12 months
Full time
English
Language of instruction
15 July
Application deadline
Studienkolleg program (business stream)
Small classes
Location
KLU Hamburg Hafencity
Our Business Foundations Program (Studienkolleg) leading TO KLU’s Bachelor
You want to have the best preparation for success in the world of business and management? By joining KLU’s Business Foundations Program, you’re not just getting ready; you’re officially starting your journey towards a Bachelor’s degree with us! This program is designed to bridge the difference between international and European education models, where high school often leads to four-year Bachelor’s programs.
At the end of the first year of your KLU adventure, you’ll receive the official certificate that qualifies you for admission to the Bachelor program. Moreover, you’ll also receive an official KLU certificate as an additional symbolic acknowledgment of your achievement in completing this initial step.
Integrated into KLU from Day One
From the moment you start, you’ll be part of our vibrant community. You’ll have the chance to connect with fellow students, join student societies, and take advantage of our extensive support network—all of which create a holistic experience that goes beyond academics. We’re dedicated to helping you thrive, both inside and outside the classroom, and we’re here to make sure you feel at home and ready to succeed in Germany.
A Seamless Path to Your Bachelor Degree
The Business Foundations Program at KLU is your foundational first step to the Bachelor’s journey at KLU. Upon successful completion of the assessment test (Feststellungsprüfung), you’ll advance directly into your second year at KLU continuing your journey within our Bachelor’s program. The Business Foundations Program aligns seamlessly with our Bachelor’s curriculum. By joining, you’re not only preparing for your degree but actively working towards it.
A Journey To Explore Life, Career, and Growth Opportunities at KLU
Throughout the Business Foundations Program, you’ll get a firsthand experience of what it means to be a KLU student, including insights into potential career paths, and opportunities for growth at KLU. And you will also take a deep dive into living in Germany experiencing the culture, language and the life abroad. This journey doesn’t just prepare you academically; it sets you up for a successful, international career by equipping you with the skills, knowledge, and experience to stand out in today’s globalized world.
Interested? Just contact us at study@klu.org – we’d love to hear from you and help you get started!
Courses - Business Foundations Program
For more information email study@klu.org or call +49 40 328 707-160
Economic Policy: Governments, Central Banks, and Trade Policy
Key for understanding Macroeconomics and International Business Law.
Foundations of Economics: The Market Mechanism
Covers economic basics like supply and demand, crucial for Marketing and more.
Fundamentals in Mathematics
Essential for understanding key concepts in Accounting, Statistics, and Corporate Finance.
Advanced Topics in Mathematics
Provides the math skills needed for Business, Economics, and Statistics courses.
Geography I: Ecosystems and Urban Development
Explains markets & geography, preparing for Strategy & Supply Chain topics.
Geography II: Disparities and Sustainable Globalization
Focuses on sustainability, supporting Strategy, and Logistics courses.
Building your German Skills: Ready for A2 Certification
Supports integration and equips you for daily life and opportunities in Germany.
Advanced English Mastery: Ready for C1 Certification
Essential for leading intercultural teams and thriving in global business contexts.
Curriculum - Bachelor in Business Administration
- Courses in management/economics, and personal skills
- Two profile lines: human and environment or data and systems
- Four profiles: international management, sustainable management, supply chain management or digital management and innovation
- Optional intensive track with a higher workload and additional practical training
- Exchange semesters with partner universities, more information at International Office page
- Three-month internship
- Bachelor’s thesis (3 months)
Courses - Bachelor in Business Administration
Fundamentals of Management and Strategy
Fundamentals of Accounting
Mathematics for Business and Economics
Logistics and Supply Chain Management Fundamentals
Statistics
Marketing
Microeconomics
Human Resource Management
Introduction to Digital Management
Corporate Finance
Macroeconomics
International Business Law
Empirical Research Methods
Management Science
Programming with Python
Seminar
Consumer Behavior
Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics
Supply Chain Strategy
Digital Economy
International Financial Accounting
Nonprofit Management
Transportation Management
Data Analytics and Visualization
Deep Dive Business Challenge
Intercultural Communication and Management
Sustainable Supply Chains
Operations Management
Innovation and New Business Ventures
International Finance
Sustainable New Product Design and Design Thinking
Inventory and Warehouse Management
Process Analytics and Automation
Admission Requirements
To apply, you’ll need the following:
-
High school diploma/school leaving certificate:
Don’t have your final certificate yet? No problem! Simply provide a transcript of records including all grades given to date and you can submit your final school leaving certificate later.
