Who benefits from the part-time MBA Agribusiness?
The MBA programme Agribusiness at the Georg-August-University Göttingen is aimed at professionals who wish to take on leadership or management roles in the agricultural and food industries. The course is suitable for specialists with a university degree in the fields of agricultural sciences, economics, social sciences, law, engineering or natural sciences as well as related disciplines, who have at least two years of relevant professional experience. Career changers from related disciplines are explicitly addressed, provided they aspire to management potential in agribusiness.
Which formal criteria must you meet for admission?
- First university degree: You need at least a bachelor's degree (or equivalent, e.g. diploma, magister, master) in one of the following disciplines:
- Agricultural sciences
- Economic and social sciences
- Law
- Engineering sciences
- Natural sciences
- or a closely related field
- Postgraduate professional experience: approximately two years of qualified, relevant professional experience after the first university degree
- Language skills: For applicants without German as their native language, proof of German language skills at level DSH-2 is required.
On a personal level, you should bring an interest in management and a willingness for structured, self-directed learning. The following are expected:
- Interest in interfaces between agriculture and business administration
- Willingness to invest about 15 hours per week in the part-time course
- Communication and teamwork skills for face-to-face sessions and online seminars
- Openness to interdisciplinary as well as international issues
- Self-organisation and perseverance to balance study and work
What content does the MBA Agribusiness cover in detail?
In the part-time MBA programme Agribusiness at the Georg-August-University Göttingen, you develop special management skills for the agricultural and food industry. The focus is on the interplay of economic knowledge, management methods and the special value chains of this sector. You learn to assess industry dynamics and current trends, interpret legal frameworks and make strategic decisions.
- Management in Agribusiness: Business administration fundamentals, strategic market analysis and leadership tools with reference to the agricultural and food sector.
- Specific value chains: You examine production, processing, trade and service processes within the agribusiness industry.
- Law and markets: Introduction to agricultural law, international markets, trade policy and risk management.
- Methodological skills: Analytical techniques, academic work and sound decision-making based on current research.
- Leadership and organisational development: Personnel management, leadership and change management specifically for the agricultural sector.
You acquire skills to analyse complex problems in agribusiness, argue from a business management perspective and responsibly take on leadership tasks in an international environment.
What does the structure of the part-time course look like?
The MBA Agribusiness extends over 5 semesters and is designed for working professionals. The programme is modular in structure: You complete ten modules consecutively, not in parallel. Each module lasts seven weeks. The modules are designed to combine flexibility in everyday life with attendance phases (blended learning).
- Self-study: You engage intensively with the learning content for about 15 hours per week; materials are provided via the learning platform ILIAS.
- Attendance weekends: For each module, you participate in one weekend in Göttingen (Friday 2:00 pm to Saturday 5:00 pm).
- Online seminars: Weekly webinars support exchange with lecturers and fellow students.
- Final thesis: After completing the modules, you write a master’s thesis within a maximum of nine months, scientifically addressing a practical question.
The total workload for the programme is 90 ECTS credits, corresponding to approximately 2700 working hours. Through the combination of time- and location-independent learning and regular attendance phases, you can flexibly adapt the course to your professional situation and at the same time benefit from the university’s network.
What career and professional opportunities does the MBA Agribusiness open up for you?
As a graduate, you qualify for leadership and management positions in agribusiness and related economic sectors. The programme is aimed at professionals from the agricultural and food industries as well as career changers from business, law, engineering or natural sciences.
- Leadership personnel in agricultural companies (e.g. farms, agricultural trade, food industry)
- Management and staff functions in associations, chambers and consulting firms related to agriculture
- Consulting and project management at international organisations and non-governmental organisations in the agricultural and development sector
- Self-employment (e.g. business consulting, agribusiness startups)
- Scientific career path (doctoral studies possible afterwards)
With the internationally recognised MBA, your opportunities for responsible roles in management and in globally operating companies in the agricultural and food industries expand.
How are the costs for the programme composed and what financing options are available?
The total course fee for the MBA Agribusiness at the Georg-August-University Göttingen amounts to €19,500. The price includes all teaching materials, use of the learning platform and attendance events.
- Payment modalities: Fees are usually paid per semester or by individual agreement.
- Funding opportunities: Professionals can be supported by their employer (e.g. further education funding or educational leave).
- Tax deductibility: The costs for the programme are generally tax-deductible as work-related expenses.
- Cost sharing: Partial financing is possible through scholarships, education funds or low-interest further education loans.
Thanks to the flexible structure of the programme, part-time financing without long absences from work is feasible. Support from the employer or applying for financial assistance increases the accessibility of the programme.
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