About FOM University of Applied Sciences

Unique, state recognized und globally connected

Hochschulzentrum Düsseldorf

Over 50.000 students

One of the largest private universities in Europe

Offering professionals the chance to gain a state-recognized university degree without having to give up work or restrict their professional activity – this has been the objective of FOM University of Applied Sciences since its foundation in 1991. With over 50,000 students and more than 2,000 professors and lecturers, FOM is one of the largest, internationally recognized private universities in Europe. For international students FOM offers financially manageable full-time degree courses – with excellent support before, during and after the program.

Why study at FOM?

Experienced Faculty

Over 2.000 professors and lecturers with business experience

Cooperations

Over 10,000 collaborations with companies and associations

Ideal Location

The FOM headquarters is located in Essen at the centre of the Ruhr area in western Germany

Research

Strong research university with practical relevance

International

More than 50.000 students from 112 countries study at FOM

Large Network

Global network of international universities

Probevorlesung

FOM meets the highest quality standards

State Recognition
FOM received State recognition by the Ministry of Science and Research of North Rhine-Westphalia in 1993.

Institutional Accreditation
The German Council of Science and Humanities was convinced of the overall concept of the university and accredited FOM in 2004 as the first private university in North Rhine-Westphalia.

System Accreditation
FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation) has examined the quality management system of the university according to the standards of the German Accreditation Council, and it has system-accredited FOM as the first private university in Germany.

Quality Assurance System
As part of the system-accredited quality management, the Evaluation Commission for Study Programs (EKS) assessed the program of the university and ensured Evaluation Commission their quality.

A private university with a special format

FOM's multi-award-winning quality

FOM has always provided high-quality teaching. This is also reflected in independent surveys and awards. More than 96 per cent of students would recommend FOM to others, and the evaluation portal “StudyCheck” has awarded FOM with “Top university in Germany 2022”. In service checks on behalf of renowned business journals and magazines, FOM has been awarded multiple accolades as a private university, including for being exceptional value for money, the best digital education provider in 2021 and the best university in the Business schools/business universities category.

Developed in cooperation with Great Learning

With more than 9.0 Million learners in 170+ countries, Great Learning is a leading global edtech company for professional and higher education offering industry-relevant programs in blended, classroom, and purely online modes across technology, data, and business domains. These programs are developed in collaboration with top academic institutions of the world.

As India’s largest professional learning company and a global footprint in 170+ countries, we’re on a mission to make professionals around the globe proficient and future-ready.

FOM locations in Essen and Düsseldorf

Your place to study

The FOM University of Applied Sciences has more than 30 university centers in Germany. You study either in Essen or in Düsseldorf – two modern locations that offer optimal learning conditions. Both cities are centrally located in North Rhine-Westphalia and are important business locations. The cultural diversity is reflected in numerous museums, theaters and music events. Parks and green spaces invite you to relax. There is also a wide range of restaurants.

Study together

Joint courses

In many Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, you study not only with your fellow students, but also with students from other degree programs. You complete several modules together, making new contacts and broadening your knowledge.


About FOM

Frequently asked questions

FOM offers internationally recognized bachelor's and master's programs in both English and German, designed to equip students with specialist and personal skills for global careers.
 

FOM provides affordable degree programs, a global network of partnerships, and strong academic support before, during, and after the program.
 

FOM's main campus is in Essen, Germany, but it also operates in major cities like Munich, Düsseldorf, and Berlin. Additionally, FOM has partnerships with universities in Europe, Asia, and beyond, offering a global network for international students.
 

The International Office supports students even before their journey begins, helping with visa applications, accommodation, and preparation. During their studies, it continues to assist with academic guidance, cultural integration, and personal needs, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing support throughout their time at FOM.
 

FOM programs are open for students globally. For admission you just need to fulfill the specific entry requirements of the study program (please find the special requirements of the programs on our homepage).

