FOM
University of
Applied Sciences

FOM University of Applied Sciences

FOM University of Applied Sciences, known in German as Fachhochschule für Oecotrophologie und Management, stands out as a leading institution for career-focused higher education in Germany. With a strong emphasis on practical skills and close ties to industry, FOM is tailored to meet the demands of today's competitive job market. This page will guide you through an immersive, story-like journey, unveiling its campuses, programs, admission process, and real-world value.

Imagine stepping off a train into Düsseldorf, where one of FOM's modern campuses buzzes with students rushing to class. Picture yourself in a lecture hall in Munich, discussing business strategy with professionals. That's the reality at FOM University of Applied Sciences: an institution built for learning, networking, and launching successful careers. You'll explore every facet—its reach, reputation, programs, fees, and the practical considerations for studying here.

Presence & Campus Locations of FOM University of Applied Sciences

Rankings and University Status at FOM University of Applied Sciences

Program Curriculum & Syllabus at FOM University of Applied Sciences

Industry & Business Requirements for FOM Graduates

Semester Intakes at FOM University of Applied Sciences

How Worthwhile It Is to Study at FOM University of Applied Sciences

Presence & Campus Locations of FOM University of Applied Sciences

FOM University of Applied Sciences has established a nationwide network. Its reach spans major cities and economically vibrant regions. Let's map it out:

Düsseldorf – A strategic hub for business, ideal for students in management and finance.

Berlin – The vibrant capital is home to FOM's dynamic campus, offering access to startups and influential political networks.

Munich – A powerhouse of technology and engineering, offering strong industry partnerships.

Hamburg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart – Each campus fosters local ties to industries like automotive, finance, and logistics.

Cologne, Leipzig, Nuremberg, Bremen, Freiburg, Hannover, Essen, and more.

Coverage extends to over 30 locations across Germany. Every campus features modern classrooms, study areas, and lecture facilities. If you're working alongside your studies, you can choose the campus that best suits your job or internship. Flexibility is part of FOM's DNA. Thousands of students pursue their degrees while holding part-time roles or apprenticeships.

FOM University of Applied Sciences has established a nationwide network. Its reach spans major cities and economically vibrant regions. Let's map it out:

Düsseldorf – A strategic hub for business, ideal for students in management and finance.

Berlin – The vibrant capital is home to FOM's dynamic campus, offering access to startups and influential political networks.

Munich – A powerhouse of technology and engineering, offering strong industry partnerships.

Hamburg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart – Each campus fosters local ties to industries like automotive, finance, and logistics.

Cologne, Leipzig, Nuremberg, Bremen, Freiburg, Hannover, Essen, and more.

Rankings and University Status at FOM University of Applied Sciences

FOM University is recognised as Germany's largest private university of applied sciences. Its status reflects decades of experience in integrating academic excellence with practical application. While universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) are assessed differently than traditional research institutions, FOM consistently receives strong evaluations.

Regular praise for its dual study programs that combine work and education.

Accreditation by official German bodies such as the Fachhochschulrat.

Positive rankings from various publications, notably in business and technology fields.

Increasing international recognition through student mobility initiatives and global business connections.

Employers—both in Germany and beyond—view degrees from FOM as proof of applicable skills, industry readiness, and relevant academic foundation.

At the bachelor's level, FOM offers a diverse array of business and technical degrees. Notable programs include:

Bachelor in Business Administration (B.Sc.)

Bachelor's in Finance & Accounting

Bachelor's in Business Psychology

Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering

Bachelor's in Information Technology Management

Bachelor in Economics & Leadership

Each program promotes a balance of theoretical foundations and practical insights. Students take courses such as finance, marketing, organisational behaviour, project management, and data analytics. Additionally, cooperative modules allow companies to define projects and case studies, ensuring real-world relevance.

Master in Business Administration (MBA) – tailored for mid-career professionals.

Master's in Strategic Management

Master's in Human Resource Management & Leadership

Master in Digitalisation & Innovation

Master in Finance & Risk Management

Master's in Healthcare Management

The MBA is a flagship program. It brings together students from varied backgrounds—engineering, finance, IT—offering modules in leadership, strategy, international business, and entrepreneurship. Executive-level seminars and consulting projects are regular features of our offerings. This ensures strong networking and immediate applicability of learned skills.

Curricula at FOM override bland theory. They combine interactive learning with immediate industry alignment.

Bachelor Curriculum Structure

Core Modules – Accounting, Business Law, Marketing, Economics.

Specialisation – E.g., cost accounting, supply chain, software systems.

Practical Project/Internship – In collaboration with company partners, students tackle real-world problems.

Elective Modules – Options include data science, digital marketing, and sustainability.

Bachelor Thesis – Often done in partnership with a business, placing solutions on par with graduate-level rigour.

Master Curriculum Structure

Advanced Core Modules – Cover areas such as strategy, change management, and innovation.

Elective Tracks – Deep dives: e.g., digital transformation, healthcare systems, business intelligence.

Business Consulting Project – Group-based assignment with industry sponsor.

Executive Seminars – Short, intensive courses led by high-level practitioners.

Master Thesis or MBA Capstone Project – Industry-focused, research-informed final submissions.

Courses are taught in German and English. Some programs are entirely conducted in English, making them ideal for international students.

Curricula at FOM override bland theory. They combine interactive learning with immediate industry alignment.

Bachelor Curriculum Structure

Core Modules – Accounting, Business Law, Marketing, Economics.

Specialisation – E.g., cost accounting, supply chain, software systems.

