How does studying at FOM work?

FOM uses a structured study model. You do not study only with scripts and self-study materials. Instead, you attend regular lectures – depending on the programme and study format either at a university centre or online in the Digital Live Study model.

In Digital Live Study, lectures are streamed live from the FOM Studios. You join at fixed times, can ask questions and interact with lecturers and fellow students in real time. If you miss a session, you can usually catch up using recordings and additional digital learning materials.

Important: Digital Live Study works with fixed lecture times. The model is especially suitable for students who prefer a clear weekly structure and regular contact with lecturers and fellow students.

Who is FOM suitable for?

FOM is particularly suitable for people who want to combine academic study with work, training or career development. This includes working professionals, trainees, dual students and applicants who already have professional experience and want to gain a German academic degree.

Typical target groups include:

• Working professionals who want to complete a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree alongside their job.
• Trainees who want to combine vocational training with academic study.
• Dual students who want to connect academic learning with practical training in a company.
• International applicants who are interested in a practice-oriented German university of applied sciences.
• Applicants without a traditional German university entrance qualification who may qualify through vocational training and professional experience.
• Students who need structure and prefer fixed lecture times over a fully self-paced distance learning model.

Study offer: which subjects does FOM provide?

The study offer at FOM mainly consists of part-time Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in business, management, law, IT, health and social sciences. Many programmes are designed for students who are already employed or in training.

• Business & Management: for example Business Administration, Business & Management, International Management, Marketing & Digital Media
• Business Psychology: Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes with a focus on HR, organisation, market psychology and management
• Law & Taxation: for example Commercial Law, Tax Law and business law-related specialisations
• IT & Digitalisation: for example Computer Science, Business Informatics, Cyber Security, AI & Business Analytics, Applied Artificial Intelligence
• Health & Social Sciences: for example Social Work, Nursing Management, Health Care Management and Social Management
• Sustainability & Innovation: for example Sustainability Management and innovation-focused management programmes

Many Bachelor’s programmes have a standard duration of 7 semesters. Master’s programmes often take 3 to 5 semesters, depending on the number of ECTS credits and the structure of the programme. The actual duration can vary if previous academic or professional achievements are recognised.

How much does studying at FOM cost?

Tuition fees vary by programme and degree level. Monthly tuition fees at FOM usually range from about 365 euros to 595 euros, depending on the specific programme. Additional examination, thesis or administrative fees may apply.

A complete Bachelor’s or Master’s degree usually costs a five-figure amount in euros. Before applying, check the current fee information for the specific programme, including monthly payments, total cost, possible additional fees and available payment options.

Admission: what requirements apply?

Admission requirements depend on the programme. For Bachelor’s degrees, applicants usually need a university entrance qualification. In Germany, this may be the Abitur, the Fachhochschulreife or an equivalent qualification. International school-leaving certificates must usually be checked for equivalence.

Studying without a traditional university entrance qualification may be possible if you have completed recognised vocational training and have relevant professional experience. Some advanced vocational qualifications can also provide access to higher education in Germany.

For many part-time Bachelor’s programmes, FOM also requires current employment, vocational training, an internship, a trainee programme or a similar professional context. For Master’s programmes, applicants usually need a first academic degree. Depending on the subject, specific ECTS credits, professional experience or subject-related knowledge may be required.

Strengths of FOM

• Structured study model: Fixed lecture times help students plan their studies alongside work or training.
• Part-time focus: Many programmes are designed for students who do not want to study full-time on campus.
• Broad subject range: FOM is particularly strong in business, management, law, IT, health and social sciences.
• Digital Live Study: Students can attend live online lectures without being on campus.
• Practice orientation: The university works with lecturers from academia and professional practice and has a broad partner network.
• International profile: FOM has students from many countries and cooperates with universities in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the USA.
• Support for international students: The International Office supports students with orientation, study-related questions and practical issues before and during their studies.

What should you check before applying?

• Language and format: FOM offers programmes in German and English, but the available language and study format depend on the specific degree. Check whether your chosen programme is available in Digital Live Study and whether it requires German or English language skills.
• Fixed lecture times: Digital Live Study is location-independent, but not fully self-paced. Check whether the lecture schedule fits your work and time zone.
• Admission route: International qualifications, vocational training and professional experience may need to be assessed before admission.
• Study workload: Part-time study still requires regular weekly learning time. Plan realistically how much time you can invest alongside work, training or family commitments.
• Programme availability: Not every degree is offered in every study format or at every university centre. Check the exact format for your chosen programme.
• Residence requirements: If you plan to move to Germany, also check visa, residence, health insurance and financial requirements early.

How does FOM Digital Live Study differ from other distance learning models?

FOM’s Digital Live Study is location-independent, but more structured than many fully asynchronous distance learning models. In addition to self-study phases, students attend live online lectures at fixed times. For independent learning, the online campus, digital learning materials and recordings are available.

This means FOM combines the spatial flexibility of distance learning with the structure of regular teaching sessions. The model suits students who do not want to attend campus regularly, but still value fixed appointments and direct interaction with lecturers and fellow students.

FAQ about FOM University of Applied Sciences