What business school life in Germany looks like—inside and outside the classroom

Germany is a compelling destination for ambitious business school students. As the world’s third-largest economy, it offers a strong economic foundation for international students looking to make the most of their time abroad.

With strengths across the automotive, manufacturing, and electrical industries, the country provides a dynamic job market and meaningful opportunities for professional development both during and after an MBA. Beyond career opportunities, Germany’s diverse population, rich cultural scene, and vibrant cities create a favorable environment for fostering personal growth.

We spoke with international MBA students to learn what life looks like inside and outside the classroom at one of the country’s top-ranked institutions, HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management.

A practical, discussion-led learning environment

Many students embark on an MBA to gain the business acumen needed to propel their careers forward. At HHL, students develop these core competencies through courses such as entrepreneurship, business ethics, marketing, and crisis communication.

To ensure students fully engage with these essential topics, HHL focuses on creating a highly interactive, discussion-driven classroom culture. For Nitesh Malethia (pictured right), a full-time MBA student from India, this emphasis on practical learning over exams and memorization has been a welcome contrast to his previous academic experience.

“Every single course had practical exercises. Instead of memorizing for a test, we had cases to solve or presentations to deliver,” he says.

Navonaya Brahmachari, also a full-time MBA student from India, shares a similar view, highlighting her appreciation for HHL’s teaching style: “It’s not just one-way communication from professors. They actively provoke discussion, and after every class, you feel encouraged to contribute.”

This collaborative learning style also allows students to learn from the professional expertise of their peers, with the average student in the HHL MBA Class of 2025 bringing eight years of work experience.

“The flow of the class is open. There’s room for debate, discussion, and adding your own insights, which really enables peer-to-peer learning,” says Nitesh.

A welcoming culture for international students

A large part of MBA life is getting to know the place you will call home for the duration of your studies.

This process can feel daunting, particularly for international students. To ease the transition, HHL offers a structured welcome week and intercultural team-building activities designed to help students feel settled from the outset.

The school also runs an intensive pre-MBA German language course, where international students can gain confidence in everyday communication: “Before my MBA even started, I was here for the intensive German language course. I met classmates, we went out together, and it was a very nice first experience of moving countries.”

The administrative team is also on hand to offer guidance and share events students may be interested in, both on campus and across the city.

“One crucial thing is the hand-holding. The administration is always giving us small pointers about what’s happening in the city,” says Navonaya.

The multicultural nature of the classroom itself—97% of the HHL MBA Class of 2025 is made up of international students—further helps students feel at ease in their new surroundings. It empowers them to share their cultures and bring a sense of home to Germany.

“You don’t just celebrate your own festivals or cultures. You celebrate all the ones within your cohort or the friends you make,” says Navonaya.

Clubs, community, and personal growth beyond the classroom

Extracurricular opportunities are vital for ambitious business students, allowing them to explore interests, take on leadership roles, and enhance their employability.

At HHL, students can get involved in a wide range of clubs spanning different interests and career pathways, including the Private Equity Club, the Venture Capital Club, and the Positive Impact Society.

For Nitesh, his time as Head of Finance for the HHL Consulting Club was instrumental in expanding his professional network:

“The consulting club gave me the chance to connect with leaders in the consulting industry. That was my biggest highlight. It opened doors.”

The school also hosts several social traditions, such as its “Thank God It’s Friday” event, designed to help students build a strong and supportive community. It's one of Navonaya's (pictured right) favorite elements of the course. 

“At these events, we have free drinks and can gather around. It really brings people together,” she says. 

This sense of community also extends beyond campus. Navonaya was recently awarded the 2025 DAAD Prize, which recognises outstanding international students. For her, this national recognition serves as a reminder of Germany’s welcoming atmosphere and the community she has built during her time at business school. 

“That sense of acknowledgement is humbling. I’ve seen so much support, not just from HHL, but also from my cohort and alumni.”

A city full of opportunity

Germany offers students a strong economy and robust job opportunities. Leipzig, in particular, is a location where students can look to fulfil their professional ambitions.

Recognized as a hub for trade, science, and the arts, the city boasts several top employers, including BMW, DHL, and Amazon. To ensure students can take full advantage of this proximity to leading companies, the HHL MBA curriculum is designed to reflect the skills they seek.

“There’s a strong overlap between what employers want and what HHL teaches,” says Nitesh.

Life in Leipzig is further enhanced by the city’s student-friendly atmosphere and affordable living costs. Average monthly living expenses, including accommodation, are around €800, compared with a national average of €934.

With lower living costs, students are better placed to explore everything the location has to offer, from visiting a Porsche factory and the world’s oldest coffee shop to travelling further afield via Europe’s largest central railway station (Hauptbahnhof).

“Leipzig has everything. Shops, markets, clubs, nature. Whatever you want, it’s there,” says Nitesh.

Navonaya echoes this sentiment, highlighting the city’s variety and inclusivity: “It’s a very student-friendly city. There are clubs, groups, and communities that make it feel like home.”