FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management
FOM University of Applied Sciences is Germany's largest private non-profit university for working professionals, delivering 60+ accredited bachelor's and master's programs to ~45,000 students across 30+ German campus centers and a Digital Live-Studium streaming platform, funded by tuition and supported by 10,000+ corporate partnerships.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1993
- HeadquartersEssen, Germany
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management does
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management (FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management gemeinnützige Gesellschaft mbH) is a private, non-profit university headquartered in Essen, Germany, founded in 1993 as an initiative of the Gemeinnützige Stiftung für Internationale Bildung und Wissenschaft. It targets working professionals, dual students (Auszubildende), and Abiturienten through more than 60 accredited bachelor's and master's degree programs across six academic departments: Wirtschaft & Management, Gesundheit & Soziales, Ingenieurwesen, IT Management, Wirtschaft & Psychologie, and Wirtschaft & Recht. With approximately 45,000 active students, over 100,000 alumni, 1,500 practitioner-teaching staff, and 30+ physical university centers, FOM describes itself as Germany's largest university for working professionals.
The platform is built on two primary delivery formats: Campus-Studium+ (in-person lectures at the 30+ centers) and Digitales Live-Studium (interactive live-streamed lectures from FOM's broadcast studios, with recordings available in a media library), supplemented by the FOM Online-Campus LMS, the GROW didactic concept that integrates practitioner experience into teaching, and dual-study / full-time / international / doctoral programs. Tuition is structured as monthly subscription installments (for example, Management B.A. totals €8,760 across 24 monthly payments of €365 plus a €500 one-time exam fee), and FOM also operates a B2B channel through more than 10,000 corporate, municipal, and association partnerships that channel dual-study positions and sponsored continuing education into the institution.
FOM's revenue model is tuition-funded subscription recurring revenue, with the B2B corporate partnership channel acting as both demand-generation and a professional-services revenue layer. The institution was the first private university in Germany to receive FIBAA system accreditation in 2012, holds renewed Wissenschaftsrat state recognition through 2030, and received the FIBAA Excellence in Digital Education Premium Seal and the 2026 StudyCheck Award first-place ranking.
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management
- Legal name
- FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management gemeinnützige Gesellschaft mbH
- Website
- https://fom.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1993
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- FOM University of Applied Sciences is Germany's largest private non-profit university for working professionals, delivering 60+ accredited bachelor's and master's programs to ~45,000 students across 30+ German campus centers and a Digital Live-Studium streaming platform, funded by tuition and supported by 10,000+ corporate partnerships.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Private Higher Education / Applied Sciences University
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Cooperative Education (Co-op) Technical Universities (EDAHAEAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Fully Online Universities (Online-First, Degree-Granting) (EDAHALAA), Online International & Cross-Border Universities (Global/Transnational Providers) (EDAHALAL), Online/Hybrid Lifelong Learning Platforms & Open Enrollment Programs (EDAAAEAL)
Keywords
Where FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Essen
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices34 records
Markets served
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Tuition Fees: The FOM is a non-profit institution. Tuition fees are charged for bachelor's and master's programs. Revenue is fully reinvested in teaching, research, modern university centers, and digital learning formats. Flexible payment plans available.
- Corporate Partnerships: Partnerships with over 10,000 companies, associations, and municipalities to support employees' and trainees' continuing education through part-time and dual study programs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Management (B.A.) - 24 monthly installments |
| Subscription | Monthly | General Bachelor and Master Programs |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels10 records
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management product offering
Product offeringCore offering
FOM is a private non-profit university of applied sciences delivering 60+ state-accredited Bachelor, Master, and doctoral programs for working professionals and high school graduates. Programs are delivered via Campus-Studium+ (in-person at 30+ German centers), Digitales Live-Studium (live-streamed interactive online lectures), dual study formats (combined with vocational training), and full-time study at the Düsseldorf campus. All programs are tuition-funded and recognized by the German state and internationally.
