FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Basic info
The standard period of MBA study program General Management is four semesters / two years. Three semesters with modules, one semester for writing the master’s thesis. The study time can be prolonged, if necessary, e.g. if you wish to study part-time with half the workload.
The courses take place on the Griebnitzsee Campus of the University of Potsdam, located close to the city border between Potsdam and Berlin and surrounded by a forest and lake landscape as well as other academic institutions like the renowned HPI and the Film University Konrad Wolf .
A train / S-Bahn and a bus station are on the premises.
Belonging to and owned by the University of Potsdam, UP Transfer GmbH is responsible for organizing the implementation and further development of the MBA General Management. The study contract will be concluded with UP Transfer GmbH on behalf of the University of Potsdam.
Studies start twice a year: in the summer semester April 1rst with classes starting at the beginning of May and in the winter semester October 1rst with classes starting at the beginning of November.
MBA study programs with five different specializations have been part of the academic continuing education since 2005, the English-taught MBA General Management since 2024.
Studies & Application
The advanced study program includes four semesters with 9 modules. The first two semesters serve to convey theoretical teaching content with and hands-on approach. In the third semester, students devote themselves to a freely chosen project within the practice-oriented project module; this module is optional for students with relevant previous professional experience. The fourth semester is used to write the master’s thesis.
Classes are conducted in full-day courses on Thursdays and Fridays. The preferred format is a seminar. Some classes have a more practical and student-active approach like workshops. In all classes the students are encouraged to share their previously gained knowledge and individual input is highly valued.
Independent preparation and follow-up of the course content, reading of specialist literature, exam preparation and writing academic papers are the second half of the MBA learning experience.
The lecturers are experienced teachers from the University of Potsdam and other universities, often with practical professional expertise.
We find that a diverse student body is an asset and welcome students of all races, religions and gender. Many of the MBA Students come from countries outside the EU. Our maximum number of students is 25 / semester.
You apply via the MBA GM application portal. The application can only be sent from the application portal once all necessary documents have been successfully uploaded.
All documents to be submitted are listed in the application portal. Some of these documents must be submitted as certified copies.
The application deadline for the summer semester ends on January 15th of the same year.
The application deadline for the winter semester ends on July 31st of the same year.
Prerequisites
The minimum requirement is a successfully completed bachelor's degree from an institution recognized in Germany. Higher academic degrees may also apply.
Knowledge of the English language at the minimum level B2 can be demonstrated in different ways:
1. An English language test recognized by the University of Potsdam
2. If English was the sole language of instruction in the academic degree
3. If English is the national language of your home country.
All professional activities that are supported by a reference, pay slip, work contract or letter of confirmation are recognized. The type and duration of the activity must be stated, as well as the number of hours worked per week. For part-time jobs, the total duration of the job is calculated based on the weekly working hours. Self-employed activities are also recognized. The type, duration and number of hours must be documented in a comprehensible manner.
Internships that serve to prepare for your studies or are a compulsory part of your studies will not be recognized.
The APS certificate is an official verification of an individual's academic record. It is issued by the Academic Examination Center of the German Embassy in the respective applicant country. Only prospective students from India, China and Vietnam need an APS certificate.
Only applicants from India, Vietnam and China require such an APS certificate.
The application is made via the website of the respective German embassy in the country of origin. Keyword: APS
Costs + Financing
The MBA study program General Management is a continuing education course. Continuing education courses in Germany are subject to tuition fees even in public universities.
The tuition fees amount to a total of €19,000, to be paid in three installments at the beginning of each of the first three semesters.
The admission fee of €500 covers the onboarding support for prospective students. It is charged once after the submitted documents have been checked and the applicant has confirmed his or her interest in studying. The fee is not refundable. As soon as the admission fee is paid the study place is granted and the notice of admission will be sent to the student. As soon as the study contract is concluded, the admission fee will be offset against the tuition fees, thus reducing them to € 18,500.
There is generally no reduction in tuition fees.
Students from further education courses are rarely considered for scholarship programs. Therefore, you should plan your MBA studies without financial support through a scholarship.
In addition to the tuition fees, there are costs for the half-yearly semester fee, a monthly/annual public transport ticket, living expenses and rent. Expect 1,000 - €1,200 additional costs per month.
No. Refunds of admission fees are not available.
You will find your plan of payment in your study contract. You will receive a sample study contract with the payment plan in advance.
You will receive your study contract after you have accepted the request for payment and transferred the admission fee.
Yes. The study contract will be signed digitally. We use the "Skribble.com" platform for this - you can find all the information under this link
With UP Transfer GmbH, a subsidiary of the University of Potsdam.
Yes. Admission does not require you to sign the study contract.
The registration fee of €500 already paid will not be refunded.
Yes, that is also possible. However, installments of tuition fees that have already been paid will not be refunded on a pro-rata basis.
Others
The course is structured in such a way that students can generally work part-time alongside their studies.
It should be noted that students from Non-Schengen countries are allowed to work a maximum of 120 days full-time / 240 days part-time per year.
Finding affordable housing in Potsdam, Berlin and the surrounding area is generally difficult, this also applies to students. It is advisable to allow sufficient time to look for accommodation before starting your studies.
Yes. The Potsdam Student Union offers places in student dormitories in a limited number. The prerequisite for this application is admission.
Yes, as a secondary student - eligible to take the exam - or as a guest student - not eligible to take the exam. Admission as an additional or guest student must be applied for each course.
The university offers a career service and has a skilled International Office. At the university's own center for languages and key skills, ZESSKO , language courses in German, English and other languages can be taken. There are also courses on academic writing and presentations, sports and other interests.
Yes, that is basically possible. You can find out more about this in a personal consultation.
