Master's in Finance HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management

Courses are held in English.

This curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of finance, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience to prepare them for careers in the financial industry.

Core Courses:

• Finance & Accounting: Advanced Corporate Finance, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting
• Quantitative Methods: Financial Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics
• Economics: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics
• Law & Ethics: Business Law, Ethics in Finance
• Leadership & Strategy: Strategic Management, Leadership Development​

Elective Courses:

• Corporate Valuation
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Private Equity & Venture Capital
• Financial Markets & Institutions
• Risk Management
• Financial Modelling​

Practical Components:

• Case Studies
• Company Projects
• Internships (optional)
• Master’s Thesis​

Non-EU applicants: 31 May for the following winter semester

EU applicants: 30 June for the following winter semester

Tuition fees vary, and early bird discounts and scholarships are available.

The Master's in Finance is a 15-month, intensive programme designed to equip students with advanced financial expertise and strategic decision-making skills. Structured to foster both academic excellence and practical application, the programme is delivered entirely in English and takes place on-site in Leipzig.​

Programme Structure:

• Welcome Weeks: The programme commences with vibrant Welcome Weeks, including events like a BBQ, dragon boat tour, and city-wide team rally, fostering community and introducing students to the HHL spirit.​

• Finance Prep: Optional blended learning modules allow students to assess and refresh their foundational knowledge in areas such as accounting, business modelling, mathematics, and statistics.​

• Essentials (30 ECTS): Core courses focus on management essentials, soft skills, and finance fundamentals, including subjects like economics, problem-solving, negotiation, financial analysis, coding, and econometrics.​

• Finance Deep Dives (30 ECTS): Students select three specialised courses from options like corporate valuation, financing, alternative investments, capital markets, and reporting, tailoring their expertise to career goals.​

• Case Study Seminar (5 ECTS): A capstone seminar where students apply financial concepts to real-world cases, presenting findings to a panel of industry experts from firms such as EQT, Barclays, and BNP Paribas

• Master's Thesis (25 ECTS): Students conduct independent research, contributing to contemporary finance literature, with opportunities for publication in reputable journals.​

This comprehensive structure ensures that graduates are well-prepared for careers in investment banking, private equity, strategy consulting, or financial management. The programme's design emphasises practical experience, strategic thinking, and a global perspective, aligning with HHL's commitment to excellence in business education.

Many courses are taught in collaboration with leading companies, providing students with valuable hands-on experience. The programme is designed for those who want to accelerate their career, allowing for a fast track to graduation while developing the skills needed for success in the finance industry. Students also benefit from close personal support from the faculty, ensuring individualised guidance throughout their studies and the Master’s thesis.

Internships are not mandatory for the Master's in Finance programme at HHL, but they can be integrated into the curriculum. Students have the flexibility to pursue internships, either before or after the Master's thesis, providing valuable hands-on experience that complements their academic learning and supports their career development.

10,500 EUR

Tuition fees vary, and early bird discounts and scholarships are available.

280 EUR

Compared to other major German cities, the cost of living in Leipzig is relatively affordable. Students should budget approximately 800 to 1,000 EUR per month, which covers rent, food, local transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses. Rent in particular is quite reasonable, making Leipzig an attractive and budget-friendly place to study.

• Bachelor’s degree in any field of study (ideally Business or STEM) with above average grades and at least 180 ECTS
• Above average academic performance during both high school (Abitur) and Bachelor's degree
• A competitive admission test score (HHL Entry Test (12+ points) or GMAT (600+, Focus: 555+) or GRE)
• Very good English skills (see below)
• Six or more months of relevant work experience by the programme’s start date

TOEFL score of 90+ ibt, IELTS score of 7.0, or a Bachelor’s degree completed in English

Non-EU applicants: 31 May for the following winter semester

EU applicants: 30 June for the following winter semester

HHL offers several early bird discounts and a variety of scholarships to support students in financing their studies.

Part-time jobs are possible alongside your studies, but since the programme is academically demanding, we recommend keeping work hours to a minimum.

HHL students have a variety of housing options in Leipzig. Many choose to live in student dormitories managed by the "Studentenwerk Leipzig", which offer affordable and conveniently located rooms. Others prefer shared apartments ("WGs"), which are very popular among students and provide a great way to connect with fellow students. For those seeking more privacy, small private apartments are also widely available throughout the city. Leipzig’s housing market is generally student-friendly, with a good balance of quality and cost.

HHL offers a highly active and personalised Career Service that supports students throughout their entire career journey. Services include CV and cover letter checks, one-on-one career coaching, and tailored guidance to help students define and achieve their professional goals. The Career Service also facilitates valuable connections with HHL alumni, top-tier companies, and recruiters through regular networking opportunities and career events on campus.

International students can expect a welcoming and supportive environment at HHL. From day one, they benefit from a strong sense of community and close guidance throughout their studies. Each student is personally supported by the Student Affairs Manager and has direct access to professors and academic staff, ensuring that questions are answered quickly and individual needs are addressed. HHL’s international culture and personal approach help students feel at home and fully integrated from the very beginning.