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Foundation Year
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Foundation Year at a Glance
Would you like to study at Frankfurt School but do not yet meet the requirements for direct entry into our bachelor programme? Or perhaps you want to get a solid foundation before moving on to the next level of education? The two-semester Foundation Year taught entirely in English will prepare you academically for the rigour of undergraduate studies at Frankfurt School.
Foundation Year is right for you if:
- Your admissions process for our Bachelor of Science programme was unsuccessful
- You struggled in the past with mathematics, statistics, or economics
- Your school did not offer economics- or data science-specific subjects
- You wish to close the educational gap between your school education and the German Abitur
- You are moving to Germany for the first time, and you would like to take a year to get accustomed to the language and culture
Curriculum
Undergraduate studies in bachelor programmes at Frankfurt School are rigorous and academically demanding. During Foundation Year, we prepare you for what will come next by providing a finely curated curriculum tailored to your interests and goals, offering two distinct tracks that lead to different bachelor programmes at our university.
Business & Management Track
The Business & Management track is designed for students who are interested in developing strong foundational skills in leadership, organizational structure, human behavior, and economics. These skills are instrumental in preparing students for our Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Management, Philosophy and Economics programmes.
Data Science Track
The Data Science track is designed to provide students with fundamental skills in data analysis, statistical modelling, programming and problem solving. These skills are important for students pursuing our Bachelor in Computational Business Analytics.
Programme Structure
Foundation Year consists of two semesters, culminating in Final Exams in May. Everything taught in the programme is geared towards preparing you for these exams, ensuring you have the knowledge and skills needed to excel.
First Semester
The first semester starts on the 25th of August 2025 with Introduction Week, which offers you the chance to acclimate to university life, attend useful info sessions, and meet your peers. Classes officially commence on the 1st of September and end on the 12th of December, after which students have a winter break. It is worth noting that successful completion of the first semester is required for advancement to the second semester.
Second Semester
The second semester starts on 26th January 2026 and provides you with an opportunity to build upon the knowledge gained during the first semester. With a solid foundation in place, you will begin to delve deeper into the coursework and intensify your preparation for the Final Exams scheduled for May. It is important to note that in order to attend the Final Exams, you must pass all the coursework with a satisfactory grade.
Final Exams
The Final Exams are scheduled to take place over a two-week period in May, marking the culmination of your efforts throughout the academic year. Upon successfully passing all exams, you will be awarded a diploma that serves as your ticket to admission to the Bachelor of Science programme at Frankfurt School.
Extracurricular Activities
As a student at Frankfurt School, you're not limited to Foundation Year classes—you're joining a vibrant community where learning extends beyond the lecture halls, which is why we offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to complement your academic journey.
As part of the Frankfurt School experience, you'll have the opportunity to participate in language classes to enhance your communication skills and broaden your cultural horizons. And with over 40 student initiatives available, there's always something exciting happening on campus.
Foundation Year offers a valuable opportunity to acclimate to a new educational environment, develop language skills, and gain a foundational understanding of key subjects like German, economics, and business. As I transitioned into the bachelor programme, I felt more comfortable and adapted to my environment.
During my Foundation Year, I initially struggled with navigating the German bureaucratic system, such as obtaining a residence permit and setting up insurance, but the support from Frankfurt School made the process much smoother. This experience, alongside engaging coursework, notably enhanced my ability to work in teams, multitask, and transformed my perspective on various academic disciplines, especially mathematics, turning it from a chore into a passion with real-world functionality.
The Foundation Year curriculum was instrumental in preparing me for the Bachelors programme, offering a diverse range of subjects that laid a strong academic foundation. It also honed my English skills to meet academic standards, aiding both international and German students in professional settings. The emphasis on peer groups and teamwork equipped me to handle the significant group work in the Bachelors programme, teaching me valuable collaboration skills crucial for academic success. Overall, the programme was pivotal in providing the knowledge and techniques needed for thriving in a diverse academic environment.
Class Profile - Intake 2024
Overview
| Number of students | 59 |
| Nationalities | 32 |
| Average age | 18 |
Gender
Country of residence before studying
Nationality
Application Process
1) Online Application
Apply via our online application portal. Our admissions team will assess if you are a suitable fit for our Foundation Year.
The application deadline for the academic year 2025/26 is the 31st of May 2025.
Prospective candidates from outside of the EU are strongly encouraged to apply for the programme well in advance to ensure timely arrival and to allow sufficient time for visa processing.
2) Assessment Centre
Successful applicants will be invited to a video interview and an English test. The purpose of the interview is to gain a better understanding of your personality, expectations, motivations, and goals. You will be exempt from the English test if, during your application, you provide an official language-level certificate with a result of at least B2 (CEFR).
3) Results
Aside from your high school grades, English level, and interview performance, we also take into account other significant experiences, commitments, or awards (e.g., internships, international experiences, and volunteer projects). You will receive our decision via email within two weeks.
4) Programme Start
Foundation Year starts in September of every year. The mandatory introduction week takes place one week ahead. During this week, you will meet your fellow students and start experiencing the Frankfurt School culture.
Housing
Frankfurt is not only the business hub of Europe but also the most international city in Germany. It accommodates 180 different nationalities, and through its international airport and home to international companies, it is a great place for you to live.
By the end of 2024, we are planning to build around 1,100 new student apartments and furnished serviced apartments on our Adickesallee campus. Over 80 percent of the apartments are earmarked for student rental. Additionally, we have a selection of fully furnished apartments at Yugo and Alvarium student hostel in the center of Frankfurt’s Bockenheim district.
Talk to Our Students
Charlotte Lellbach
Ask me about Foundation Year
Theodore Hewey
Ask me about Frankfurt School
FAQs
Is Foundation Year a Studienkolleg? Can I enter other universities after completing the programme?
Our Foundation Year is not a Studienkolleg. Upon completion of the programme, students receive a Foundation Year Diploma which serves as an admission document for our Bachelor of Science programmes. However, acceptance of this diploma by other universities is at their discretion.
Are there scholarship opportunities for the Foundation Year?
Unfortunately, there are no scholarships available for our Foundation Year students.
Based on your performance, you may be eligible for the Frankfurt School Bachelor of Science scholarship programme. We will examine your school grades, midterm results in the Foundation Year, extracurricular achievements, and assessment results from your application.
What documents do I need to submit during the application?
As a helpful guide to completing your application, you can download our application checklist below and prepare the following documents:
- High school diploma with a final transcript or your two latest school transcripts
- Copy of your passport or ID card
- Letter of motivation (optional but recommended)
- CV/ Resume Other documents, including professional experience or extracurricular activities
Once you have started your application, it will be saved and you can continue at any time.
Do I need to speak German to be admitted in the Foundation Year?
German is not required to be admitted to the Foundation Year. During the programme, you will get a chance to enroll in voluntary German classes free of charge.