FOM University of Applied Sciences

What FOM University of Applied Sciences does

FOM University of Applied Sciences (legal entity: FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management gemeinnützige Gesellschaft mbH) is a private, non-profit German university of applied sciences headquartered in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, and operating as an initiative of the Foundation BildungsCentrum der Wirtschaft (BCW). Founded in 1993 and state-recognised by the Ministry of Science and Research of North Rhine-Westphalia (renewed July 2020 for ten years), FOM delivers English-language Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes across four German campuses — Essen, Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich — serving approximately 45,000 students drawn from 118 nations, taught by 1,500 professors and lecturers, and supported by a graduate base exceeding 100,000 alumni.

The product portfolio comprises three Bachelor's programmes (Computer Science & Digital Technologies; International Business Management; Mechanical Engineering & Digital Technologies), six Master's programmes and MBAs (Big Data & Business Analytics; Digital Technologies & Management; Business Administration International Management MBA; Engineering & Management; Automotive Systems Engineering & Management; Business Administration Artificial Intelligence MBA), and an eight-week Preparation Course for Bachelor programmes. Tuition is paid in multi-instalment contracts tied to individual programme enrolment (€2,750 preparation course; ~€27,500 bachelor's; €18,750–€23,850 master's). FOM's technology stack centres on a proprietary Online Campus platform for course management, exam registration, and student collaboration, supplemented by Google Cloud CDN, Google Analytics, Matomo, Facebook Pixel, Google Ads, Google ReCaptcha, and YouTube for delivery, analytics, security, and marketing.

Revenue is generated almost entirely from tuition fees under a direct-to-consumer and consultative field-sales motion: prospective international students apply via the website (fom-international.com) and email, are processed by the International Office within 24 hours, and are supported end-to-end — pre-departure webinars, orientation, accommodation help, buddy pairing — through campus-based admissions teams. Employer engagement flows through the Career Centre and a network of over 10,000 corporate cooperation partners (BMW, Siemens, Deutsche Telekom, IBM, Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, E.ON, thyssenkrupp, BP, HSBC, Lufthansa), which supply internships, dissertations, and graduate placement. The institution holds institutional accreditation from the German Council of Science and Humanities (2004) and was the first private university in Germany to receive FIBAA system accreditation (2012). As a non-profit gGmbH, FOM reinvests surpluses and discloses no external funding rounds or investors.

Name

FOM University of Applied Sciences

Legal name

FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management gemeinnützige Gesellschaft mbH

Website

https://fom-international.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Short description

FOM University of Applied Sciences is a private, non-profit German university delivering English-language Bachelor's and Master's programmes across four German campuses to 45,000 international students from 118 nations, generating revenue through programme-based tuition supported by a 10,000+ employer network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Polytechnic & Applied Sciences Universities (EDAHAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Universities with Specialized Engineering Domains (EDAHAEAI), Online Technology & Computer Science Universities (EDAHALAH), University-Affiliated Pathway & Foundation Programs (EDAIAJAA)

Keywords

• Higher education
• Bachelor degree programs
• Master degree programs
• International student recruitment
• University of applied sciences

Headquarters

HQ city

Essen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees - Bachelor Degree Programmes: FOM generates revenue primarily through tuition fees for its internationally-oriented bachelor's degree programmes. Fees are charged per programme and structured in instalment plans across multiple semesters. Total programme fees range from approximately €27,500, payable in multiple instalments (deposit, per-semester payments).
2. Tuition Fees - Master Degree Programmes: Revenue from master's degree programmes including MBA and M.Sc. programmes. Total fees range from €18,750 (Business Administration International Management MBA) to €23,850 (Automotive Systems Engineering & Management M.Sc.), structured in multiple instalments across semesters.
3. Preparation Course Fees: Fees charged for the eight-week preparation course for bachelor programmes, designed for students whose school qualifications are not directly recognised in Germany. Fee is €2,750 for the programme.
4. Student Placement and Recruitment Services: FOM cooperates with over 10,000 companies and institutions, providing students with internship, dissertation placement, and job placement opportunities. These partnerships may generate revenue through placement services and strengthen the institution's recruitment value proposition.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

FOM University of Applied Sciences is a private, non-profit higher education institution that delivers English-language bachelor's and master's degree programmes in business, engineering, and technology to international students at four German campuses (Essen, Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich). The core offering is tuition-funded academic instruction across three bachelor's programmes, six master's programmes (including MBAs), and a preparation course, supported by an International Office that provides admissions, visa, accommodation, and career placement services through a network of over 10,000 company cooperation partners.

