Foundation Year
Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is your perfect start at Frankfurt School!
Over the course of two semesters, you will prepare specifically for one of our three bachelor’s programmes and gain a solid foundation in mathematics, economics and English.
Our tailored curriculum, practical learning content and access to an innovative learning environment prepare you perfectly for a smooth transition into one of our bachelor’s programmes.
This programme is perfect for you if you are motivated to strengthen your academic foundation, improve your English skills and prepare yourself for student life in Germany.
Degree
Direct Entry into Frankfurt School's Bachelor Programmes
Language
English
Duration
Full-time | 2 Semesters
Tuition Fee
€14,000
+ 100 € application fee, 600 € enrolment fee
Application Deadline
31 May 2027
Rolling admissions. Apply & receive your decision early.
Start Date
September 2027
The Foundation Year is your perfect start at Frankfurt School!
Over the course of two semesters, you will prepare specifically for one of our three bachelor’s programmes and gain a solid foundation in mathematics, economics and English.
Our tailored curriculum, practical learning content and access to an innovative learning environment prepare you perfectly for a smooth transition into one of our bachelor’s programmes.
This programme is perfect for you if you are motivated to strengthen your academic foundation, improve your English skills and prepare yourself for student life in Germany.
Focus & Format
Target Group
The Foundation Year is for students not yet eligible for Frankfurt School’s Bachelor programmes, who wish to strengthen skills in math, economics, or English, or need time to adjust to studying and living in Germany before starting their degree.
This programme is perfect for you if you:
- You do not yet feel fully confident in mathematics and statistics
- Your school did not offer courses in business or data science
- You are moving to Germany for the first time and would like a “soft landing” – both academically and culturally
- If you just missed direct entry to the Bachelor, this is where you build a solid foundation
Study Model
The one-year programme (two semesters) is taught entirely in English. In the second semester, you can choose one of three concentrations that will perfectly prepare you for one of our three bachelor’s programmes.
Focus & Format
Target Group
The Foundation Year is for students not yet eligible for Frankfurt School’s Bachelor programmes, who wish to strengthen skills in math, economics, or English, or need time to adjust to studying and living in Germany before starting their degree.
This programme is perfect for you if you:
- You do not yet feel fully confident in mathematics and statistics
- Your school did not offer courses in business or data science
- You are moving to Germany for the first time and would like a “soft landing” – both academically and culturally
- If you just missed direct entry to the Bachelor, this is where you build a solid foundation
Study Model
The one-year programme (two semesters) is taught entirely in English. In the second semester, you can choose one of three concentrations that will perfectly prepare you for one of our three bachelor’s programmes.
Programme Highlights
- Tailored curriculum to suit individual student needs, ensuring a smooth transition to our bachelor programmes
- Dedicated mentoring and advisory services to guide students throughout their journey
- Solid foundational courses in Mathematics, Economics, and Business Studies to equip students for future academic challenges
- Promotes language skills and academic performance
- Access to Frankfurt School‘s state- of-the-art campus facilities and resources, providing a conducive learning environment
APPLICATION PROCESS
Online-Application
Assessment Centre
Admission Decision
Programme Start
Admission Requirements
If you would like to apply for the Foundation Year, we need the following:
- Recognised Secondary School Leaving Certificate (that qualifies you for university studies in the country where you graduated) or your two most recent transcripts.
- Motivational Letter (optional but recommended)
- CV / résumé
- Passport or ID card (scan)
- Successful completion of our Online Assessment Centre, which includes a test assessing quantitative, verbal and figural reasoning skills, as well as analytical and critical thinking abilities, an English language assessment to determine your proficiency level, and a personal interview.
Assessment Centre
Once you have ensured that you meet the admission requirements for the Foundation Year, you can start your application via our online application form.
You will need to upload the following supporting documents:
- A recognised secondary school diploma* (Abitur, IB Diploma, US High School Diploma, A-Levels, European Baccalaureate, etc.)
- An optional letter of motivation (maximum 500 words)
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV, résumé)
- A copy of your passport or ID card
- Additional documents, if applicable (e.g. references or letters of recommendation, certificates, awards, extracurricular activities)
*Please note that payment of the EUR 100 application fee is required before your application can be processed.
At Frankfurt School, there is no numerus clausus (NC). Successful applicants will be invited to an Online Assessment Centre (AC).
We operate rolling admissions, allowing you to receive an admission decision before the application deadline.
If you do not meet the general admission requirements, you may still be eligible to apply under a recent change in German law. Please contact us for further information.
Note for neurodiverse applicants, applicants with disabilities, or chronic health conditions
To ensure that we can provide early advice and support (for example, when applying for additional time during the Assessment Center), please contact us or the Officer for Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses as early as possible prior to your scheduled Assessment Centre. Further information can be found on our website under Life and Health Counseling.
You can select the AC date that suits you best as part of your application.
The following dates are currently available:
- 18 November 2026
- 10 December 2026
- 18 January 2027
The online Assessment Centre consists of the following parts:
- Quantitative problem-solving
- Figural problem-solving
- Text analysis and reading comprehension
- Analysis of graphs and tables
- English language proficiency assessment
- Structured interview
Practice questions to help you prepare for the Assessment Centre are available on the test provider’s website.
For the Assessment Centre, you may use a calculator of your choice without internet access, as well as blank sheets of paper for taking notes.
In addition to your test results, your motivation and commitment are key factors in the admission decision.
All Assessment Centre sessions are conducted online. Please note that your application must be submitted at least two weeks before your preferred Assessment Centre date.
Curriculum
Mathematics I
Introduction to Statistics I
Skills for Academic Success
Foundational Academic Skills
Mathematics I
Introduction to Statistics I
Skills for Academic Success
Foundational Academic Skills
Exploring Economic Systems and Concepts
Reasoning and Critical Thinking
Principles of Data-centric Thinking
Exploring Economic Systems and Concepts
Reasoning and Critical Thinking
Principles of Data-centric Thinking
Mathematics II
Introduction to Statistics II
Academic Writing and Speaking
Professional Competencies for Leadership and Collaboration
Mathematics II
Introduction to Statistics II
Academic Writing and Speaking
Professional Competencies for Leadership and Collaboration
CHOOSE ONE CONCENTRATION
CHOOSE ONE CONCENTRATION
Business Administration
Introduction to Business Administration
Foundations of Economics
Philosophy and Economics
Ethics, Science and Society
Foundations of Economics
Data Science
Foundations of Data Science
Data Science Lab
Business Administration
Philosophy and Economics
Data Science
Introduction to Business Administration
Ethics, Science and Society
Foundations of Data Science
Foundations of Economics
Foundations of Economics
Data Science Lab
18.7
26
30%
70%
24%
13%
19%
13%
31%
FAQ about Foundation Year
No. Our Foundation Year is Frankfurt School’s own preparatory programme, not a state Studienkolleg. Successful completion guarantees admission to one of our Bachelor of Science programmes. Other universities decide independently whether they recognise the Foundation Year.
Currently, we do not offer scholarships specifically for the Foundation Year. However, with excellent grades and strong extracurricular engagement during the programme, you may qualify for merit scholarships that can help finance part of your subsequent bachelor studies.
No, the test can't be waived. As we have incorporated an English language test into our Assessment Centre, you are not required to submit an English certificate with your application. If you do not meet the English language requirements at our AC, we will contact you to discuss further options.
No. The programme is taught entirely in English. If you would like to learn German, we offer free language courses at different levels on campus.
Please contact our Admissions Team – we’ll be happy to help.
Ready to apply?
We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal. Our recruitment team is happy to assist should you have questions.