FHM University of Applied Sciences

What FHM University of Applied Sciences does

FHM (Fachhochschule des Mittelstands) University of Applied Sciences is a private, state-approved German university founded in 2000 and headquartered in Bielefeld. The institution operates 9 physical campuses across Germany (Bielefeld, Berlin, Bamberg, Hannover, Köln, Frechen, Düren, Rostock, Waldshut) plus a fully digital FHM Online-University, delivering Bachelor, Master, Doctoral (DBA), and continuing education programs across six subject areas: Business, Education & Social Sciences, Psychology, Health & Sports, Technology, and Media & Communication. A core differentiator is NC-free (no numerus clausus) admission combined with multiple flexible study formats — full-time, part-time (berufsbegleitend), distance learning (Fernstudium), dual/trial study, and Kombi-Studium — supported by a three-tier student advisory system and the Studifinder diagnostic tool for prospective students.

The business model is a monthly recurring subscription with tuition fees ranging from €281.25 to €765 per student per month depending on program and format, generating predictable cash flow over multi-year program durations. The technology stack centers on the TraiNex campus management system, the 24/7 LAICA AI chatbot for distance learning support, the mandatory 'KI in Theorie & Praxis' AI module integrated into all programs, ZFU-certified distance learning materials, and the virtual live lecture platform (Virtueller Hörsaal). Regulatory positioning is exceptionally strong: Wissenschaftsrat institutional accreditation (since 2007, re-accredited October 2017), FIBAA system accreditation (since July 2019 enabling self-accreditation), ZFU distance learning certification, and Certqua continuing education certification.

FHM serves a distributed customer base of high school graduates, working professionals seeking upskilling, dual study students combining vocational training with academic degrees, non-traditional students without Abitur, secondary school students (YOUniversity), and Bundeswehr veterans. The institution reports 99% graduate employment or further-study outcomes, 83% student recommendation rates (StudyCheck), Best Business School recognition (Deutschland-Test 2025, 37,000 customer voices), and Top Fernstudienanbieter 2026 status (FernstudiumCheck, 12,238 reviews). Distribution is entirely direct-to-consumer via digital tools, campus advisory, online application, and an extensive calendar of info events and open days.

Name

FHM University of Applied Sciences

Legal name

Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM)

Website

https://fh-mittelstand.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

FHM University of Applied Sciences is a private German university founded in 2000, operating 9 physical campuses plus a digital Online-University and offering NC-free Bachelor, Master, Doctoral, and continuing education programs across business, social sciences, health, technology, and media to high school graduates, working professionals, and dual study students in Germany.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education Services

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Applied Research & Innovation Universities (EDAHAEAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Online Divisions of Traditional Universities (Hybrid/Extension) (EDAHALAB), Online/Hybrid Lifelong Learning Platforms & Open Enrollment Programs (EDAAAEAL)

Keywords

• Higher education services
• Bachelor master programs
• Distance learning programs
• Dual study programs
• Professional continuing education

Headquarters

HQ city

Bielefeld

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees: Monthly tuition fees ranging from €281.25 to €765 per month depending on program and study format (full-time, part-time, distance). Fees are structured monthly over the study duration, providing predictable recurring revenue. Top-Up/Aufbaustudium programs offer 50% time and cost savings.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

FHM University of Applied Sciences is a private, state-approved, non-profit higher education institution offering practice-oriented Bachelor, Master, Doctoral, and Continuing Education programs across six subject areas (Wirtschaft, Pädagogik & Soziales, Psychologie, Gesundheit & Sport, Technologie, Medien & Kommunikation). Programs are delivered through 9 physical German campuses plus a fully digital FHM Online-University in flexible formats including full-time (Vollzeit), part-time (berufsbegleitend), distance learning (Fernstudium), dual/trial study, and Kombi-Studium. The university operates on a monthly subscription-style tuition model and integrates a mandatory AI module (KI in Theorie & Praxis) into all programs.

Product overview

FHM University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule des Mittelstands) offers a comprehensive higher education portfolio consisting of Bachelor, Master, Doctoral, and Continuing Education programs across six subject areas: Wirtschaft, Pädagogik & Soziales, Psychologie, Gesundheit & Sport, Technologie, and Medien & Kommunikation. The institution provides flexible study formats including Vollzeit (full-time), Berufsbegleitend (part-time), Fernstudium (distance learning via the FHM Online-University), and Duales/Triales Studium (integrated work-study programs). Key offerings include the FHM Online-University platform, the Studifinder tool, YOUniversity for pre-university students, and the Top-Up accelerated programs. The university integrates AI education through the mandatory 'KI in Theorie & Praxis' module across all programs and supports students through a three-tier support system. Unique study formats include Kombi-Studium (blending campus, virtual live, and self-study), dual/trial studies combining apprenticeships with academic degrees, and the FHM.Blog content platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FHM Online-University: Digital campus platform for online and distance learning programs.
• FHM International
• FHM Campus
• YOUniversity
• Health University
• FHM.Kompass

