Master's in Finance in Germany: Top Universities, Cost, Eligibility & Scope

Germany is one of the best places in the world to study finance because it has strong banks, low study costs, and many jobs for finance graduates. It’s also a hub of famous business cities like Frankfurt, where big banks and financial companies work with students and hire them after their studies. Studying finance in Germany can help students learn modern skills and find good jobs without spending as much money as in other countries.

Top Finance Hubs Like Frankfurt

Germany has cities like Frankfurt, called the “Banking City,” where big banks such as Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank have their headquarters. Students often get chances to visit these companies, meet professionals, and sometimes get internships while studying. 

Low or No Tuition Fees at Public Universities

Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees even for international students. Students usually pay only a small semester fee of around €150 to €350 (INR 13,500 to 31,500). 

Strong Job Market for Finance Graduates

Germany has a strong economy and many finance jobs, especially in banking, investment, and financial technology. Recent reports show that finance professionals in Germany can earn an average salary of €55,000 to €75,000 (INR 49,50,000 to 67,50,000) per year. 

Courses Taught in English

Many universities in Germany teach Master’s in Finance completely in English. This helps students from all over the world study without first having to learn German. Programmes in English also often include international finance topics and global markets.

Strong Focus on Practical Skills

An MS in Finance in Germany often includes real projects with companies, data analysis, and finance software training. Students might work on practical problems faced by banks or businesses during their studies.

Germany is one of the best countries to pursue an MSc in Finance. Germany is famous for practical training and forging industry connections. A Master’s program in Germany usually lasts for two years.

Here are some of the top universities that offer Finance programs:

• WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management
• Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
• Technical University of Munich (TUM)
• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
• University of Mannheim (Mannheim Business School)
• Goethe University Frankfurt (House of Finance)
• Freie Universität Berlin
• University of Cologne
• Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
• University of Kaiserslautern

WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management

WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management is one of Germany’s top private business schools, known worldwide for business and finance studies. It offers a Master's in Finance programme that teaches students all about corporate finance, investment banking, and financial markets. WHU has strong connections with big finance companies, helping students find internships and jobs. Many classes are in English, and students can study abroad or join exchange programmes.

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management is a famous private university in Frankfurt, Germany’s big financial city. It offers a Master's in Finance programme with specialisations like Financial Technology, Risk Management, and Corporate Finance. The school is very focused on practical learning and has close links with banks and companies in Frankfurt. Students can study in English and often work on real finance projects during their course.

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of the top universities in Germany. The Master in Finance course at TUM offers students in-depth knowledge of the field of finance along with other areas. Students can choose between the streams that suit their needs the best.

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

Founded in 1472, Ludwig Maximilian University has a long and distinguished history as one of Europe’s finest universities. It has produced numerous Nobel Laureates, scholars, and influential figures. It offers multiple exchange programs, dual-degree options, and English-taught courses to international students and promotes cross-cultural learning experiences.

It offers a Master’s Program in Management with a specialization in Finance. The students in this program can choose elective courses or concentrations to tailor their degree to their specific interests.

University of Mannheim (Mannheim Business School)

The University of Mannheim was established in 1967. This university is highly regarded for its business, administration, economics, social sciences, humanities, law, and natural sciences programs, one of the flagship programs at the University of Mannheim, the Master in Management (MMM). 

The University of Mannheim is committed to internationalisation and maintains partnerships with universities. The University offers a Master’s program in Finance, which is part of the MMM program mentioned above.

Goethe University Frankfurt (House of Finance)

Goethe University Frankfurt is one of Germany's most popular public universities. It is renowned for its innovative and modern academic structure and course programs. While primarily a business school, the university has a stellar master's program in Finance, held entirely in the House of Finance in Frankfurt!

If you are looking for the best master's in finance in Germany, this must be among your top choices. Frankfurt is also a major financial center of the world, adding to the program's overall appeal.

Freie University of Berlin

Freie University of Berlin is one of the largest universities in Germany, mainly known for its meticulous teaching and research facilities. Founded in 1948, it is constantly ranked amongst the top universities internationally, offering Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines.

