Financing Options

Investing in your Executive MBA is a major step — and we're here to help you navigate your financing options. Explore a range of opportunities including scholarships, education funds, and student loans. Our Admissions Manager is happy to provide personal guidance tailored to your situation. 

Early Bird Offer: Apply by 31 May 2026 and secure a €2,000 discount.

If you are resident in Germany, your tuition fees and related travel expenses are tax-deductible and may result in financial benefits of up to 50%, depending on your individual tax situation.

Scholarships

Partial Scholarships for Outstanding Candidates

We support exceptional individuals through a range of partial scholarships for the Executive MBA programme. To apply for a scholarship, please include a motivation letter with your application, outlining why you are a strong candidate for the scholarship you have selected. Be sure to highlight your most significant professional and personal achievements.

Please note: scholarships can only be awarded as part of the official admissions process.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at: mba-admissions@uni-koeln.de

Women for Leadership

Guided by the principles of diversity and equal opportunities, the University of Cologne is actively committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal access to education and leadership. With the “Women for Leadership” scholarship within the Executive MBA, we aim to support future leaders who contribute to greater diversity in business and management. The scholarship is explicitly open to women as well as the wider FLINTA* community. Selection criteria: The “Women for Leadership” scholarship is awarded based on merit. Particular consideration is given to your leadership skills and professional potential, as demonstrated through your CV and the Executive MBA admissions interview.

Women in Business

The “Women in Business” scholarship is designed for outstanding women and FLINTA* individuals whom we wish to support in their pursuit of academic excellence and professional success. We firmly believe that diverse perspectives play a vital role in today’s business world and aim to create opportunities for individuals to realise their full potential, strengthen their leadership capabilities, and build sustainable careers. Selection criteria: This scholarship is open to women and FLINTA* individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to their education as well as their professional and personal development. Regardless of background or field of study, we warmly encourage all interested applicants to apply and take the opportunity to further develop their skills.

Diversity

Diversity is a key driver of innovation, creativity, and sustainable leadership. Different perspectives, experiences, and life paths enrich not only organisations but also the shared learning experience within executive education. Through the “Diversity Scholarship”, the University of Cologne Business School seeks to support individuals whose unique backgrounds and experiences contribute to a diverse and inspiring learning environment. Selection criteria: The Diversity Scholarship is aimed at applicants with diverse personal, cultural, and professional backgrounds. Particular consideration is given to aspects such as origin, educational background, gender, international experience, as well as individual skills and perspectives — for example through an international working environment or a diverse family background.

Pride in Business

With the “Pride in Business” scholarship, UCBS aims to support members of the LGBTQIA+ community in their academic and professional development. We believe that diversity, openness, and different perspectives are essential drivers of innovation, responsible leadership, and business success. Our goal is to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment in which all students can realise their potential and authentically shape their individual career paths. Selection criteria: The scholarship is open to members of the LGBTQIA+ community who demonstrate motivation, commitment, and a strong desire to actively advance their professional and personal development. Regardless of academic or professional background, we warmly encourage all interested applicants to apply and become part of a diverse and inclusive business community.

Ambitious Talent

Through the “Ambitious Talent” scholarship, UCBS supports dedicated emerging leaders who demonstrate initiative, strong performance, and clear career ambitions. The scholarship is particularly aimed at ambitious talents who largely finance their studies independently and are committed to actively investing in their personal and professional future. We seek to support individuals who take responsibility, continuously develop their potential, and proactively shape their careers. Selection criteria: The “Ambitious Talent” scholarship is partially merit-based. Particular consideration is given to your previous achievements, career goals, and motivation, as reflected in your CV, motivation letter, and the Executive MBA admissions interview.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Responsible and sustainable action has become an essential component of successful business leadership. With the “Corporate Social Responsibility” scholarship, UCBS supports Executive MBA candidates who demonstrate outstanding commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and future-oriented leadership. We aim to support leaders who combine economic success with social and environmental responsibility and who actively contribute to the sustainable transformation of business and society. Selection criteria: As part of the selection process, particular consideration is given to the extent to which you demonstrate responsibility for sustainable, ethical, and future-oriented action as a leader. Both your professional commitment and your motivation to actively shape sustainable development are taken into account.

EMBA Assistance Award

The Executive MBA at UCBS is intended to be accessible to talented and high-performing professionals, regardless of their financial circumstances. With the “EMBA Assistance Award”, we aim to support candidates with strong potential for whom financial assistance would facilitate participation in the programme. Our goal is to provide motivated leaders with the opportunity to advance their professional development and fully realise their potential. Selection criteria: The “EMBA Assistance Award” is designed primarily to provide financial support for participation in the Executive MBA programme. While your leadership abilities and previous achievements are also considered, particular emphasis is placed on your personal financial situation.

Alumni Offer

We believe in and foster life-long learning and offer all alumni of the University of Cologne a 10% discount on the Executive MBA tuition fees.

Loans and Education Funds

A selection of available loans and education funds in Germany to support your studies. All these options are eligible for EMBA students:

• Brain Capital: education fonds - repayment after graduation
• KfW-Studienkredit: a monthly payment of up to 650€
• Deutsche Bildung: financial assistance of 30,000€ and more

Please get detailed information about each terms and conditions from the individual patrons.

Tax Refund

EMBA students can deduct the tuition fees and further expenses related to their studies from their taxable income. Requirements are: you are a German resident, taxable in Germany and finance your studies yourself. Please discuss your specific situation with your tax advisor.

Educational Leave

The Business School of the University of Cologne has been accredited by the state of North-Rhine Westphalia (NRW) and the EMBA is a state-approved educational programme. Thus EMBA students living and working in NRW are eligible to apply for five days of educational paid leave per year.

For more information contact our Admission Office via mba-admission(at)uni-koeln(dot)de.

Friend Referral Offer

You are a current student or an alumni of the Executive MBA? Seize this opportunity and tell a friend or a colleague that you value his/her talents and abilities and feel he/she would be a great and successful fit for the part-time EMBA programme. The candidate you refer will get a first-priority application review!

If your friend or colleague enrols in the EMBA programme you can benefit from one of our exclusive rewards:

• Get four additional coaching sessions for yourself
• Get a bonus of 3,000 € - to share with your friend
• Take part in a further elective during the Executive MBA*

For more information, please contact our Admissions Team: mba-admission@uni-koeln.de

The Friend Referral Offer does not apply to people who meet during an EMBA event.

*Only electives that take place in Cologne