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Proof of English language proficiency (minimum B2 level) and
Proof of German language proficiency (minimum A2 level)
--> Not there yet with your German language skills? Don’t worry! Reach out to us—we’re here to support and guide you.
Application deadline
Planning to join us for the academic year 2025/26? Here’s what you need to know:
-
International applicants: Apply by May 31, 2025 (recommended March 31, 2025)
-
European applicants: Apply by July 15, 2025
Important for international students: The visa process can take up to two months after acceptance by KLU, and there’s plenty to organize for your study abroad journey. That’s why we recommend applying as early as possible—ideally by March 31, 2025, and no later than May 31, 2025.
We’re here to support you every step of the way, but some tasks—like securing your visa and planning travel—are up to you. Starting early will make it much easier!
Application Process
Start your journey by applying through our online application portal, which opens every year on November 1st.
If you’re confident about your eligibility, apply directly for the Business Foundations Program. Our Admissions Team will review your application for both the Business Foundations Program and the Bachelor program. If you meet the requirements, you’ll be admitted to both programs.
A non-refundable application fee of €50 is required for all applicants. We’ll process and review your application as soon as all required documents and the application fee are submitted. You’ll receive a decision from the Board of Admissions within 6–8 weeks.
For further questions please contact us or visit the FAQ Section.
Tuition
| PROGRAM | TYPE | QUALIFICATION | DURATION & START | TUITION |
| Business Foundations Program | Studienkolleg Program with a Curriculum in Business | University admission examination / Feststellungsprüfung (granting you the qualification necessary to study the BSc in Business Administration at KLU) | 1 academic year starting 1 September | Between EUR 9,290.00 and EUR 11,290.00, depending on your language courses and requirements. |
Scholarships
At KLU, we’re committed to helping you achieve your academic goals with a range of scholarships:
- We offer a limited number of merit-based and need-based scholarships.
- Sports scholarships are available for athletes on German national teams and international athletes.
- We offer support to students from refugee communities in Hamburg.
Be sure to check out the specific criteria for each scholarship and see which opportunities are the best fit for you!
My name is Giovana, I am from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Before starting my bachelors at KLU, I took part in the KLU Business Foundations Program (Studienkolleg in German). The program lasted for one year and it is required by the German government for most international students wanting to study at a German university. In this program, I gained basic knowledge of economics, mathematics, and geopolitics. It was a good introduction to the German approach to academia, and the knowledge I acquired there has helped me during my lectures.
Giovana Brunelli Kornfeld, Graduate KLU Business Foundations Program
I had already planned to do my bachelor at KLU, so the prep program was a nice glance into the uni. During the year I got really familiar with KLU, students and staff, who are all really friendly and helpful. During the Business Foundations Program we had some excursions to place like the Miniature Wonderland and Chocoversum chocolate museum, which were great fun and also great opportunities to get to know Hamburg. I also have a lot of good memories about our maths and economic lessons. Besides all that, it was the best feeling to finally write and pass the Feststellungsprüfung.
Roman Iliuchenko, Graduate KLU Business Foundations Program
The program is amazing, it is a perfect opportunity to get to know the university, the city, and just living alone after moving from your parents' house. I genuinely enjoyed the year.
Diana Yanovska, Graduate KLU Business Foundations Program
Contact KLU Staff
Genevieve Müller
Student Recruitment & Marketing Manager (BSc & Business Foundations Program)
Jaroslav Bahnik
Student Recruitment & Marketing Manager (BSc & Business Foundations Program)
Kühne Logistics University