The Master’s in Finance program covers multiple topics, including financial markets, financial analysis, corporate finance, investment management, risk management, and financial econometrics.

University of Cologne

The prestigious University of Cologne was founded in 1388 and is highly regarded for its programs in various disciplines such as business administration, economics, law, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and medicine. It offers a Master’s in Finance, providing individuals with advanced knowledge and skills in finance theory, quantitative methods, and practical applications in the finance industry. The program prepares students for careers in finance, banking, investment management, consulting, and other related fields.

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

Established in 1477, the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz is one of Germany's most distinguished and reputable Universities. It is also one of the most pioneering research-based universities, attracting scores of International students every semester.

Almost 15% of the student population here is a composite of International students. An essential aspect of the Master's in Finance program is the requirement for a mandatory Bachelor of Science in Economics.

University of Kaiserslautern

Founded in 1970, the University of Kaiserslautern is a research-oriented public University renowned for its technical training programs. It is one of the highest-ranked universities in Germany for its Mathematics, Finance, and Computer Science Programs. Therefore, the Master's in Finance course at this University is primarily focused on mathematical finance and actuarial science.

A Master’s in Finance in Germany teaches students how to understand and manage money, study markets, and help businesses make financial decisions. The course usually lasts two years and mixes theory with practical learning. Students study many subjects that help them work in banks, companies, or as finance experts.

Here’s what you will study during an MSc in Finance in Germany:

An MSc in Finance in Germany also allows students to choose specialisations so they can focus on the parts of finance they find most interesting. Specialisations help students become experts in certain fields and improve their chances of getting good jobs.

Here are some popular specialisations in Finance offered by German universities:

• Corporate Finance: Learn how companies plan money, raise funds, and invest.
• Financial Markets and Institutions: Study how banks, stock markets, and other institutions work.
• Behavioural Finance: Understand how people’s feelings and behaviours affect financial decisions.
• Investment Banking: Learn how big companies buy, sell, and merge with other businesses.
• Private Equity and Venture Capital: Focus on investing in new businesses and growing companies.
• Risk Management: Learn how to find and manage financial risks in businesses.
• Financial Technology (FinTech): Study modern digital tools and software used in banking and finance.

Although every university has its eligibility requirements, the best universities in Germany for Master's in Finance generally have a few things in common. These are requirements that are usually constant, irrespective of the university you are applying to: 

A Bachelor’s Degree

The first eligibility requirement for a master's in finance is that you must have a bachelor's degree in finance or an equivalent relevant field.

Consistent Grades

German Universities are highly competitive. Therefore, to give an edge to your MS in Finance application,  you will require consistently high grades for your Bachelor’s degree. Generally, top German universities prefer candidates with a GPA above 3.0.

Aptitude Test

Depending on the university you are applying to, you may be asked to produce an aptitude test score. GMAT and GRE are some of the exams that may be considered for examination. Ensure you check with the university well in advance for exam requirements.

Language Proficiency Requirements

The mode of instruction in many German Universities is German. Therefore, most universities may require German proficiency at a B2 level. Apart from proficiency in German, students may also be required to produce English proficiency scores in IELTS or TOEFL. A score of 90 or above in TOEFL and seven or above in IELTS is considered good.

Document Requirements

A student needs to produce the following documents for admission to the MS in Finance course in Germany: 

• Educational Transcripts
• Letter of Motivation (similar to Statement of Purpose)
• Updated Resume (CV)
• Proof of Language Proficiency (for example, IELTS or TOEFL for English; DSH for German)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Germany Blocked Account
• Current Photos and Copy of Passport
• Evaluation of Bachelor’s certificates by uni-assist for a degree obtained in a country outside of the EU/EEA

Visa Requirements for Germany

The next step is to get a German student visa. It is mandatory for all international students accepted into German universities. The German National Visa Application also requires several documents, including Health & Travel insurance, a passport, a Letter of Admission, etc.