For Bachelor programs you need:

  • German university entrance qualification:
    - HZB or equivalent
    - University entrance qualification in EU/EEA countries or Switzerland;
    - University entrance qualification in non-EU / non-EEA countries (indirect HZB) with successful completion of: FOM entrance examination or TestAS
  • English language proficiency minimum level B2 or equivalent
     

FOM has over 10,000 collaborations with companies and connects you with top companies from various industries on events like “Master/Bachelor career Day” and company tours, where companies introduce themselves. Furthermore, we offer CV checks to support you with your application, guest lectures, workshops and seminars about the German job market or practical projects in our career Center.
 

Yes. The FOM University of Applied Sciences has been officially recognized by the Ministry of Science and Research of North Rhine-Westphalia since 1993. Since then, the official recognition has been continuously extended, most recently in July 2020 for a further ten years.
 

Yes, all degree programs offered by FOM are accredited and bear the seal of the Accreditation Council. They are regularly assessed by external experts from science and professional practice with regard to their scientific quality and professional relevance.

In addition, the internationally oriented accreditation agency FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation), authorized by the Accreditation Council, system-accredited FOM in 2012 as the first private university in Germany. System accreditation enables FOM to set up and run new degree programs independently.
 

If you would like to apply for a specific program, please forward us the filled application form (found on each program website) together with all required documents (mention in the application form) to incomings@fom.de

Kindly ensure paying attention to the following 3 points when filling out the registration form:

  • Please ensure to fill out all sections of the form diligently. Of particular importance is Page 3, where you will find a list of required documents for your application. We kindly ask you to provide copies of the required documents and submit them along with your completed registration form.
  • Additionally, please note that it is mandatory to sign the registration form by hand, including the date.
  • In order to facilitate the processing of your application, it is essential that you indicate the semester you are applying for.

 

Once we have received all necessary documents, we will promptly begin processing your application. Should any documents be missing, we will notify you and kindly request that you provide them your earliest convenience.

In Germany is a high demand for international graduates in companies to boost economy and competitive advantage because of the demographic change and shortage of skilled workers. So, after your graduation you will have good employment opportunities.

Furthermore, study abroad gives you opportunities to deepen academic skills & expertise and to improve your intercultural competencies.
 

If possible, you should register at least 6 to 8 weeks before the start of the semester.
 

The summer semester will start in April and the winter semester will start in October.  
 

To apply for a Visa you need the following documents:

  • Bonafide certificate (of FOM)
  • Admission letter (of FOM)
  • 1 year visa support letter (of FOM)
  • Visa application form
  • Transcript graduation
  • Photograph
  • Passport photocopy
  • Travel Health Insurance
  • Passport
  • Blocked account
  • Declarations to visa application
     

Students must apply for visa a head of time. We recommend at least 2-3 months before the semester starts!
 

To start your study journey in Germany, the following things are required:

  • Blocked Account (Students should open a blocked account only with providers that are accepted by the embassy as well as the immigration office)
  • Travel Health Insurance
  • Public Health Insurance
  • Local bank account
     

The International Office supports all international students for all topics relating to their study visit e.g.:

  • Webinars before the students arrive in Germany
  • Orientation days at the beginning of the semester
  • Individual support before, during and after the studies
  • A buddy program for incoming students
  • Alumni support and contact
  • Intercultural competence courses
  • Visa Service in Germany
  • Career Center
  • Workshops for study related topics
     

It’s not always easy to find a place to stay. Even before your arrival, our international support team will help you with any questions about finding the right accommodation. It is important that you start the search as early as possible. In addition to internet portals, personal contacts are also often helpful: We provide contacts with current students as well as FOM alumni who are already in the area and my have an available room in a flat to share. Our support also covers checking rental contracts before you sign them.
 

Students can apply for a jobseeker visa after graduation.

The jobseeker visa is valid for 18 months. During this time, students can look for jobs. They are allowed to do internships or work parttime without any restrictions, too. Students need to proof financial resources.

Please note that the jobseeker visa is only available for students of the fulltime programs in Germany. This visa can only be applied for from Germany.