Frankfurt School of Finance & Management

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management is a research‑driven, internationally accredited private business school located in Frankfurt am Main. Operating as a non‑profit gGmbH, it evolved from the former Banking Academy and Hochschule für Bankwirtschaft, and today holds the right to award doctoral degrees. Its mission is to enable people and organisations to thrive through finance and management insight, while its vision focuses on becoming Europe’s leader in impactful, research‑based financial education. The school emphasises German excellence with global relevance, integrating academic rigor with practice‑oriented learning.

Its purpose‑built campus, opened in 2017, anchors a network of German study centres and international offices in emerging markets. Frankfurt School supports a broad programme portfolio spanning bachelor’s to doctoral levels, supported by specialised research centres and strong ties to central banks, corporations and NGOs. This ecosystem enables the school to deliver research‑informed teaching, industry collaboration and global engagement. With a reputation for high employability and close corporate integration, Frankfurt School positions itself as a major European hub for finance and management education embedded in Germany’s financial capital.

Frankfurt School emphasises employability through its dedicated Career Services team, which connects students with internships, corporate projects and full‑time positions in banking, consulting, fintech and regulation. Its location in Frankfurt—Europe’s leading financial centre—provides direct access to top employers, resulting in strong placement outcomes for finance‑focused programmes. Regular employer events, skills workshops and tailored coaching ensure that students receive ongoing guidance throughout their job search.

The school’s extensive alumni network supports mentoring, recruitment and entrepreneurial initiatives. Corporate partnerships with central banks, multinational firms and start‑ups contribute to guest lectures, applied research and capstone projects. Many programmes incorporate required internships, often converting into job offers. Additional executive education streams deepen long‑term collaboration with industry, while international offices expand global career pathways in development finance, fintech and international banking.

Students choose Frankfurt School for its strong integration of finance expertise with real‑world business practice, supported by Frankfurt’s status as Europe’s financial hub. The school’s research strengths and practitioner involvement ensure continuously updated curricula aligned with market trends. International accreditations and strong ranking performance reinforce the institution’s academic credibility and global recognition. Programmes are offered in full‑time, part‑time and executive formats, allowing flexible study pathways tailored to professional goals.

The campus environment further enhances the learning experience, providing advanced facilities and collaborative spaces designed for modern, technology‑supported education. Extensive corporate partnerships enable internships, consulting projects and hiring pipelines, contributing to strong career acceleration. Frankfurt School’s international orientation, global exchange opportunities and emerging‑market offices make it especially suitable for students targeting cross‑border careers in finance, fintech, consulting and development. Scholarships, entrepreneurial support and accessible housing options add additional value for international applicants.

Frankfurt School drives applied research in finance, sustainability and digital transformation through its specialised research centres and collaborations with central banks, global organisations and industry partners. As a founding member of sustainability‑focused initiatives, the school plays an active role in shaping responsible finance practices and influencing policy. Its research outputs regularly inform industry standards and contribute to evidence‑based decision‑making across the financial sector.

Innovative programme developments include data‑driven master’s degrees and flexible executive education formats tailored to emerging needs in analytics, fintech and regulation. Entrepreneurship is supported through incubator‑style services, mentoring and investor networks, enabling students to transform ideas into ventures. Digitalisation is embedded in the curriculum through analytics, machine learning and digital finance topics. Sustainability commitments extend to the campus design and institutional strategy, reflecting long‑term alignment with global development goals.

What language are programmes taught in? Most master’s, MBA and executive programmes are in English, while some bachelor tracks include German components. Language requirements depend on the programme.

How much should students budget for living in Frankfurt? Accommodation ranges roughly from €430–€750 per month in dorms or partner residences, with higher costs for private flats. Additional expenses include transport, food and insurance.

How does the school support internships and job placement? Career Services provides CV coaching, employer events and internship matching, leveraging close corporate ties in Frankfurt’s financial sector to connect students with high‑quality opportunities.

Admissions requirements vary by programme. Bachelor applicants submit school transcripts and may complete entrance assessments. Master’s applicants typically provide a recognised bachelor’s degree, CV, motivation letter and English or German proficiency depending on programme language. MBA and executive programmes require professional experience and may include interviews or references. Application timelines align with winter intake, though some programmes offer rolling admission.

Tuition fees differ by level, with scholarship and merit‑based funding available. Students can apply for FS Dorms or partner housing, with early application strongly recommended. Practical steps for incoming international students include securing health insurance, residence registration and transit passes. Doctoral candidates often submit research proposals and align with potential supervisors before admission.