Practical Project/Internship – In collaboration with company partners, students tackle real-world problems.

Elective Modules – Options include data science, digital marketing, and sustainability.

Bachelor Thesis – Often done in partnership with a business, placing solutions on par with graduate-level rigour.

Master Curriculum Structure

Advanced Core Modules – Cover areas such as strategy, change management, and innovation.

Elective Tracks – Deep dives: e.g., digital transformation, healthcare systems, business intelligence.

Business Consulting Project – Group-based assignment with industry sponsor.

Executive Seminars – Short, intensive courses led by high-level practitioners.

Master Thesis or MBA Capstone Project – Industry-focused, research-informed final submissions.

Courses are taught in German and English. Some programs are entirely conducted in English, making them ideal for international students.

Industry & Business Requirements for FOM Graduates

FOM designs programs around precise industry needs. Businesses require employees who can think strategically, analyse data effectively, and apply their knowledge to drive results. FOM satisfies this via:

Strong industry partnerships – Companies sponsor projects, mentor students, and recruit directly.

Practice-oriented teaching – Simulations, case studies, guest lectures from CEOs.

Soft skills integration – Communication, leadership, negotiation embedded in many modules.

Networking events and career days – Employers scout on-site, offering internships and jobs.

As a result, a FOM degree signals to employers that you're ready to work, not just read out of a textbook.

To enter FOM programs, applicants generally need:

Past FOM students have pursued diverse career pathways:

Employment

Graduates take roles as financial analysts, project managers, IT consultants, HR specialists, or operations managers.

Germany's mid-sized and large enterprises show a high demand for FOM alums.

FOM's dual and part-time graduates maintain job continuity, often receiving offers from their partner companies.

Further Academic Opportunities

FOM's bachelor's degrees meet the criteria for entry into master's programs at other universities in Germany and Europe.

Partnership agreements allow credit transfer (ECTS) to universities abroad.

Alums have continued studies at prestigious institutions, including European and US universities.

In short, employers respect FOM qualifications, and universities view them as equivalent to traditional bachelor's degrees.

Semester Intakes at FOM University of Applied Sciences

FOM offers flexibility across intakes:

Main Intake: October (Winter semester) – primary start for most programs.

Secondary Intake: April (Summer semester) – offered in selected courses.

MBA & Master Programs: Intakes also occur in April, with some programs also available in July, depending on the program and campus.

This spread helps international students align with visa and relocation timelines.

To enter FOM programs, applicants generally need:

1.A recognised secondary school diploma (German Abitur, EU equivalents, or other recognised qualifications) for a bachelor's.

2.A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution for a master's/MBA.

3.For non-German speakers

German programs: B2 or C1 certificate (TestDaF, DSH, Goethe).

English-taught programs: IELTS 6.5 or higher, or TOEFL iBT 90 or higher.

4.Professional experience (recommended for MBA applicants) – often 2–3 years in related fields.

Some dual or part-time students require an employer to sponsor letters or training contracts.

FOM guides you through document evaluation, recognition of foreign credentials, and official language certification.

FOM is a private institution, with various fee structures based on program type and attendance model:

Bachelor (Part-time) – €650–900 per month (~€13,000–18,000 per year).

Bachelor (Dual Study) – Employer often covers costs; students may pay minimal semester fees.

Master & MBA – Monthly fees between €800–1200 (~€16,000–24,000 total).

Semester fees, including administrative and student union charges, are approximately €300–400 per term.

Fees cover teaching, materials, digital campus access, library services, and student support.

Students can finance studies through:

Company support or sponsorship, especially in dual schemes.

BAföG (German government grants/loans) for eligible candidates.

Bank loans or instalments structured through FOM partners.

Some HR departments offer study allowances or reimbursements as professional development.

Cost vs. Value

Studying at FOM requires investment, but yields tangible outcomes:

High employability – Practice-built graduates readily absorbed by employers.

Salary returns – Entry-level positions often command €45k+ in business/IT.

Career progression – Advanced qualifications (MBA/Master) justify fee premiums by unlocking management paths.

Challenges & Rewards of Studying Abroad in Germany

Challenges include:

Language barrier – Even in English programs, daily life is easier with German.

Dual-study model demands – Working and studying simultaneously is intense.

Living costs – Cities like Munich and Frankfurt are pricey for rent and food.

Yet, students often say:
"Even part-time, I saw immediate impact on my job."
"Networking events weren't just fun—they led directly to internships and offers."
Rewards include:

A strong return on investment, both financially and personally.

Access to Germany's elite corporations and innovator hubs.

A structured path to post-study work permissions and permanent residency.

By graduation day, you hold not just a diploma, but a tangible track record of professional development.

FOM University of Applied Sciences delivers immersive, industry-connected learning. With its extensive campuses, recognised qualifications, and career-oriented curriculum, it appeals to students who are ready to balance work and academic studies. Although the investment is notable, many alums attest that it pays off quickly.

Story after story speaks of graduates landing roles at Volkswagen, Deutsche Bank, Siemens, or nimble startups—even before they have finished their thesis. Fees, when weighed against accelerated career entry and salary progression, are a solid investment.

Challenges—such as tight schedules, language barriers, and living costs—are real, but manageable with motivation and effective planning.

If you seek a German university that marries theory with the real world, ramps up your network, and gives you non-stop practical momentum—FOM University of Applied Sciences is a wise, worthwhile path. For many, it marks the definitive turn from education to career success.

We are here to help you!

Open from 8am - 8pm Monday - SATURDAY

Fill out the form below to receive expert advice and guidance.

FOM
University of
Applied Sciences