
MEMS Frequently Asked Questions
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?
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. German courses are offered every semester through the HU Sprachenzentrum:
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:
My mother tongue is English. Do I have to take TOEFL and GRE tests?
For the most up-to-date information about our requirements, please see a dedicated to the application process section of our page:
https://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/de/international/mems/program/apply
What scores do I need?
For the most up-to-date information about our requirements, please see a dedicated to the application process section of our page:
https://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/de/international/mems/program/apply
What are the ETS institution and department codes of Humboldt-Universität?
Please find our institutional codes for both TOEFL and GRE tests under the following links:
For GRE: https://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/de/international/mems/program/apply
For TOEFL: https://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/de/international/mems/program/apply
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 background 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.
For the most up-to-date information about our requirements, please see a dedicated to the application process section of our page:
https://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/de/international/mems/program/apply
May I substitute the GRE with my GMAT results?
No, we only accept GRE scores less than five years old. GMAT is not a substitute.
For the most up-to-date information about our requirements, please see a dedicated to the application process section of our page:
https://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/de/international/mems/program/apply
Are there any scholarships available for international students?
MEMS and HU in general do not offer any grants or scholarships. To this point, we have compiled a fairly comprehensive -but not exhaustive- list of scholarship opportunities for you which can be found on our Scholarships page:
https://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/international/incomings/scholarships
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 a rather 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?
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. For more details about the program and its contents see the following page:
https://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/de/international/mems/program/structure
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 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 Programs. See our costs page for more information on living expenses:
https://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/de/international/incomings/costs
Is the "study abroad" period compulsory?
As this is an international program, we strongly suggent that all students take advantage of a semester abroad. Especially those students who have not spent at least one semester of their previous studies at a foreign university. Our faculty has a wide variety of international exchange offers. For more information and a detailed list of our international exchange partners, please see:
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. To read in more detail, check out our Career Services page:
https://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/de/international/incomings/career
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, have a look at the following page:
https://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/de/international/introduction-weeks/literature
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. Please see the following section in the first place:
https://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/de/international/incomings/accommodation
What professional opportunities do I have after graduation?
To read in more detail, check out our Career Services page:
https://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/de/international/incomings/career