Master's in Entrepreneurship HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management

Courses are held completely in English. Non-German students have the possibility to take part in German classes.

HHL’s Master’s in Entrepreneurship is designed for future founders and entrepreneurial minds who want to turn ideas into action. Whether you already have a business concept or simply know you want to build something of your own, this programme gives you the mindset, tools, and network to get started with confidence.

From day one, you'll be part of a vibrant start-up ecosystem. With access to HHL DIGITAL SPACE – our incubator and digital innovation platform – and SpinLab – one of Europe’s top accelerators – you can develop, test, and scale your ideas in real-world environments. You’ll also benefit from cutting-edge research and a strong network of founders, investors, and mentors.

Programme Structure

The programme follows three phases reflecting your entrepreneurial journey:

• Explore & Equip: Build your entrepreneurial mindset and gain essential business skills.
• Build & Validate: Turn ideas into real business models and prototypes.
• Launch & Level up: Finalise your start-up project and get ready to go to market.

This structure is flexible and practice-oriented, so you can shape your own path.

Welcome Weeks

Your journey begins with the HHL Welcome Weeks – a dynamic mix of community-building, networking, and getting to know the "#hhlspirit". You’ll meet students from all programmes and countries and lay the foundation for lifelong connections.

Explore & Equip

This phase provides you with a solid entrepreneurial toolkit. You’ll strengthen your understanding of business fundamentals, explore economic and sustainability concepts, and work on leadership, communication, and personal development – essential skills for any founder.

Build & Validate

This is where your ideas take shape. You’ll learn how to identify trends, develop business models, and build first prototypes. You’ll test market readiness, explore funding strategies, and tailor your learning through elective courses that match your entrepreneurial goals.

Launch & Level up

In the 12-week Business Plan Seminar, you will turn your concept into a full start-up project. You’ll refine your pitch deck, train your investor pitch, and receive feedback and coaching from experienced founders and experts. With a validated plan and strong support, you will be ready to launch.

Practical Experience

The programme offers several ways to put your knowledge into action. Whether in an incubator, a start-up, or during a term abroad – you’ll work on real challenges and grow your international network. Options include:

• Working in an incubator
• Interning at a start-up
• Studying abroad at one of 140+ partner universities
• Joining an international entrepreneurship study trip

Master’s Thesis

In your final phase, you’ll independently work on your thesis, focusing on your own venture or a real-world entrepreneurial challenge. Start as early as your sixth term.

31 May (non-EU applicants requiring a visa to Germany)

30 June (EU applicants and non-EU applicants not requiring a visa to Germany)

The total tuition fee is 37,500 EUR.

There are three "early bird" deadlines:

• 31 November: 4,500 EUR discount
• 31 January: 3,000 EUR discount
• 31 March: 1,500 EUR discount

The programme lasts 24 months and is divided into eight terms of three months each. In the first academic year, the courses take place at HHL. The second academic year can be organised flexibly. There are three options available: a term abroad at one of HHL's more than 140 partner universities, an internship or participation in the Digital Space Incubation Programme. The last term is intended for writing the Master's thesis.

International study trip

Students have the option to add an international experience in their second year – either by spending a term abroad or by joining the international entrepreneurship study trip. The duration of the term abroad may vary depending on the partner university or the chosen activity.

An internship is optional in the second year.

9,375 EUR

The total tuition fee is 37,500 EUR.

There are three "early bird" deadlines:

• 31 November: 4,500 EUR discount
• 31 January: 3,000 EUR discount
• 31 March: 1,500 EUR discount

279.90 EUR per semester

800-1,000 EUR

• Bachelor’s degree in any field
• Above average academic performance during both high school (Abitur) and Bachelor's degree
• Three or more months of professional experience by the start date of the programme

A minimum TOEFL score of 90 (or IELTS of 7.0) or a Bachelor's degree completed in English

31 May (non-EU applicants requiring a visa to Germany)

30 June (EU applicants and non-EU applicants not requiring a visa to Germany)

https://www.hhl.de/programs/full-time-master-entrepreneurship/#Financing

Job opportunities are limited due to the high demands of the programme.

Leipzig is a city with a high standard of living. Rent for student accommodation is relatively low. The apartments managed by the Student Union ("Studentenwerk Leipzig") cost between 190 and 410 EUR per month (http://www.studentenwerk-leipzig.de) and private accommodations are approx. 300 to 500 EUR per month. HHL's staff can help you find accommodation close to campus.

At HHL, career support goes beyond classic job placement. Our Career Development Team works closely with you to align your personal and professional growth with your entrepreneurial goals — whether you want to found your own company, join a start-up, or drive innovation from within an organisation.

From day one, you'll have access to experienced advisers who help you reflect on your strengths, values, and ambitions. Through tailored coaching and a range of workshops, you'll develop a career path that fits your entrepreneurial mindset and supports your journey, wherever it leads.