Englisch 
Deutsch What kind of provider is the University of Applied Sciences for SMEs (FHM) — and who are the programs for?
The University of Applied Sciences for SMEs (FHM) is a private German university, officially classified as a Fachhochschule. Founded in 2000, its educational mission centers on preparing students for careers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). FHM's programs target prospective students interested in applied business, communication, and social sciences who value practical learning tightly linked to industry. The university maintains strong ties with over 280 business experts and a large network of partner companies, especially in the German SME sector. International students, including those planning to study fully online from abroad, will find the university's focus on professional applicability and competence-driven teaching a central feature.
What can you study at FHM University of Applied Sciences?
FHM offers Bachelor's and Master's programs across a broad academic spectrum, emphasizing applied and professional fields. While the English-taught course inventory is limited, fully online options in English are available, with programs including:
- Strategic Communications & Digital Marketing (M.A., online)
- Vocational Education (M.A., online)
The main subject areas covered are:
- Business & Management
- Communication & Media
- Education & Social Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Psychology
- Technology
Courses are typically designed for flexible distance or blended learning, making FHM accessible for working professionals and international students inside and outside Germany. For a full list of current English-language programs, consult the university’s online campus.
Accreditations and international recognition
- State recognition (staatlich anerkannt) by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
- Institutional accreditation by the German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat), confirming FHM’s academic standards and organizational stability
- System accreditation since 2019, allowing FHM to independently quality-assure its own degree programs
The university receives high marks for teaching and digital learning infrastructure in national rankings (CHE Ranking), and was named Germany’s top business school by "Deutschland Test." FHM is also recognized as a top 10 distance learning provider by FernstudiumCheck.
How does online study at FHM actually work?
FHM’s teaching model combines recorded lectures, online tutorials, and guided self-study with live seminars and project work. All Master’s programs listed above are taught fully online and can be started flexibly throughout the year. Examinations are held online, and digital tools are integrated throughout the curriculum to support remote learning. All degree programs include a strong practical component, often involving business project work or internships for applied learning.
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