FOM University of Applied Sciences: Bachelor, Master & MBA — Part-time

What makes FOM University of Applied Sciences distinctive?

FOM University of Applied Sciences, officially FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management, is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences with its main location in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia. It was founded in 1993 and is one of the large private universities in Germany.

The university has around 45,000 students from 118 nations. Its profile is shaped by more than 60 accredited Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes, around 1,500 lecturers from academia and professional practice, and a network of more than 10,000 partners from business, public administration, municipalities and associations.

FOM is especially known for study models that can be combined with work, vocational training or dual practical experience. Instead of a fully self-paced model, many programmes follow a structured schedule with regular lectures. Depending on the programme, these lectures take place at a university centre, online in the Digital Live Study format or in a combined model.

For international applicants, two points are particularly important: FOM awards academic degrees from a state-recognised German university of applied sciences, and the language of instruction depends on the specific programme. Many programmes are taught in German. Some international programmes are available in English or include English-language components.

How does FOM differ from other private universities in Germany?

FOM differs from many private universities through its strong focus on part-time and work-compatible study models, its large network of university centres and its combination of campus-based teaching with Digital Live Study. While some private universities focus mainly on full-time campus degrees or fully asynchronous online study, FOM is particularly relevant for students who want to study while working, training or gaining practical experience.

• Work-compatible structure: Many programmes are designed for students who are employed, in vocational training, in a trainee programme or in a dual study arrangement.
• Regular lectures: FOM uses fixed lecture times. This gives students a clear structure, but it also requires reliable time slots during the week.
• Large location network: FOM is not centred on one single campus. It operates university centres in many German cities.
• Digital Live Study: Students can attend live online lectures and use recordings, the online campus and digital learning materials for independent study.
• Practice orientation: The study model is aimed at students who want to connect academic content with professional tasks and career development.

This makes FOM less of a traditional full-time campus university for students who want a classic campus life directly after school. Its main strength lies in structured, practice-oriented study models for people who already work, train or study in close connection with a company or professional field.

How much does studying at FOM cost?

Tuition fees at FOM depend on the degree, programme and study format. Many programmes cost between about 295 euros and 695 euros per month. Most complete Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees therefore add up to a five-figure total amount in euros.

Many part-time Bachelor’s programmes cost roughly between 12,000 euros and 21,000 euros in total. Master’s programmes often range from about 10,500 euros to 17,000 euros. Selected full-time or special-format programmes may cost more.

The monthly fee alone is not enough for a fair comparison. Also check the standard duration, possible examination or thesis fees, recognition of previous credits and whether an employer or practice partner may contribute to the costs. For working students, tax deductibility, education funding, student loans or instalment options may also be relevant.

Where can you study at FOM?

FOM has university centres in many German cities. These include, for example, Aachen, Berlin, Bonn, Bremen, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Essen, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Munich, Münster, Nuremberg and Stuttgart. The exact location options depend on the programme and study format.

The main location of FOM is in Essen. Many part-time programmes are offered at several university centres. Others are available only in selected cities or as Digital Live Study. For international applicants, this distinction matters: choosing FOM does not automatically mean that every programme is available in every city, online or in English.

• North Rhine-Westphalia: for example Aachen, Bonn, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Essen, Cologne, Münster, Neuss and Wuppertal
• Northern Germany: for example Bremen, Hamburg and Hanover
• Western and Southern Germany: for example Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, Mainz, Mannheim, Munich, Nuremberg and Stuttgart
• Digital options: selected programmes can be studied through Digital Live Study with live online lectures

Before applying, check whether your chosen degree is available at your preferred location, in the Digital Live Study format or in another format that fits your situation.

How does studying at FOM work?

Studying at FOM usually follows a structured path: application and admission check, enrolment, regular lectures, examination phases and final thesis. The exact organisation depends on the degree programme and study format. Many programmes are built around the idea of combining academic study with professional practice.

Admission and access

For Bachelor’s degrees, applicants usually need a higher education entrance qualification. In Germany, this may be the Abitur, the Fachhochschulreife or an equivalent qualification. International school-leaving certificates must usually be checked for equivalence.

Studying without a traditional German university entrance qualification may be possible if you have completed recognised vocational training and have relevant professional experience. Advanced vocational qualifications can also provide access to higher education in Germany.

Many part-time Bachelor’s programmes also require current employment, vocational training, an internship, a trainee programme or a similar professional context. For Master’s programmes, applicants usually need a first academic degree. Depending on the subject, specific ECTS credits, subject-related knowledge or professional experience may be required.

Study phase and teaching format

Teaching takes place depending on the programme in campus-based formats, in Digital Live Study, in dual study models or in further formats. In campus-based study, students attend lectures at a university centre. In Digital Live Study, lectures are streamed live online and supported by recordings, the online campus and digital materials.

FOM works with fixed lecture times. This can make planning easier, especially for students who combine study with work or training. It also means that the study experience differs from fully asynchronous online learning models where students work through content entirely at their own pace.

Exams and degree

Examination formats vary by programme and module. They may include written exams, term papers, presentations, project work, oral exams and final theses. After successful completion, FOM awards academic degrees such as Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Laws or MBA.

What should international applicants check before applying?

FOM has an international profile and supports international students through its International Office. Still, applicants should check the details of the specific programme carefully. Language, admission route, location, study format and residence requirements can differ considerably.

• Language of instruction: Many FOM programmes are taught in German. Check whether your chosen programme is taught in German, English or both.
• Recognition of qualifications: International school-leaving certificates, previous degrees and vocational qualifications may need to be assessed before admission.
• Study format: Check whether the programme is offered at a university centre, in Digital Live Study, as a dual model or in another format.
• Fixed lecture times: Digital Live Study is location-independent, but not fully self-paced. Check whether the schedule fits your work, family situation and time zone.
• Residence requirements: If you plan to move to Germany, check visa, residence, health insurance and financial requirements early.
• Career context: Some part-time programmes require current employment, vocational training or a comparable practical setting.

When should you apply to FOM?

Application and enrolment deadlines at FOM depend on the programme, study format and intended start date. The application usually starts through an online registration process. FOM then checks the submitted documents and informs applicants about the next steps.

For many programmes, studies begin at the start of a semester. International applicants should start earlier than German applicants, especially if documents need to be translated, qualifications have to be assessed or visa and residence questions are relevant.

• Prepare documents: School certificates, university transcripts, proof of vocational training, employment records and language certificates may be required.
• Clarify admission early: This is especially important for international qualifications, studying without Abitur or subject-specific Master’s admission.
• Compare formats: Location, Digital Live Study and available start dates can vary by programme.

Who is FOM suitable for – and who may need another option?

FOM is particularly suitable for students who want to combine academic study with work, vocational training or dual practical experience. The model works well for people who value structure, fixed lecture times and regular contact with lecturers and fellow students.

For your decision, three questions are central: Does the programme match your academic and career goal? Can you realistically fit the lecture schedule into your week? And is the programme available in the right language, format and location?

FAQ about FOM University of Applied Sciences