Also read: Everything you need to know about student visas in Germany

The application deadlines for an MS in Finance in Germany are different, as most universities have two intakes every year. It is Winter (starting in September or October) and Summer (starting in March or April) intakes. It’s important to check each university’s website because deadlines can change each year.

Please note: Summer intake for Finance programmes is rare. These top 10 universities mentioned above do not have a summer intake. 

Here are the deadlines for the top universities in Germany for an MS in Finance:

Students should start preparing at least one year in advance. Most applications for winter intake close between March and May 2026. It’s best to check your chosen university’s deadlines and apply early to avoid missing out.

Applying for an MS in Finance in Germany has several steps. Students must collect documents, check deadlines, and submit their applications carefully. Each university may have small differences, so it’s important to visit the official website of the university you like.

Follow these steps to apply for your MS in Finance in Germany:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Check if you meet the university’s eligibility criteria, like having a bachelor’s degree in finance, business, economics, or a related field. Many universities also ask for good grades and knowledge of English or German.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect all the papers you need, such as transcripts, a CV, letters of motivation, recommendation letters, and English or German language test scores (like IELTS, TOEFL, or TestDaF).

Step 3: Prepare for Entrance Exams (if any)

Some universities might ask you to take additional tests, such as the GMAT or GRE, especially at private business schools. Public universities may not always need these.

Step 4: Submit Your Application Online

Send your application through the university’s portal or platforms like Uni-Assist. Fill in all details correctly and upload your documents.

Step 5: Pay Application Fees (if any)

Some universities charge an application fee, especially private ones. Public universities often have low or no application fees.

Step 6: Attend Interviews (if required)

A few universities might call you for an online or in-person interview to check your knowledge, motivation, and communication skills.

Step 7: Wait for Admission Decision

After you submit everything, the university will check your application. If selected, you will receive an admission letter by email or post.

Step 8: Apply for a Student Visa

If you’re from outside the EU, you need to apply for a German student visa. Start this process as soon as you get your admission letter because it can take some time.

Studying MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany is cheaper than in many other countries. On average, students spend between €800 and €1,200 (INR 72,000 – INR 1,08,000) per month for living and studying in Germany. Most public universities do not charge tuition fees for Master’s degrees, but students still pay some other costs each semester and for daily living.

Let’s see how much you might pay for tuition and living costs.

Tuition Fee 

Most universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for Master’s courses. Although there are some other costs each semester. 

Here are some important things to know about tuition fees:

• Many public universities charge a semester fee of about €150 to €350 (INR 13,500 to 31,500).
• Some states, like Baden-Württemberg, charge €1,500 (INR 1,35,000) per semester for non-EU students.
• Private universities can charge much more. It can range from €5,000 to €15,000 (INR 4,50,000 to 13,50,000) per semester.

Cost of Living in Germany

The cost of living in Germany is around €1,000 (INR 1L), but it usually depends on where you study. Big cities like Munich or Stuttgart can be more expensive than smaller towns.

Check this table for better financial planning and budgeting:

Famous scholarships in Germany include the Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship, DeutschlandStipendium, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships, and DAAD Scholarships. Each year, thousands of students benefit from these awards. It helps cover living costs and sometimes tuition fees.

Here are some well-known scholarships for MSc Finance in Germany:

After an MS in Finance in Germany, students can work as investment bankers, financial analysts, or accountants in big companies like Audi, Deutsche Bank, and Allianz. Germany has the fourth-largest economy in the world. This means many good jobs are available for finance graduates. People with this degree can earn salaries as high as €1,00,000 (INR 90,00,000) per year.

Here are some popular jobs and how much they pay:

We know that thinking about studying an MS in Finance in Germany can feel a bit scary. You might wonder which university to choose, how much it will cost, or whether you’ll get a good job after finishing your studies. But remember, you’re not alone in this journey.

At Yocket, we help students like you every day. With Yocket Premium, you can get help choosing the best universities, writing your SOPs, and even understanding how to apply for scholarships. Let’s make your dream of studying finance in Germany come true together!