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Do you need GMAT or GRE scores for master's programs like finance in New Zealand/Germany?

04 Sept 2026 · Answered by Soorya Sudheer · 2 min read
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Usually not. Most German public universities skip the GMAT or GRE for a Finance master's, focusing on your GPA and ECTS credits instead, though elite private schools like Mannheim or Frankfurt School require it. New Zealand universities such as Auckland and Otago generally rely on your undergraduate GPA alone.

Soorya Sudheer
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You likely will not need a GMAT or GRE score for most Finance master's programs in Germany or New Zealand, though a handful of elite or specialized institutions still expect one. Checking the specific university and program type upfront avoids a last-minute testing scramble.

GMAT/GRE Requirements By Country And University Type

CountryUniversity TypeGMAT/GRE Requirement
GermanyPublic universitiesUsually not required; GPA and ECTS credit matching prioritized
GermanyElite/private business schools (Mannheim, Frankfurt School)Often mandatory or strongly recommended
GermanyTechnical universitiesSometimes required if your bachelor's is from outside the EU
New ZealandAuckland, Otago, Victoria WellingtonGenerally not required

What Admissions Focus On Instead

  • Your undergraduate GPA, often needing a B-minus or B average in your final-year major courses for New Zealand programs.
  • Proof of English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL for both countries.
  • A strong letter of motivation, especially for German public university applications.

My Advice

Before ruling out the GMAT or GRE entirely, check the exact admissions page of your two or three target universities, since requirements can differ even between neighboring institutions in the same country. If you are aiming for a private German business school, start GMAT prep early since that requirement is rarely waived.

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