Five Tips for Applying to the WHU Bachelor Program

A place at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management is highly sought after. As one of Europe’s leading business schools, the university often lays the foundation for successful careers in business, politics, or entrepreneurship.

Excellent grades in the Abitur or an equivalent school leaving certificate are a prerequisite for a bachelor’s degree at WHU, but they are by no means the only criterion. There are several other important factors to consider. The following five tips can help applicants prepare a strong application.

1. Clear and concise CV

The CV for a WHU bachelor application should be clearly structured and easy to read. Ideally, it should not exceed two pages and must include date of birth as well as first and last name, but no photo or personal contact details. Spelling mistakes or careless errors are an absolute no go. Relevant academic or extracurricular experiences that demonstrate initiative, commitment, and independence should be highlighted. It is also important to name the file correctly (LastName_FirstName_CV.pdf).

2. Honest and personal letter of motivation

The same applies to the letter of motivation. Applicants should refrain from including photos or unnecessary personal details. Instead, they should explain why they wish to study at WHU and demonstrate their interest in business and management. The letter should be authentic and clearly convey why the applicant is a good fit for WHU. As with the CV, the maximum length is two pages and the file should be named correctly (LastName_FirstName_LM.pdf).

Applicants may of course use tools such as ChatGPT for support. WHU regards the responsible use of artificial intelligence models as a key skill for future leaders. The appropriate and transparent handling of this technology is therefore encouraged and required in many courses at the school. AI tools such as ChatGPT can serve as a source of inspiration during the application process, but they should be used consciously and not as the sole basis.

3. Proof of English language proficiency

English proficiency is essential for bachelor studies at WHU. As an internationally connected institution, almost all courses are taught in English. Strong English skills also make everyday life on the campuses in Vallendar and Düsseldorf significantly easier. Applicants must therefore submit internationally recognized test results. The test should be taken and uploaded early, as issuing certificates may take some time. The test result must be available no later than the end of the application rounds (May 15, 2026). Proof of English proficiency is also required for scholarship applications.

Accepted English language tests include:

TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition with a minimum score of ninety five

Institutional TOEFL ITP with a minimum score of five hundred ninety seven

IELTS Academic Module with a minimum score of six point five

Cambridge C one Advanced Certificate with Grade C

4. Practice for the interview

If the formal admission requirements are met, applicants move on to the next stage of the selection process. The second round consists of an online presentation and a logic test assessing mathematical skills and logical reasoning. The third round is the final online interview with WHU staff, based on the CV and letter of motivation. Thorough preparation is essential. Applicants should practice their presentation, deliver it confidently, and avoid reading from a script. They should know their CV inside out. Enthusiasm, motivation, and a clear, structured line of argument are particularly convincing.

5. Show your values – personality matters

WHU is not a university like any other. It is shaped by an entrepreneurial mindset, a strong sense of responsibility, the ambition to make a positive impact, and a pronounced sense of community. The application process therefore goes beyond formal achievements and also seeks to identify this attitude. Personal qualities play a central role, including enthusiasm, teamwork, personal responsibility, and curiosity. These values define life and study at WHU and are expected of its students. Those who demonstrate motivation, openness, and a willingness to contribute bring important prerequisites for a successful application.

Conclusion

An application for the WHU bachelor program has strong prospects of success when it reflects care, authenticity, and commitment. Applicants who prepare thoroughly, communicate their motivation clearly, and are a good fit for the WHU community have excellent chances of a successful start to their studies at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management.

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