FOM Hochschule at a Glance
Popular Programs at FOM Hochschule
Why Study in Germany?
- ✓Public universities charge little to no tuition fee, only a modest semester contribution that also covers a public transport pass.
- ✓Germany is Europe's largest economy with strong demand for engineers, IT professionals, and researchers, giving graduates real career traction.
- ✓Degrees from German universities, especially the TU9 group of technical universities, carry strong international recognition.
- ✓A large number of English-taught master's programs mean many Pakistani students can study without first mastering German.
- ✓The 18-month post-study job-seeker visa gives graduates a genuinely long runway to find qualified employment and settle.
Education System in Germany
Germany's higher education system is organized around the Bologna Process, using bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees recognized across Europe. Universities (Universitäten) emphasize theory and research, while Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) focus on practical, industry-oriented training. Public universities dominate the system, and admission is based primarily on academic merit rather than tuition-paying capacity.
| Program Level | Average Duration |
|---|---|
| Studienkolleg (Foundation Program) | 1 year, for students whose qualification is not directly recognized |
| Bachelor's Degree | 3 to 4 years |
| Master's Degree | 1 to 2 years |
| Diplom/Staatsexamen (select fields like medicine, law) | 4 to 6 years |
| Doctorate (PhD) | 3 to 5 years |
Admission Requirements
General Germany university requirements — confirm the exact criteria for FOM Hochschule with a MENTISGO advisor.
English Language Requirements
Application Intakes & Timelines
Winter Semester
Classes begin in October; applications generally open in spring and close between May and July depending on the university
Summer Semester
Classes begin in April; applications generally open in autumn and close between November and January depending on the university
Tuition Fees in Germany
Country-wide average ranges by level of study — actual fees at FOM Hochschule vary by program. Confirm the current figure with a MENTISGO advisor.
| Level of Study | Estimated Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Public University - Semester Contribution Fee | Approx. EUR 150 to 350 per semester (covers administration and often a public transport pass) |
| Bachelor's Degree - Private University | Approx. EUR 5,000 to 20,000 per year |
| Master's Degree - Public University (most states) | Generally tuition-free, semester contribution fee only |
| Master's Degree - Baden-Württemberg (non-EU students) | Approx. EUR 1,500 to 3,000 per semester, plus contribution fee |
| MBA and Specialized Professional Programs | Approx. EUR 10,000 to 30,000 total, varies widely by institution |
Cost of Living in Essen
| Expense Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (student residence or shared flat) | EUR 300 to 600 per month |
| Food and Groceries | EUR 150 to 250 per month |
| Public Transport (often included via semester ticket) | EUR 0 to 80 per month |
| Health Insurance (mandatory for all students) | EUR 100 to 130 per month |
| Personal Expenses and Utilities | EUR 100 to 200 per month |
Scholarships & Funding Options
DAAD Scholarships
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)Covers monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel allowance for eligible master's and PhD students, including many from Pakistan
Deutschlandstipendium
German Federal Government and private sponsorsEUR 300 per month, awarded based on academic merit and personal achievement, available to international students at participating universities
Erasmus+ Programme
European UnionFunding for study exchanges, joint master's programs, and mobility periods within Europe
Heinrich Böll and Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarships
German political foundationsMonthly stipend and support for students demonstrating strong academic performance and social engagement
Student Visa Process
- University admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid) or conditional offer
- Proof of financial resources, typically a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) or a formal financial declaration
- APS Certificate confirming the authenticity of academic qualifications, mandatory for Pakistani applicants
- Valid passport, passport-sized photographs, and completed visa application form
- Proof of health insurance coverage valid in Germany
Work Rights While Studying
Post-Study Work & PR Pathways
Accommodation & Healthcare
Student Life & Career Outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is an APS Certificate and why do Pakistani students need it?
The APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) Certificate verifies the authenticity of a Pakistani applicant's academic qualifications before a German student visa can be issued. It is a mandatory step for Pakistani nationals and should be started early, as it involves document verification and can take several weeks to process.
Q. How much money is required in a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)?
The Blocked Account must hold an amount set annually by German authorities to cover roughly one year of living expenses. Students can withdraw a fixed monthly amount once in Germany, and the exact figure should always be confirmed against the current official requirement before applying.
Q. Is it true that public universities in Germany are tuition-free?
Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for bachelor's and many master's programs; students instead pay a modest semester contribution fee that often includes a public transport pass. Baden-Württemberg is a notable exception, charging a tuition fee to non-EU students at the master's level.
Q. Do I need to learn German to study in Germany?
Not necessarily. A growing number of master's programs, especially in engineering, IT, and business, are taught entirely in English. However, learning German is strongly recommended for daily life, part-time work opportunities, and long-term career or settlement prospects.
Q. What German language level is needed for German-taught programs?
Programs taught in German typically require proof of language proficiency at level B2 or C1, usually demonstrated through tests such as TestDaF or the Goethe-Institut exams, in addition to academic qualifications.
Q. How many hours can international students work in Germany?
International students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per calendar year without requiring separate work permission. Exceeding this limit requires prior approval from the local Foreigners' Registration Office.
Q. What is the job-seeker visa and how long does it last?
After graduation, students can apply for a job-seeker residence permit valid for up to 18 months, allowing them to remain in Germany to search for employment matching their qualifications while working in any job to support themselves.
Q. What scholarships are available for Pakistani students in Germany?
DAAD Scholarships are the most prominent option for Pakistani students pursuing master's and PhD study, alongside the Deutschlandstipendium and scholarships offered by German political foundations. Applications are competitive and typically require strong academic records and a clear study or research plan.