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Application Process for the Executive MBA

Take the next step in your leadership journey – apply now and enjoy exclusive benefits!
Applications for the Executive MBA at the University of Cologne can be submitted at any time, as admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. 

How to apply?

Your application for the Executive MBA programme can be initiated through our application portal: [Start Application]

You can start your application for the Executive MBA program through our Application Portal.
There, you can log in and out at any time to complete your application at your convenience. For your application, we will need the following documents:

  • Resume/CV
  • Proof of your first academic degree
  • Motivational letter

Our team is here to assist you throughout the application process. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us — we are happy to support you!

The next cohort starts on 7 September 2026.

Early Bird Offer: Apply by 28 February 2026 and secure a €3,000 discount.

Consultation Services

If you have any questions about your application or the Executive MBA program, or if you're unsure whether you meet the entry requirements, feel free to contact us. Our Head of Admissions, Jennifer Biesenthal, is looking forward to hearing from you:

  • Email: mba-admission@uni-koeln.de
  • Phone: +49 152 515 26892

Admission Requirements

The Executive MBA is an exclusive programme designed for experienced professionals. To be eligible for admission, you should meet the following criteria:

  • Academic Qualification: A first academic degree (minimum Bachelor's degree) from a higher education institution recognized in Germany*
  • Professional Experience and Achievements: At least four years of work experience with clear career progression
  • Leadership Experience: Initial leadership experience through personnel management and/or project management
  • English Proficiency: Minimum B2 level (CEFR)

*For students with international degrees: please check the recognition of your Bachelor's degree in Germany using the anabin database (www.anabin.de) where your university must be classified with an “H+”.

 

Application Process

The application process usually takes around three weeks from submission to admission. Once your application is submitted, it will be thoroughly reviewed. If you meet the requirements, you will be invited to an Admission Interview. After a successful interview, you will receive your admission confirmation for the Executive MBA programme.

Start your application now and secure your place in this exclusive programme: [Application]

 

Enrollment Information

Once you have been accepted in the EMBA programme and received your registration letter from the University of Cologne Business School, you will get enrolled at the University of Cologne with the status of a continuing education student (Weiterbildungstudierende). For that purpose, you will be required to submit a copy of your university entrance qualification (for example the “Abiturzeugnis”, Attestat, Matura or Baccalaureate) in the original language of the issuing institution.

Information for international students:

Please note that international applicants with a non-German Bachelor degree must also apply for a VPD document (preliminary review documentation) via uni-assist. Applicants who obtained their university entrance qualification or degree in China, Vietnam or India must provide the APS certificate issued by the Academic Evaluation Center (Akademische Prüfstelle, APS) in the corresponding country.

Further guidance will be povided in due time by the MBA office.