FOM Hochschule: Fees, English Programmes & Part-Time Study Guide for International Students

FOM Hochschule, officially FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management, is Germany's largest private university, with more than 57,000 students at over 30 study centres across the country. Its main campus is in Essen, and it also teaches in cities including Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg. FOM is best known for part-time and evening study for working professionals, alongside a smaller number of English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes aimed at international students. This guide covers what international students should know: fees, English programmes, how part-time formats interact with student visas, and Germany's post-study rules.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management, a private, state-recognised university
• Size: more than 57,000 students at over 30 study centres
• Main campus: Essen; other centres include Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg
• Focus: part-time and evening study for working professionals; some full-time English-taught programmes for international students
• English programmes: about five English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes reported
• Fees (third-party): bachelor's about €764 a month over 36 months; master's about €994 a month over 24 months; full payment discounts of 3 to 5% reported
• Support: an International Office helps with visas, housing, orientation, and a buddy programme

Rankings and reputation

FOM is a large private university of applied sciences and does not appear in the main world rankings. Its degrees are state-recognised and accredited. Judge it on your programme's accreditation, format, and outcomes.

Academics and signature programs

FOM offers business, management, economics, IT, health, psychology, and engineering programmes, most taught in German in the evenings and at weekends. Its English-taught programmes for international students are a smaller set. Ask which English programmes are offered at which study centre and whether they are full-time.

Admissions and international eligibility

Admission depends on your school or university qualifications and English or German ability. Non-EU students need recognised qualifications for German study and a student visa, which requires full-time study. Ask FOM which programmes are approved for international students on student visas.

English language requirements

• English-taught programmes require proof of English, such as IELTS or TOEFL; I could not confirm scores
• Most FOM programmes are taught in German and require German proficiency
• Check the language of your programme
• Ask about German courses

Application checklist

A typical application includes transcripts, a CV, language certificates, and passport details. Ask for the study contract, payment plan, notice period, and visa support.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

Third-party sources describe FOM's standard plan as 36 monthly payments of about €764 for a bachelor's degree, about €27,500 in total, and 24 monthly payments of about €994 for a master's degree, about €23,900 in total. Full-payment options reportedly give a 3 to 5% discount. Confirm the exact fees for your programme and study centre.

Estimated living costs

• Non-EU visa applicants usually must show funds, often through a blocked account, at an amount set by the German authorities, around €11,900 a year at the last update I know of
• Statutory or approved health insurance is mandatory for students
• Student visa holders can generally work up to 140 full days or 280 half days a year
• Student rooms are scarce in major German cities, so start the housing search early
• Public transport passes are widely available and often discounted for students

Scholarships

I could not confirm FOM scholarships for international students. Look at external funding such as DAAD programmes and the Deutschlandstipendium.

Campus life and student support

FOM's study centres are mostly teaching buildings in city centres rather than traditional campuses. Essen, in the Ruhr region, has lower living costs than Munich or Frankfurt. Ask which centre teaches your programme and what student services it offers.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

FOM's part-time model connects many students to employers because they already work. International students can build networks through the English programmes, but German skills matter for most jobs. After a recognised German degree, graduates can apply for Germany's 18-month job-seeker permit.

Germany's post-study residence options

After completing a recognised German degree, international graduates can apply to stay for up to 18 months to look for a job that matches their qualification, and can then move to a work permit or the EU Blue Card if they find qualifying employment. Rules and salary thresholds change, so verify the current conditions with the German authorities and confirm that your degree is state-recognised.

Part-time study and student visas

A German student visa usually requires full-time study, so FOM's part-time and evening programmes designed for working professionals may not be suitable for international students coming from abroad. Ask FOM which of its programmes meet the requirements for a national student visa, and check with the German embassy.

Choosing a study centre

FOM's 30-plus centres vary in size and programme range. Essen and other Ruhr cities offer lower rents, while Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg are more expensive. Confirm that your programme runs at your chosen centre in the language you need.

Common mistakes applicants make

Applicants sometimes choose a part-time programme that does not support a student visa, assume all FOM programmes are in English, or sign study contracts without checking notice periods. Check these points first.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

Students need valid health insurance before enrolment and must register their address after arriving. Budget for the blocked account, visa fee, insurance, and a housing deposit, and start the housing search early.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, address registration, and setting up a bank account and insurance. Teaching combines lectures, group projects, and presentations, and students who look for internships early tend to benefit most.

A realistic budget

A bachelor's degree at about €27,500 plus living costs of about €11,900 or more a year could cost about €63,000 over three years. A master's at about €23,900 plus two years of living costs could cost about €48,000.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• Which English-taught programmes are available, and at which centre?
• Is my programme full-time and suitable for a student visa?
• What is the total fee and payment plan?
• What is the notice period in the study contract?
• What German support is available?
• Does my degree qualify for the job-seeker permit?

Who FOM suits best

FOM suits international students who want a state-recognised private degree at moderate private fees, in an English programme or with German skills, and working professionals already in Germany. It may suit less well students who need public-university fees or a traditional campus.

FOM compared with German public universities

Public universities charge little or no tuition but are often competitive and German-taught, while FOM charges monthly fees with flexible formats. Compare cost, language, and format.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and campus, and confirm it is taught in English.
2. Check the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and passport details.
4. Accept your offer and pay the required deposit.
5. Open a blocked account, arrange insurance, and apply for your student visa.
6. Find housing and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified and, where needed, translated transcripts, your English test result, and proof of funds early. German visa appointments can be slow, so keep copies of everything and ask the institution to confirm fees and billing in writing.

How FOM compares on cost

FOM's reported total of about €27,500 for a bachelor's degree is lower than many private German universities, which often charge €30,000 to €45,000 for a bachelor's, but much higher than public universities. Monthly payments spread the cost but add up over three years.

Living in the Ruhr region

Essen, Dortmund, Duisburg, and other Ruhr cities offer some of the lowest rents among large German urban areas, a dense public transport network, and many universities. Ask FOM whether its English programmes run in the Ruhr or only in more expensive cities.

International Office support

FOM's International Office supports international students with visa questions, accommodation, and preparation before arrival, and runs orientation days and a buddy programme. Ask what support is available at your specific study centre.

Recognition of your qualifications

Non-EU applicants need school or university qualifications recognised for German study. Check the Anabin database or ask FOM early, and prepare certified translations of your documents.

Frequently asked questions