Last chance: €4,000 Early Bird discount  on all MBA applications with deadline April 30, 2026
MBS Logo

Study without Numerus Clausus
Other admission criteria

The world of education without Numerus Clausus (NC) is more far-reaching than most people assume. Find out which degree programs exist without NC, what the admission criteria are, and what the advantages of studying without NC are. Dive into the variety of academic options and learn how you can shape your educational path, regardless of your high school diploma average.

What is an NC?

The Numerus Clausus (NC), from the Latin for "limited number," is a selection procedure for study places at German universities. It is usually based on applicants' Abitur grades and is intended to regulate admission to courses that are in high demand. Degree programs with an NC have a limited number of places, and applicants are selected on the basis of their school grade point average. Those with the best grades have the best chance of admission, while others are rejected. This can lead to high competition for the limited seats. Programs without NC select their students based on alternative criteria, such as aptitude tests, letters of motivation, or professional experience. The NC is a controversial system because it affects educational opportunities and does not always take into account the individual aptitude and motivation of applicants.

DID YOU KNOW?

All degree programs at Munich Business School are Numerus Clausus (NC) free.

Study without NC Meaning

A study program without NC, short for Numerus Clausus, refers to the possibility of studying at German universities without a specific grade point average as a selection criterion. In contrast to study programs with NC, where the number of study places is limited and applicants are selected on the basis of their high school diploma grades, study programs without NC offer an alternative admission option. This means that universities do not focus exclusively on academic performance when selecting students, but take other criteria into account to admit a wider variety of applicants. Waiving the NC allows more open access to higher education and promotes equal opportunity. It opens up opportunities for people who, for a variety of reasons, did not have an outstanding academic record to pursue further education and obtain academic qualifications.

Courses of study without NC are available at various types of higher education institutions in Germany. These mainly include universities of applied sciences (FH) and universities of applied sciences (HAW). At these institutions, the focus is often on practice-oriented education, making them a popular choice for prospective students who want to prepare for professional applications.

Overall, the concept of degree programs without NC offers a wide range of educational opportunities for a diverse group of prospective students. It provides access to higher education for people with different educational backgrounds and different life paths. This helps to promote equal educational opportunity and enrich the higher education community by bringing diverse experiences and perspectives to the educational field.

Continue reading: Deepen your knowledge

Requirements for studying without NC

The requirements for studying without NC in Germany can be diverse and vary depending on the university and study program. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully check the respective admission guidelines and procedures and to inform yourself early on if you are interested in studying without NC. Here are some of the most common requirements:

Letter of Motivation

A letter of motivation outlining your interests, motivation, and goals for the program may be required in some cases.

Personal Interview

Some colleges conduct in-person interviews or interviews to evaluate the suitability of applicants.

Professional Experience

For certain degree programs, professional experience in a relevant field may be an admission requirement. Again, a high school diploma is not always necessary.

University Entrance Qualification

You need a university entrance qualification, such as the high school diploma (general university entrance qualification), the subject-related university entrance qualification, the University of Applied Sciences entrance qualification or a qualification recognized as equivalent. For a Master's program, a completed Bachelor's Program is usually required in addition or instead.

Vocational Training

In some cases, people with completed vocational training and work experience in a field relevant to the course of study can be admitted. This is one of the cases where it is even often possible to study without a high school diploma.

Aptitude Test

Certain degree programs require applicants to take an aptitude test to determine their technical and personal suitability. This test can be written, oral or practical.

What Admission Criteria exist besides the NC?

In some NC free programs, especially at universities, you can simply enroll without having to apply first. Sometimes everyone is simply admitted. Where this is the case, one must inform oneself beforehand.

The admission criteria for study programs without NC, if they exist, can be varied. They vary from university to university and from study program to study program. One way is to check applicants' aptitude by means of aptitude tests that are specific to the degree program. These tests may include written exams, oral interviews, or practical exams. Colleges want to ensure that applicants have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen degree program.

Another admission criterion may be letters of motivation or personal interviews in which applicants explain their interests, motivation, and goals for the program. This allows colleges to develop a better understanding of applicants and ensure that they are a good fit for the chosen degree program.

In some cases, professional experience and qualifications are also important. This may include allowing individuals who have completed vocational training and have relevant work experience to apply to degree programs related to their learned career field. This promotes professional development and enables the link between practical experience and academic knowledge.

There are also opportunities for foreign applicants to apply for degree programs without NC. However, they often have to complete a preparatory course before admission in order to improve their German language skills and prepare for university studies in Germany. Of course, this only applies if the course of study is held in German. However, for the completely English-language degree programs, such as the Business Studies programs at Munich Business School, you do not necessarily have to learn German.

Can you get rejected from NC free Degree Programs?

It is possible to be rejected even in degree programs without a Numerus Clausus (NC). The NC-free nature of a degree program simply means that admission is not based on grade point average. Instead, other criteria such as aptitude tests, letters of motivation or personal interviews may be used to select students. In some cases, however, there may still be more applicants than available study places, especially in popular degree programs. In such cases, applicants are selected based on other criteria, and some may be rejected. It is important to pay attention to the specific requirements and selection procedures of the university in order to have the best chance of admission.

Does studying without NC have any disadvantages?

