Many of our students seek a career in management consulting, in the banking and investment industry, or in international management or economic research. However, your individual chances largely depend on how well you do in your studies and what additional qualifications and skills you have rather than just on the Master's degree.
In the MEMS Program we have our own Career Center. Students can find general information about jobs and internships and information about positions opened specially for participants of our program.
 

I didn't study economics before. Do I have a chance to be enrolled to the MEMS program?

As you will learn from the information material, our Program is not an MBA course. It is rather an advanced academic course building on previously gained background knowledge in economics, management science and quantitative methods. Hence, students that studied economics, management or a related discipline like mathematics, statistics, law, sociology, political science or engineering will have the best chances to be accepted. Students with a different background also have the possibility to apply and given excellent results in both their previous studies and on the GRE and TOEFL, have good chances of acceptance.
 

Do I have a sufficient academic background?

To decide whether your academic background can be accepted as an equivalent to a German "Vordiplom" or Bachelor degree, we need to see your examination results as well as having to check whether your academic institution is recognized by the German government. This is usually the case for state institutions or well-known private universities in developed countries. The examination of your application in this respect is performed immediately after we have received your documents.
 

Do you recommend any literature in order to prepare my studies in the program?

To succeed in our program, you should have a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics. If you are not sure if your background is adequate, you can have a look at the following titles which are used in the basic studies at our faculty.

Mathematics:

Statistics:

Finance & Banking:

Micro- and Macroeconomics There is a huge amount of literature available. Useful texts include:

Could you help me to find accommodation upon arrival in Berlin?

Yes, if you are not too late for the enrollment, we will certainly do our best to help you find an accommodation.