Institution Overview: Germany’s Largest Private University of Applied Sciences
The FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management (FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management) was established in 1993 in Essen, North Rhine‑Westphalia, and has since grown into Germany‘s largest private university – currently educating more than 57,000 students. With its headquarters in Essen and more than 30 study centres located in major German cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich, as well as international campuses in Vienna and Luxembourg, FOM offers a unique blend of flexibility, academic excellence and strong corporate integration. Designed specifically for working professionals, FOM combines academic theory with hands‑on practice, enabling students to earn a state‑recognized degree while continuing their careers. diplomaget.com/fom-diploma…
What an FOM Urkunde Represents
The term Urkunde refers to the official degree certificate awarded by FOM upon successful completion of a Bachelor‘s, Master‘s or MBA programme. This document is a legally binding certificate of academic achievement, attesting that the holder has successfully completed the required coursework, passed all examinations and fulfilled all degree requirements. The FOM Urkunde is issued with a final grade, lists the title of the degree and includes the official seal and signatures of university representatives. In addition to the Urkunde, students receive a Diploma Supplement – an internationally standardized document that provides detailed information about the nature, level, context, content and status of the studies completed, as well as the grade obtained. This Diploma Supplement greatly enhances the international recognition of FOM degrees and facilitates academic and professional mobility across borders.
Triple Accreditation: State Recognition, German Science Council & FIBAA
FOM‘s academic credentials are backed by a robust framework of official recognitions. The university received state recognition from the Ministry of Science and Research of North Rhine‑Westphalia in 1993. In 2004, it was accredited by Germany‘s most important academic advisory body – the German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat) . This accreditation confirms that FOM meets the highest quality standards for German higher education institutions. Furthermore, all degree programmes have been successfully evaluated by the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) , which ensures compliance with European quality standards in business and management education. This triple‑layered accreditation system guarantees that an FOM Urkunde holds the same academic value as degrees from German public universities and is fully recognized by employers and academic institutions worldwide.
Dual German‑Chinese Recognition & Sino‑German Partnerships
For Chinese students, FOM‘s degrees hold particular significance. Under the Sino‑German Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications, signed by the governments of the People‘s Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Germany in April 2002, the Bachelor‘s and Master‘s degrees awarded by FOM are officially recognized by the Chinese government. FOM maintains long‑standing partnerships with more than 40 Chinese universities, including Shanxi University of Finance and Economics (SXUFE), Shandong University of Science and Technology and Taiyuan University of Technology. The Sino‑German College at SXUFE, established in 2002, has successfully passed evaluations by both the Chinese Ministry of Education and the German FIBAA, demonstrating the high quality and mutual recognition of the joint programmes. This strong Sino‑German cooperation ensures that FOM graduates have seamless pathways for career development both in China and internationally.
Practice‑Oriented Curriculum & Dual Study Model
FOM‘s educational philosophy is firmly rooted in practical relevance. All degree programmes are developed in close collaboration with industry partners, ensuring that the curriculum reflects current market demands. The university‘s renowned dual study model allows students to work at partner companies for three to four days a week while attending academic courses at FOM for one to two days. This approach enables students to immediately apply theoretical knowledge to real‑world business challenges, significantly enhancing their employability upon graduation. Additionally, FOM has been a member of the German Science Foundation‘s Quality Network for Dual Study Programmes, further validating its excellence in combining academic education with practical training. The university is also recognized as a best‑practice university in the UNESCO decade of education for sustainable development.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
FOM graduates are highly sought after in the German and international job markets. The university has a strong network of alumni, with many going on to successful careers in finance, consulting, information technology, business intelligence, cybersecurity and other industries. Over 96 percent of students have recommended FOM to others, a testament to the university‘s high level of student satisfaction. FOM‘s practical, industry‑integrated approach, combined with its strong corporate partnerships, ensures that graduates are well‑prepared for leadership roles in multinational corporations and global organizations.
Tuition & Admission Requirements
FOM offers highly competitive tuition fees, making German private higher education accessible to a wide range of students. Bachelor‘s programmes start at approximately €3,521 per year, while Master‘s programmes range from €10,800 to €14,400 for the entire programme, payable in convenient monthly instalments (e.g. €400–€600 per month). An enrolment fee of approximately €1,580 is also applicable.
For international applicants, admission requirements include:
- A recognized university entrance qualification (e.g. high school diploma for Bachelor‘s programmes, a first academic degree for Master‘s programmes)
- English language proficiency at B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), typically demonstrated by IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 70–80 or equivalent
- Some Master‘s programmes may also require a written entrance examination or an oral admission test
FOM Urkunde vs. Certificate: Understanding the Difference
It is important to distinguish between two types of credentials awarded by FOM. The University Degree (Urkunde) is a full academic degree granted upon completion of a Bachelor‘s, Master‘s or MBA programme. These programmes typically require 180 ECTS credits for Bachelor‘s degrees and 120 ECTS credits for Master‘s degrees. In contrast, a University Certificate (Zertifikat) is awarded for completing shorter, focused courses – for example, a 6‑month certificate programme in Intercultural Management (10 ECTS). Both credentials are official FOM documents that carry significant weight in the German and international job markets, but only the Urkunde qualifies the holder for higher academic degrees (such as a PhD) and for senior professional roles that require a full academic degree.
Global Recognition & Mobility
FOM degrees are fully recognized for academic and professional purposes internationally. Graduates can have their credentials authenticated for use in their home countries through standard legalization or apostille procedures. The university‘s membership in international networks and its partnerships with universities across Europe, Asia and beyond provide students with exchange opportunities and global networking possibilities. Whether pursuing a full academic degree (Urkunde) or a specialized certificate (Zertifikat), FOM delivers a globally respected credential tailored to the needs of modern working professionals.