Studying an NC degree program without a Numerus Clausus (NC) can have both advantages and disadvantages. Here are some aspects to consider:

Advantages

  • More choices: Without an NC, you have a wider choice of degree programs available to you, as you are not dependent on a limited quota of places.
  • Equality of opportunity: NC-free degree programs promote equality of opportunity, as admission is less dependent on school grades and also gives applicants with other qualifications the opportunity to study.
  • Flexibility: You can focus on your interests and strengths because you are not selected solely on the basis of your high school diploma grades.

Disadvantages

  • Limited seats: Although there is no NC restriction, NC-exempt degree programs may still offer limited seats. In popular degree programs, there may still be competition for these limited seats.
  • Other selection criteria: Selection is based on other criteria such as aptitude tests or personal interviews, which may not be equally suitable for every applicant.
  • Possibly higher competition: Since NC-free degree programs appeal to a wide range of applicants, competition among applicants may be stronger than in NC degree programs.

Overall, there is no general answer to whether studying an NC-free degree program has advantages or disadvantages, as it depends on individual circumstances and preferences. It is important to consider the specific requirements and selection procedures for the chosen program and university in order to make an informed decision about whether you can meet them. Ultimately, the choice of degree program should also depend on things such as job intent, the location of study, the university, whether a degree from abroad is recognized, etc. In itself, however, such a degree is just as good as a degree in programs with NC.

Study Programs without NC in Munich

In Munich, there are a variety of study programs without Numerus Clausus (NC) offered at different universities. In addition to universities of applied sciences, state universities in Munich also offer NC-free degree programs in various disciplines, including social sciences, engineering, humanities and health sciences.

Munich Business School, for example, is a renowned institution that specializes in business degree programs. Numerous programs are available at this private university in Munich, including bachelor's and master's degrees in international business, marketing, entrepreneurship, and more. In addition, one can study the non-consecutive Master of Business Administration (MBA) at MBS. Since Munich Business School is a private institution, it often uses other admission criteria such as personal interviews, instead of the NC.

The Bachelor without NC at Munich Business School

Munich Business School offers a Bachelor International Business program that will lay the foundation for your professional future. This compact study program offers a broad foundation of business knowledge in six semesters. While you learn the basics of business administration in the first semesters, you have the opportunity to choose different specializations in the second half of your studies. This choice not only allows you to adapt the content to your personal strengths and interests, but also makes you an expert in your chosen field. There are a total of six different concentrations to choose from, of which you select two.

Product Lifecycle Management

  • Content: Here you will learn all the steps from idea generation to the successful development and marketing of a new product.
  • Perfect choice for you if: You are interested in new products and wonder how such products are created and become successful.

International Human Resources Management and Leadership

  • Content: Here you will gain in-depth knowledge of the strategic importance of personnel management and how to use it to manage personnel.
  • Perfect choice for you if: You want to lead people and ask yourself what makes a good employer.

International Governance and Business Development

  • Content: In this focus area, you will concentrate primarily on the analysis of business processes, as well as on audits and reviews in companies.
  • Perfect choice for you if: You want to start or run a business yourself and wonder on which decisions the future of the business depends.

Customer Relationship Management

  • Content: The focus here is on strategic elements such as market and competitive analysis and brand management, as well as the implementation of an optimal marketing mix, market research and sales management.
  • Perfect choice for you if: You wonder how companies manage to have their logo, jingle or corporate colors known all over the world and without context make everyone immediately think of the company.

Supply Chain Management

  • Content: In this focus area, you will learn the optimal planning of supply chains, starting with suppliers and ending with end customers.
  • Perfect choice for you if: You wonder how companies like Amazon manage to deliver products to you the very next day and what steps a product has to go through to get from the factory to your home.

International Financial Management

  • Content: In this focal point, you will focus on the methods and instruments of international finance. This includes value-based investment calculations and financing decisions, foreign trade financing, and the assessment of risks in a global context.
  • Perfect choice for you if: You wonder how companies decide which projects to invest their money in and how that fits into the global financial world.

Master's programs at MBS briefly presented

The master's programs at Munich Business School offer high-quality education with a focus on internationality and practical relevance. Students benefit from individual focus, interactive teaching methods and a close connection to the business world. The opportunity to build a global network and live in the attractive city of Munich round out the benefits. These programs prepare students for successful careers in various business areas. Munich Business School offers a selection of top-notch master's programs to take your education to the next level:

Master International Business

+

Master Innovation and Entrepreneurship

+

Master International Marketing and Brand Management

+

Master International Business | Sports Management and Media

+

Master in Finance

+

MBA studies at MBS

The MBA program at Munich Business School offers high-quality management education tailored to the needs of executives and entrepreneurs.

MBA General Management

+

Popular Degree Programs at Munich Business School

Our study programs provide you with sound business management expertise, practical skills, and international perspectives—for a successful career in a globally networked economy.

Bachelor International Business
Master All Master programs
MBA General Management
DBA Doctor of Business Administration

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about studying without an NC

Which study program is without NC?

+

What does study without NC mean?

+

Can you be rejected for a degree program without NC?

+

How to apply for a study program without NC?

+
Interested in Studying Business Administration?

Our university. Awarded and accredited.