Product overview

FOM University of Applied Sciences is a higher education institution offering a portfolio of internationally recognized Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes taught in English. The product portfolio includes three Bachelor's programmes (Computer Science & Digital Technologies, International Business Management, Mechanical Engineering & Digital Technologies), six Master's programmes (Big Data & Business Analytics, Digital Technologies & Management, Business Administration International Management, Engineering & Management, Automotive Systems Engineering & Management, Business Administration Artificial Intelligence), and a Preparation Course for Bachelor programmes. All programmes combine academic knowledge with practical, industry-relevant skills and are accredited by German and international accreditation bodies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Computer Science & Digital Technologies (B.Sc.) A 6-semester English-language Bachelor's programme combining fundamental computer science with practical applications in modern IT environments, covering programming, database management, cybersecurity, AI, and agile project management using tools such as SAP, Python, and SciKit Learn. Aimed at international students pursuing undergraduate IT and digital technology education.
• International Business Management (B.Sc.) An English-language Bachelor's programme combining business administration foundations with intercultural skills, covering finance, marketing, human resources, project management, sustainability, and AI-driven transformation for global careers. Targeted at international prospective students seeking an undergraduate business degree.
• Mechanical Engineering & Digital Technologies (B.Eng.) A 6-semester Bachelor's programme combining fundamental engineering knowledge with digital technologies in product development and production processes, covering industrial data management, production process simulation, and digital twins. Aimed at international prospective students pursuing undergraduate engineering education.
• Preparation Course for Bachelor Programmes An eight-week preparatory programme strengthening skills in mathematics and physics, teaching basic German (A1 level), and developing intercultural competencies to prepare students for the FOM entrance exam and Bachelor's studies. Aimed at international applicants whose school qualifications are not directly recognised in Germany.
• Big Data & Business Analytics (M.Sc.) A 4-semester English-language Master's programme teaching students to analyse and evaluate large and heterogeneous data sets and apply them in a business context, covering SQL, R, Python, data mining, neural networks, and business intelligence. Aimed at international graduates seeking analytics-focused postgraduate education.
• Digital Technologies & Management (M.Sc.) A 4-semester English-language Master's programme combining business and management knowledge with expertise in digital transformation, covering Industry 4.0, AI, IoT, Big Data, cloud computing, and smart production technologies. Aimed at international graduates pursuing management roles in digital industries.
• Business Administration International Management (MBA) A 3-semester English-language MBA programme providing in-depth specialist knowledge across economics, marketing, financial management, business law, and digitalisation for international management roles. Aimed at international professionals seeking postgraduate management qualifications.
• Engineering & Management (M.Sc.) A Master's programme preparing students for technical and management roles in global industry, covering technology management, innovation, change processes, and digital tools in industrial engineering and product development. Aimed at international engineering graduates moving into management roles.
• Automotive Systems Engineering & Management (M.Sc.) A 4-semester English-language Master's programme preparing professionals for the automotive and mobility industry, covering electric powertrains, battery technologies, connected vehicles, autonomous systems, AI, and software-defined vehicle architectures. Aimed at international graduates targeting automotive sector careers.
• Business Administration Artificial Intelligence (MBA) An English-language MBA combining core management expertise with a future-focused Artificial Intelligence specialisation, covering AI methods, data science, deep learning, and ethical frameworks for AI-driven leadership. Aimed at international professionals seeking management roles with AI expertise.
• International Business Management (M.Sc.) New Master's programme in International Business Management announced to start in winter semester 2026 at FOM Campus Frankfurt, serving international students in Germany's financial capital.