Product overview
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management is a higher education institution offering a portfolio of study formats and academic programs. The core offering consists of Campus-Studium+ (in-person lectures at 30+ German locations) and Digitales Live-Studium (live-streamed interactive online lectures from FOM studios). Students can choose from over 60 Bachelor and Master degree programs across six academic departments: Wirtschaft & Management, Gesundheit & Soziales, Ingenieurwesen, IT Management, Wirtschaft & Psychologie, and Wirtschaft & Recht. Programs are available in part-time (berufsbegleitend), dual (combining studies with vocational training), or full-time formats. The institution also provides international programs, the Study into the Job program for those without employment, trial lectures, an online campus platform, doctoral programs, and student advisory services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- FOM International School: International programs and study abroad opportunities for FOM students
- FOM German-Sino School
Products and services
- Campus-Studium+ (Campus Study) In-person lecture format at one of FOM's 30+ university centers across Germany, supplemented with digital learning materials (videos, podcasts, simulations). Designed for working professionals and high school graduates pursuing Bachelor or Master degrees.
- Digitales Live-Studium (Digital Live Study) Location-independent interactive online lectures streamed live from FOM's high-tech studios, with live chat and small-group interaction. Lectures are recorded and stored in a media library for on-demand review via the FOM Online-Campus.
- Duales Studium (Dual Study Program) Bachelor study program combined with vocational training, traineeship, internship, or Volontariat. Practice phases at the partner company alternate with academic lectures, delivered through Campus-Studium+ or Digital Live-Studium formats.
- Bachelor-Studium (Bachelor Programs) Over 60 accredited Bachelor degree programs covering Wirtschaft & Management, Gesundheit & Soziales, Ingenieurwesen, IT Management, Wirtschaft & Psychologie, and Wirtschaft & Recht. Designed for working professionals and Abiturienten, with no Numerus Clausus restrictions.
- Master-Studium (Master Programs) Graduate degree programs including MBA, Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Master of Laws for career advancement into leadership positions. Available in part-time formats for working professionals.
- FOM Auslandsprogramme (FOM International Programs) Compact study abroad programs at renowned partner universities in Europe, USA, Australia, Africa, and Asia, ranging from one week to three months. Available as short programs, summer schools, and semester exchanges.
- Vollzeitstudium (Full-Time Study) Full-time Bachelor program at the FOM Campus Düsseldorf, designed for Abiturienten and including an internship or semester abroad.
- FOM Promotionsprogramme (Doctoral Programs) Doctoral programs offered in collaboration with universities in Murcia (Spain) and Sopron (Hungary) for advanced academic research.
- Study into the Job Special program allowing students to begin studies without a current job, Ausbildungsplatz, traineeship, internship, or Volontariat. FOM supports participants in finding a suitable position during the first three semesters via its corporate partner network. Recognized with the Hochschulperle award by Stifterverband.
- Management (B.A.) Bachelor program specifically designed for experienced professionals with recognized advanced vocational training (Aufstiegsfortbildung), allowing direct entry into the 4th semester and completion in 4 semesters instead of 7. Total tuition 8,760 Euro paid in 24 monthly installments of 365 Euro, plus a one-time 500 Euro examination fee; tax-deductible as continuing education.
Quantifiable outcome
- >80% of bachelor's students successfully complete their studies
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Siemens AGcoreMajor technology and engineering corporation partnering with FOM for employee development through part-time and dual study programs. Siemens is part of the network of over 10,000 cooperation partners supporting FOM's mission to provide work-relevant higher education.
- Deutsche Telekom AGcoreTelecommunications giant collaborating with FOM to support employee education. Deutsche Telekom sponsors dual study positions enabling trainees to combine vocational training with university studies.
- Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaAcoreInternational media, services, and education company partnering with FOM for employee development and talent development programs.
- IBM Deutschland GmbHcoreTechnology company collaborating with FOM on employee education. IBM has specifically highlighted FOM's part-time study programs for developing engaged junior talent with high motivation and focus.
- ALDI SÜDcoreRetail company partnering with FOM to support employee career development through part-time study programs.
- Landeshauptstadt MünchencoreCity of Munich partnering with FOM as a municipal cooperation partner to support employee continuing education and development.
- Deloitte GmbHcoreProfessional services firm collaborating with FOM on employee education and development programs for staff advancement.
