BEFORE YOU APPLY

Studying at Frankfurt School means learning in an environment that combines academic knowledge with practical business perspectives. Depending on your programme, you may take part in case studies, group projects, presentations, classroom discussions, and opportunities to engage with industry professionals.

The international student community brings together people with different academic, professional and cultural backgrounds, creating opportunities to exchange perspectives and build connections beyond the classroom.

Beyond your studies, you can get involved in student initiatives, attend networking and career events, participate in sports and cultural activities, and make use of Frankfurt School's academic and student support services.

While German public universities also offer internationally recognised education, Frankfurt School has its own programme structures, tuition model, learning environment and range of student and career services.

Depending on your programme, you may benefit from:

• Practical teaching approaches and industry-relevant learning.
• International classmates and opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration.
• Career counselling, employer events and professional networking.
• Academic guidance and dedicated Study Advisors.
• Student initiatives, community activities and alumni connections.

When comparing universities, consider more than tuition fees. Look at programme content, accreditation, teaching language, career support, location and the learning environment that best suits your goals.

Its international business environment creates opportunities to engage with professionals and employers across finance, consulting, technology and other sectors.

But Frankfurt is more than a business centre. The city offers an international community, cultural events, museums, restaurants, green spaces and excellent transport connections to other parts of Germany and Europe.

Studying in Frankfurt gives you the opportunity to experience both a dynamic professional environment and life in a multicultural German city.

Frankfurt School offers a range of programmes at different stages of academic and professional development, including Bachelor's, Master's, MBA and executive education programmes.

When exploring your options, consider:

• Academic focus: Which subjects and specialisations interest you?
• Career goals: Which industries or professional roles would you like to pursue?
• Programme language: Is the programme taught in English, German or a combination?
• Duration and structure: How does the programme fit your plans?
• Admission requirements: Do you meet the academic and language requirements?
• Tuition and financing: What are the overall costs and available funding opportunities?

Each programme has its own curriculum, requirements, deadlines and application process.

However, the language of instruction and language requirements differ by programme. Some programmes or study options may require proficiency in German.

Always check the programme-specific information before applying.

Even if you study entirely in English, learning German can make everyday life easier and widen your internship and employment opportunities in Germany.

You can also attend information sessions, open days and programme events to learn more about the curriculum, the admissions process and the student experience.

Before contacting the team, it can help to consider your academic background, career interests, and any specific questions you have about programme suitability.

Frankfurt School considers programme-specific academic qualifications and other selection criteria. Depending on the programme, requirements may include previous academic performance, language proficiency, assessments, interviews or relevant professional experience.

International applicants should check whether their qualifications meet the requirements for their chosen programme.

If you are currently completing your school-leaving qualification or university degree, check whether your programme permits you to apply before receiving your final certificate and when outstanding documents must be submitted.

They may include:

• School-leaving or university degree certificates.
• Academic transcripts.
• Proof of English or German proficiency.
• CV or résumé.
• Motivation letter or personal statement.
• References, where required.
• Passport or identification document.
• Additional programme-specific documents.

Some international applicants may also need an APS certificate, depending on their country of qualification and applicable requirements. APS procedures are particularly relevant for certain applicants with qualifications from India, China and Vietnam, subject to the rules and exemptions applying to them.

If documents are not issued in an accepted language, certified translations may be required.

Check the official programme requirements carefully before submitting your application.

For English-taught programmes, applicants may need to demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted test or other evidence specified by the programme. For programmes taught partly or entirely in German, German-language proficiency may be required.

Accepted tests, minimum scores and exemptions can vary, so always refer to the specific programme requirements.

If you are unsure whether your existing qualification meets the language requirement, contact Admissions before applying.

As a private higher education institution, Frankfurt School charges tuition fees. The amount depends on your chosen programme, and payment arrangements may vary.

In addition to tuition, you should budget for everyday living expenses, including accommodation, groceries, health insurance, transport, communication, study materials and personal expenses.

As a general reference, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) estimates that students in Germany may need approximately EUR 900–EUR 1,200 per month for living expenses, depending on location and lifestyle. Frankfurt can be relatively expensive, particularly for accommodation. 

These living costs are separate from Frankfurt School's tuition fees. The financial amount required for a student visa may also differ from your actual monthly expenses.

For example, Frankfurt School scholarship programme for full-time Bachelor's students includes tuition reductions based on criteria such as academic performance, admissions performance, background, motivation and engagement. Current scholarship categories include general merit, diversity, entrepreneurship, global talent and other areas. 

You may also explore external funding opportunities, including:

• Deutschlandstipendium: A merit-based scholarship supported by the German government and private sponsors, providing €300 per month to selected students.
• DAAD scholarships: Funding opportunities for international students and graduates, with eligibility depending on the particular programme, nationality and academic level.
• Foundations and corporate scholarships: Opportunities offered by external organisations, sometimes linked to academic achievement, social engagement or specific fields of study.

Not every scholarship is available for every degree programme or nationality. Check the eligibility requirements, application process and deadlines carefully.

Frankfurt School provides information on tuition payment arrangements, scholarships, student loans, and other financing models. Some funding options are restricted by nationality, residency status, or prior education.

For example, certain German student loan programmes are not available to international students. Frankfurt School also provides information about specific financing options for eligible US students. 

Before making financial commitments, review your programme's tuition schedule and contact the relevant Frankfurt School team if you need clarification about payment arrangements or financing eligibility.

Germany has well-developed public transport and healthcare systems, a wide range of cultural activities and opportunities to travel throughout Europe.

However, some everyday processes may be different from those in your home country.

For example, you may need to become familiar with:

• Accommodation: Finding housing can take time, especially in larger cities.
• Registration: Residents generally need to register their address after moving in.
• Health insurance: Valid health insurance is compulsory.
• Administration: Some official procedures require appointments and supporting documents.
• Everyday habits: Many shops close on Sundays, recycling is common, and rental and service contracts require careful attention.

You do not need to understand everything before arriving. Frankfurt School's international student resources will help you prepare for these practical steps.

However, learning German can make a significant difference to your experience.

German can help you communicate with neighbours, landlords and local authorities, participate in social activities and become more confident in everyday situations.

It can also expand your career opportunities. While some companies and teams operate in English, many employers require or prefer German proficiency.

Frankfurt School offers weekly German-language courses at different levels, including Business German, as well as intensive courses during semester breaks. 

EU/EEA and Swiss students generally have broad access to the German labour market. Students from other countries are subject to specific employment conditions under German immigration law.

Working-student positions, internships and part-time jobs can help you gain professional experience, develop workplace skills and build connections with employers.

Frankfurt School's Career Services supports students with career counselling, application preparation, employer events and networking opportunities. 

Germany also offers post-graduation residence pathways for eligible international graduates seeking qualified employment.

For more detailed information about working during your studies and transitioning into employment after graduation, explore our dedicated Careers in Germany section.