When considering studying abroad in Germany, FOM University (FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management) is a name that often comes up. As Germany’s largest university specializing in economics and management, FOM University attracts tens of thousands of students with its unique “dual-track” educational philosophy, strong network of corporate partnerships, and campus network spanning the entire country. This article will provide a detailed overview of this top German university of applied sciences.
University Overview: What is FOM Hochschule?
FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management, officially known in Chinese as the “Essen University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management,” is commonly referred to as FOM University. Founded in 1993, the university is headquartered in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). Urging to graduate and obtain a German university degree
Although its history is relatively short compared to Germany’s long-established institutions like Heidelberg University, FOM University has grown at an extraordinary pace. It was not founded directly by the German government, but rather jointly established by organizations such as the German Entrepreneurs’ Association, the Retail Trade Association, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This unique background has shaped its educational philosophy, which is deeply rooted in business practice.
To date, FOM University has over 57,000 students, making it not only Germany’s largest university specializing in economics and management but also a leading institution among Germany’s private universities.
Core Feature: The Dual Track of Theory and Practice
FOM University is most renowned for its “close integration of theory and practice”.
- Strong Faculty Composition: The university’s faculty includes not only over 2,000 professors and senior lecturers but also brings together more than 1,000 corporate executives from 27 countries and regions. These industry-based instructors bring frontline management experience and real-world case studies into the classroom, ensuring students acquire the most cutting-edge and practical knowledge.
- In-Depth Industry-Academic Collaboration: FOM University has established long-term partnerships with over 10,000 German companies, including many globally renowned industry giants such as Siemens, Deutsche Bahn (DB), BMW, Daimler, ThyssenKrupp, IBM, and Bayer. This collaboration not only provides students with abundant internship opportunities but also ensures that the curriculum directly addresses the actual talent needs of businesses.
Program Offerings: A Disciplinary Framework Spanning Business, Management, and Law
FOM University’s program offerings are closely aligned with market demands, covering disciplines in business, management, law, science, and engineering. The university offers a total of over 40 undergraduate programs and 31 master’s programs.
- Undergraduate Programs: Primarily cover Business Administration, Economics, Tax Law, Economic Law, Information Systems, and Network Engineering.
- Master’s Programs: These programs offer more specialized tracks and are highly career-oriented. Popular programs include:
- Accounting & Financial Management
- International Marketing
- Human Resource Management and IT Management
- MBA (Master of Business Administration): FOM’s MBA program typically requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree and have a certain number of years of work experience, with a strong emphasis on developing leadership skills and an international perspective.
It is worth noting that FOM’s curriculum is highly flexible, offering different delivery formats for working professionals and full-time students, including in-person classes, blended learning, and online courses.
Accreditations and Rankings
For Chinese students, academic recognition is the primary consideration when choosing a school. FOM University is listed on the Chinese Ministry of Education’s website for foreign education supervision, and the bachelor’s and master’s degrees it awards are recognized in China.
In addition, FOM University has received numerous authoritative accreditations and honors:
- German Science Council accreditation for its teaching quality system.
- It is the first private university in Germany to receive international accreditation from FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation), signifying that its business education meets the highest international standards.
- In Forbes magazine’s “German University Rankings,” it was honored as the “Best University in the Business and Economics Category.”
- In the annual StudyCheck rankings, it has consistently ranked among the Top 10 most popular universities for several consecutive years.
Campus Network: Beyond Essen
Although headquartered in Essen, FOM University’s campuses are spread across Germany. It operates branches in 35 major German cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Düsseldorf, and Stuttgart, and even maintains an overseas branch in Vienna, Austria.
This extensive campus network allows students to choose to study in different economic hubs across Germany, bringing them closer to their future job markets. For example, studying at the Frankfurt campus provides easier access to banking and finance resources, while the Munich campus offers a smoother integration into Bavaria’s manufacturing and technology sectors.
Application Guide and Study Costs
Application Requirements
FOM University’s master’s programs typically require:
- Academic Requirements: Chinese undergraduate graduates (current fourth-year students may also apply early) must obtain a graduation certificate and a degree certificate.
- Language Requirements: These depend on the language of instruction. Programs taught in English typically require an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent TOEFL scores; programs taught in German require a TestDaF score. FOM has cooperative programs with many universities in China and sometimes accepts CET-6 scores as a reference for language proficiency.
- APS Review: As a Chinese student, you must pass the review by the Central Office for the Admission of Foreigners (APS) to apply to German universities.
Cost of Study
Compared to the UK and the US, studying in Germany offers excellent value for money.
- Tuition Fees: As a private university, FOM charges tuition fees. The total cost of master’s programs varies by major and typically ranges from €11,000 to €15,000. For example, the total cost of a specific MBA program is approximately 15,436 euros (including registration and examination fees).
- Living Expenses: Annual living expenses in Germany (including accommodation, insurance, and meals) range from approximately 80,000 to 100,000 RMB. International students are permitted to work 180 half-days per year, which can help offset some living costs.
Summary: Is FOM University Right for You?
FOM Hochschule is a clearly defined university of applied sciences. If you wish to study in a highly practice-oriented, career-focused, and closely connected to industry environment, and hope to attend classes in prime locations in major German cities such as Berlin and Munich, then FOM University is an excellent choice.
It is not a traditional research university and does not focus on basic theoretical research; instead, it concentrates on cultivating applied professionals. Its graduates are highly sought after by partner companies such as Siemens and Deutsche Bank, and their employment prospects are excellent. For Chinese students hoping to launch their careers in the German business world, FOM University undoubtedly offers an efficient and practical pathway.
