FAQs

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

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

FOM's main Campus is in Essen, Germany, but it also operates in major cities like Munich 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 degree programmes are open to students from all over the world. Admission requires only that you meet the specific entry requirements of your chosen programme (details on these requirements can be found on the respective programme page on our website).
 

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 recognised 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 programmes 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), authorised 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 programmes independently.
 

If you would like to apply for a specific programme, please forward us the filled application form (found on each programme 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.
 

Yes, everybody without a TestAS can take part in the preparation course for the entrance examination. After passing the university’s entrance examination, applicants who would otherwise need to attend a Studienkolleg become eligible to study a Fulltime Bachelor degree programme at FOM.

Students can apply for a so-called Studienkolleg visa. After successfully completing the entrance examination at FOM and obtaining the admission qualification, the International Office will assist with converting the visa to a full student visa for Bachelor programmes.
 

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 programme 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 full-time programmes in Germany. This visa can only be applied for from Germany.