Germany in the international study ranking: Top business schools revealed!
ESMT Berlin and partners strengthen Germany's attractiveness for international students with joint initiatives and high-quality programs.

Germany in the international study ranking: Top business schools revealed!
The German educational landscape in the field of economics has been reorganized through the “Say JA to Germany” initiative. On October 9, 2025, the three leading business schools ESMT Berlin, Mannheim Business School and WHU announced that they were joining forces to increase Germany's international visibility as an attractive country to study. This collaborative effort follows a coordinated communication strategy aimed at reaching potential students from all over the world.
All three institutions are known for their excellent academic achievements and international accreditations. Loud esmt.berlin Germany offers excellent conditions for students with affordable, high-quality study programs and clear career prospects. Jörg Rocholl, President of ESMT Berlin, emphasizes that Germany's excellent teaching and English-language programs attract international students.
Joint strategy and planned activities
The initiative is accompanied by several planned activities. This includes joint public relations work, media contributions in national and international media as well as a coordinated social media campaign. Testimonials from alumni, students and lecturers are intended to put the individual schools and Germany as a whole in the right light. The schools are also planning joint appearances at international education fairs to present their programs and offerings.
Christian Andres, Dean of WHU, emphasizes the responsibility of educational institutions to promote critical thinking and intercultural exchange. Joachim Lutz from Mannheim Business School describes the alliance as a strong signal for Germany as a university location for international students. The MBS, known for its wide range of courses, has established itself as one of the leading institutions in Europe and in 2008 was the first German institution to be accredited by the most important accreditation associations (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA).
Competitive course offerings
Germany has established itself as a hub for international students seeking quality education and excellent career opportunities. Loud study.eu WHU, ESMT and Mannheim Business School are among the top 5 business schools in the country, with WHU taking third place in Germany, followed by ESMT and Mannheim Business School.
| Top 10 business schools in Germany (according to FT ranking) |
|---|
| 1. IESE Business School (1st place in Germany, 4th in Europe) |
| 2. ESCP Business School (2nd place in Germany, 5th in Europe) |
| 3. WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management (3rd place in Germany, 16th in Europe) |
| 4. ESMT Berlin (4th place in Germany, 19th in Europe) |
| 5. Mannheim Business School (5th place in Germany, 20th in Europe) |
| 6. Frankfurt School of Finance and Management (6th place in Germany, 41st in Europe) |
| 7. EBS Business School (7th place in Germany, 50th in Europe) |
| 8. HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management (8th place in Germany, 64th in Europe) |
| 9. University of Cologne (9th place in Germany, 65th in Europe) |
| 10. TUM School of Management (10th place in Germany, 100+ in Europe) |
The need for accreditation is undeniable, and German business schools strive for the prestigious awards of AACSB, EQUIS or AMBA. This makes Germany particularly competitive in international comparison. Recruiting international students is also made easier by the prospect of scholarships and financial support. Many institutions already offer special programs to improve language skills and employability.
Given the diverse opportunities and strategic alliance of these high-profile institutions, Germany shows that it is ready to take an international leading role in the field of business education and welcome students from all over the world.