- thyssenkrupp AGcoreIndustrial conglomerate partnering with FOM for employee development through part-time and dual study programs.
- Deutsche Post AGcoreLogistics company collaborating with FOM for dual study programs. HR leadership has highlighted that dual students can build careers within the organization.
- Klinikum DarmstadtminorHospital supporting employees in continuing education through FOM's part-time study programs, particularly in nursing academization initiatives.
- opta data GruppeminorHealthcare services company using FOM partnerships to show career perspectives to applicants and support employee development.
- Vibe Group Deutschland GmbHminorStaffing company organizing 'Bachelor Dual Day' events with FOM for authentic recruitment connecting talents with companies.
- International Partner UniversitiesminorGlobal network of partner universities enabling students to gain international experience through study abroad programs, summer schools, and exchanges in Europe, USA, Australia, Africa, and Asia.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Hochschule Macromedia: Private German university with multiple campuses focused on business, media, and management programs; targets similar career-oriented learners and competes with FOM in dual and part-time study programs.
- Hochschule Fresenius: Private German university with multiple campuses offering bachelor's and master's programs in business, health, and design; competes with FOM for working professionals and dual-study applicants, including through digital and hybrid formats.
- BSP Business and Law School: Berlin-based private university offering business, law, and psychology programs in full-time, part-time, and dual formats; comparable private German Fachhochschule competing for working professionals and dual-study applicants.
- AKAD University: Germany's largest distance-learning university, offering part-time bachelor and master programs primarily online to working professionals; overlaps with FOM's Digital Live-Studium and continuing-education positioning.
- IU Internationale Hochschule: Germany's largest private university with a primarily online model serving working professionals; directly competes with FOM on part-time bachelor's and master's programs in business, IT, and health, with a heavier emphasis on digital delivery and lower price points.
- Hochschule Wismar (Distance Learning): Public German university with a substantial distance-learning portfolio (WINGS) targeting working professionals; competes with FOM's Digital Live-Studium offerings in business and engineering at typically lower tuition.
- FHDW Fachhochschule der Wirtschaft: Private German university of applied sciences with dual and part-time bachelor/master programs in business and technology; mirrors FOM's dual-study, corporate-partnership-driven model at smaller scale.
- SRH Hochschule: Private German university group operating multiple campuses with part-time and dual study programs aimed at working professionals; closely comparable target audience, program mix, and corporate partnership model to FOM.
Broad incumbents
- The Open University (UK): UK-based public distance-learning university offering flexible undergraduate and postgraduate programs to working professionals; long-established global benchmark for the digital, lifelong-learning model FOM is pursuing in Germany.
- Western Governors University: US online-first, competency-based nonprofit university serving working adults; provides a relevant international benchmark for FOM's digital, self-paced model scaled to tens of thousands of students.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management social profiles
Digital presenceFOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management
What does FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management do?
FOM is a private non-profit university of applied sciences delivering 60+ state-accredited Bachelor, Master, and doctoral programs for working professionals and high school graduates. Programs are delivered via Campus-Studium+ (in-person at 30+ German centers), Digitales Live-Studium (live-streamed interactive online lectures), dual study formats (combined with vocational training), and full-time study at the Düsseldorf campus. All programs are tuition-funded and recognized by the German state and internationally.
Is FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management a public or private company?
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management founded?
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management was founded in 1993.
Where is FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management based?
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management is headquartered in Essen, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Tuition Fees are the primary driver. The others are corporate Partnerships.
Who are FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Hochschule Macromedia, Hochschule Fresenius, BSP Business and Law School, AKAD University, IU Internationale Hochschule, Hochschule Wismar (Distance Learning), FHDW Fachhochschule der Wirtschaft and SRH Hochschule. Broad incumbents are The Open University (UK) and Western Governors University.
Does FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management have an API?
No public API is recorded for FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management.
What industry is FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management in?
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management's product category is Private Higher Education / Applied Sciences University. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAEAF, Cooperative Education (Co-op) Technical Universities, with a secondary code of EDAHALAA, Fully Online Universities (Online-First, Degree-Granting). Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.