Products and services

• Bachelor Programs Undergraduate degree programs (B.A., B.Sc., B.Eng.) across six subject areas: Wirtschaft (Business), Pädagogik & Soziales, Psychologie, Gesundheit & Sport, Technologie, and Medien & Kommunikation. Available in Vollzeit (full-time), Berufsbegleitend (part-time), Fernstudium (distance learning), and Duales/Triales formats. For prospective and current students.
• Master Programs Graduate degree programs (M.A., M.Sc., MMA) including Digital Transformation Management, Cyber Security, Berufspädagogik, Psychologie, Physician Assistance, and Strategische Kommunikation & Digitales Marketing. Available in full-time, part-time, and distance learning formats.
• Doctoral Programs (Promotion) Doctoral program including Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) offered in part-time format for professional advancement. Targets working professionals pursuing doctoral-level qualifications.
• Continuing Education (Weiterbildung) Professional development and continuing education programs including academic Weiterbildungen, modular studies (Modulstudium), and corporate training offerings. Certqua-certified for quality standards. Targets working professionals and corporate clients.
• FHM Online-University (Fernstudium) Digital campus and distance learning platform offering flexible, location-independent study with 100% online learning, personal support, and access to digital learning materials. ZFU-certified programs with up to 6 months free extension option. Targets students seeking flexible, fully online study.
• YOUniversity (Schülerstudium) Pre-university program for students aged 15-18 in Sekundarstufe II, allowing them to explore university topics and earn ECTS credits before completing secondary school. Fully online and flexible. Targets upper secondary school students.
• Top-Up Study Program (Aufbaustudium) Accelerated bachelor's program for individuals with completed vocational training. Recognizes prior training content, reducing study duration by up to 50%. Covers commercial, creative, educational, healthcare, and technical professions. Targets vocationally qualified adults without traditional Abitur.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99% of FHM graduates are employed or in further education after graduation
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Numerous Craft/Trade Chambers (Handwerkskammern)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFHM collaborates with multiple Handwerkskammern (craft and trade chambers) across Germany as key cooperation partners for the triale Studium (Handwerksmanagement) and other dual programs, enabling the integrated acquisition of Geselle/Gesellin, Meisterbrief, and Bachelor degree.
• Numerous Mittelstand Companies and Businesses (Mittelständische Unternehmen)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFHM maintains a broad network of Mittelstand (mid-sized enterprise) partners across Germany for student practice phases (SiP – Studium in der Praxis), dual study placements, and collaborative projects. These partners provide students with real-world work experience and serve as potential employers for graduates.
• Kooperationsfachschulen, Fachakademien und Berufskollegs (Partner Vocational Schools)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFHM partners with cooperating vocational schools, academies, and Berufskollegs to deliver dual study programs in areas such as Social Pedagogy (for Erzieher*innen), Therapy (Ergotherapie, Logopädie, Physiotherapie), and Health (Pflege). These partnerships enable simultaneous dual qualifications (vocational + academic).
• ADAC Nordrhein e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFHM collaborated with ADAC Nordrhein e.V. on a student project at the ADAC RAVENOL 24h-Rennen at the Nürburgring, giving students hands-on event management and sports marketing experience.
• RTL AdAllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFHM alumna Katharina Blennemann works at RTL AdAlliance, with the partnership evidenced through campus event participation (OMKI conference) and alumni career story content. Serves as a career outcome and industry connection reference.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• FernUniversität in Hagen: Germany's only state-owned distance learning university, offering a broad portfolio of Bachelor, Master, and doctoral programs. Comparable as a broader incumbent in the same distance-learning category with much larger scale and lower tuition.

Direct peers

• BSP Business and Law School: Private German business school with campuses in Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich offering Bachelor, Master, and dual programs. Comparable to FHM in private UAS positioning, multi-campus model, and business-focused program portfolio.
• Hochschule Macromedia: Private German UAS with multiple campuses offering Bachelor and Master programs in media, management, and creative fields. Comparable to FHM in scope of program portfolio and campus-based private UAS model.
• Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule: One of Germany's largest private Fernhochschulen, offering technology, business, and design programs via distance learning. Comparable to FHM's distance learning portfolio, ZFU certification, and working-professional focus.
• IU Internationale Hochschule: Germany's largest private university with dual on-campus and online degree programs across business, tech, health, and design. Directly comparable to FHM as a private, accredited UAS offering flexible Bachelor and Master programs in multiple formats.
• AKAD University: Private German distance learning university offering accredited Bachelor, Master, and continuing education programs. Directly comparable to FHM Online-University as a ZFU-certified Fernstudium provider targeting working professionals.
• Europäische Fernhochschule Hamburg: Private German distance learning university offering flexible Bachelor and Master programs with monthly fee models. Comparable to FHM Online-University in subscription-style tuition, Fernstudium format, and target student segments.
• SRH Hochschule: Part of the SRH group, a private German UAS with multiple campuses offering full-time and part-time Bachelor and Master programs. Comparable to FHM in multi-campus operations and private UAS positioning.
• FOM Hochschule: Private German UAS focused on working professionals via berufsbegleitende and dual study formats, with multi-city campus presence. Highly comparable to FHM's target segment of working professionals and fee-for-service degree model.
• Hochschule Fresenius: Private German UAS with multiple campuses offering Bachelor, Master, and dual programs across business, health, design, and chemistry. Comparable to FHM in scale, multi-campus model, and practice-oriented program portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/FHMittelstand
• Facebookfacebook.com/fhdesmittelstands
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fachhochschule-des-mittelstands-fhm-gmbh
• Instagraminstagram.com/fhdesmittelstands
• TikToktiktok.com/@fhmittelstand?lang=de-DE
• Xx.com/fhmittelstand

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about FHM University of Applied Sciences