Quantifiable outcome

• 45,000 students from 118 nations enrolled across all programmes
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Siemens AktiengesellschaftcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSiemens is one of the over 10,000 cooperation partners providing FOM students with internship, placement, and career opportunities. The partnership reflects FOM's integration with major German industrial corporations and supports the institution's career-focused curriculum.
• Deutsche Telekom AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeutsche Telekom is among the over 10,000 cooperation partners offering FOM students practical exposure, company visits, and recruitment opportunities across technology and telecommunications sectors.
• BMW GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBMW Group is a key cooperation partner of FOM, providing student placement opportunities and supporting the Automotive Systems Engineering & Management M.Sc. programme through industry input and potential recruitment.
• IBM Deutschland GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIBM is listed among FOM's major cooperation partners, supporting technology-focused programmes and offering career opportunities to students in data analytics, AI, and digital transformation specialisations.
• thyssenkrupp AGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partnerthyssenkrupp is a cooperation partner providing engineering-focused students with placement and career opportunities, aligned with FOM's Mechanical Engineering & Digital Technologies and Engineering & Management programmes.
• BP DeutschlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBP is listed among FOM's major cooperation partners, offering energy-sector placement opportunities and industry exposure for students in relevant engineering and business programmes.
• Deloitte GmbH WirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaftcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeloitte is a major cooperation partner of FOM, providing consulting and audit-focused students with career opportunities, company visits, and guest lectures.
• KPMG AG WirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaftcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKPMG is a cooperation partner offering placement and recruitment opportunities for FOM students in accounting, finance, and business administration programmes.
• HSBC Trinkaus & Burkhardt GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHSBC Trinkaus & Burkhardt is a cooperation partner providing banking and finance sector exposure and career opportunities for FOM students in business and finance programmes.
• E.ON Energie Deutschland GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerE.ON is a key cooperation partner, particularly for engineering and energy-focused programmes. E.ON is headquartered in Essen where FOM's main campus is located, providing geographic proximity advantages.
• Lufthansa GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLufthansa Group is listed among FOM's major cooperation partners, offering aviation and logistics sector career opportunities for students across relevant business and management programmes.
• PwC PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPwC is a cooperation partner providing career opportunities in audit, tax, and consulting for FOM students, with company visits and potential recruitment for International Business Management and MBA programmes.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• GISMA Business School: Private German business school with campuses in Berlin and Hannover offering English-taught bachelor's, master's, and MBA programmes. Closely comparable to FOM on international student recruitment, English-language delivery, and business/management curriculum.
• Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI): Private Berlin-based institution delivering English-taught business, tech, and creative programmes to an international student body. Directly comparable to FOM on Berlin campus presence, English-medium delivery, and international student value proposition.
• Constructor University: Private English-language university in Bremen offering STEM and business programmes with a strongly international student body. Comparable to FOM on English-medium instruction, practice-oriented STEM focus, and international recruitment model.
• IU International University of Applied Sciences: Germany's largest private university of applied sciences with a strong international, English-language programme portfolio and large remote/online student base. Directly competes with FOM for international students seeking practice-oriented business, tech, and engineering degrees in Germany.
• SRH Hochschule: Private German university of applied sciences (formerly SRH Hochschule Heidelberg and other campuses) offering practice-oriented bachelor's and master's programmes, including English-taught international tracks. Closely comparable to FOM on applied-sciences positioning and STEM/business mix.
• Hochschule Fresenius: One of Germany's largest private universities of applied sciences with multiple campuses and a portfolio spanning business, technology, health, and design. Targets similar practice-oriented students and competes with FOM on employer-relevant programmes.
• EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht: Private German university focused on business and law, with English-language programmes and an international student base. Directly comparable to FOM's business-administration and management offerings and competitive set within private German higher education.
• Hochschule Macromedia: Private German university of applied sciences with multiple campuses offering practice-oriented bachelor's and master's programmes in business, management, media, and technology. Comparable to FOM on applied-sciences positioning, multi-campus footprint, and STEM/business mix.

Broad incumbents

• WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management: Well-established German private business school with strong international reputation offering bachelor's, master's, MBA, and executive programmes. Competes with FOM in the business/management segment but operates as a broader, more research-focused incumbent rather than a polytechnic.

Emerging players

• CODE University of Applied Sciences: Private Berlin-based university focused on software engineering, product development, and digital skills with an interdisciplinary project-based curriculum. Partial overlap with FOM's Computer Science & Digital Technologies B.Sc. and tech-focused master's offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/fomuniversity
• Instagraminstagram.com/fom.international/?igsh=ODR0OWRwaG83MGZ6#

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 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 FOM University of Applied Sciences