Business School Guide



1.	Many Business Schools also have a long tradition of involving companies and practitioners in teaching and research, guaranteeing a practical education. Why study at a business school 6


2.	What are the best Business Schools in Europe and internationally? What to consider 8


3.	Demanding admission requirements, which are often falsely underrated, must be met in order to be able to study at a top Business School. In particular, aptitude and admissions tests may take longer than just a few weeks to prepare for. Admission requirements 10

3.1	In general, no professional experience is required for Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes. Managerial experience 11

3.2	Good school leaving qualifications (A-Levels, International Baccalaureate, Abitur etc) are very important, especially when entering a Business School directly from school or with limited professional experience. Qualifications 11

3.3	Language tests are sometimes required by Business Schools from applicants who are non-native speakers of English where teaching is in English. Language tests (TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, CPE) 11

3.4	Aptitude tests may be required of all applicants and can play a decisive role in candidate selection. Intensive preparation is highly recommended. Aptitude tests (GMAT, GRE) 18

3.5	At some Business Schools you will be required to take an admissions test to establish your suitability to study at a particular Business School or on a particular programme. Admissions tests 20

3.6	In the interest of student homogeneity, admission may be dependent on a subject specific study preparation course at the Business School. Study preparation courses 22

3.7	In addition to a résumé and transcript, application papers should include letters of reference from former lecturers, tutors and employers. Application papers 22


4.	Studying at a Business School involves a great number of costs. In addition to tuition fees of up to € 50,000 per year, costs are incurred for materials (computer, books, etc.), living (rent, food, clothing) and travel. Costs and financing 24

4.1	For most students the major sources of financing are their own resources. Since many degrees can only be obtained after a few years of professional experience, a savings programme can be set up for this purpose whilst in employment. Self-financing 25

4.2	Banks are sometimes prepared to grant an unsecured loan to finance university study. The requirement for this is admission to a recognised institute of higher learning which ensures that the borrower will subsequently get a well-paid position... Loans 25

4.3	Some Business Schools have their own foundations which offer financial aid. As part of their activities, these foundations offer students full or partial scholarships or interest free loans. Business School fellowship 25

4.4	Besides assistance from the Business School or from associations and foundations, there are scholarships available for particularly gifted students from sources outside the Business School. Scholarships 26

4.5	In some cases companies continue regular salary payments during the period in which an employee is studying at a Business School and pay tuition fees as well. Companies 26

4.6	A required component of many study programmes are company internships or placements which generally last several months. These can be completed, for example, during the summer break between two school years. Internships, placements and part-time work 24 26

4.7	In some cases, tax savings can greatly lower the financial burden of a university education. It is sometimes possible to deduct the costs of an education from taxes. Tax relevance 27



5.	Worldwide there is a welcome variety of different programmes. The range spans from nine month programmes to part-time programmes that can take up to ten years. Types of programmes 28

5.1	Almost all Business Schools offer full-time programmes lasting from between about nine months and five years. Full-time 29

5.2	Part-time courses are generally held in the evenings or at weekends and are also frequently combined with required attendance at training sessions lasting several days. A big advantage is that generally no regular income is lost. Part-time 29

5.3	With the growth of communication technologies has come the growth of distance and online learning. Some online programmes are offered as restructured versions of an institution‘s regular onsite programmes. Distance and Online Learning 29

5.4	Some companies offer an MBA for their own employees. When several companies are involved, this is referred to as a consortial MBA. Company / Consortial MBA 30


6.	Business Schools are most well known for their MBA programmes. These programmes of study are only a small part of a wide range of study options. Academic programmes 32

6.1	A Bachelor’s degree programme lasts from six to eight semesters, which can be followed by a Master’s degree programme or, in individual cases, by the awarding of a doctoral degree. Bachelor‘s degree 33

6.2	The most common Master’s degrees are the Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.Sc.) and the Master of Business Administration (MBA). These programmes generally last one to two years. Master’s and MBA degrees 33

6.3	The Executive Master’s degree is primarily oriented towards executives with five to ten years of professional experience and qualifies the student for diverse management tasks. Students are normally between 30 and 45 years old. Executive Master’s degree 34

6.4	In many countries, the doctorate is the highest level of academic degree achievable. This generally requires the submission of a thesis which is a body of original research which must be defended before a panel of examiners... Doctorates 34


7.	All Business Schools listed in a table with additional informations about the school. WiWi-Online Business School Partners 36

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Business School Guide

Why study at a business school

What to consider

Admission requirements

Managerial experience

Qualifications

Language tests (TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, CPE)

Aptitude tests (GMAT, GRE)

Admissions tests

Study preparation courses

Application papers

Costs and financing

Self-financing

Loans

Business School fellowship

Scholarships

Companies

Internships, placements and part-time work 24

Tax relevance

Types of programmes

Full-time

Part-time

Distance and Online Learning

Company / Consortial MBA

Academic programmes

Bachelor‘s degree

Master’s and MBA degrees

Executive Master’s degree

Doctorates

WiWi-Online Business School Partners