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(business stream)
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KLU Hamburg HafenCity
KLU Business Foundations Program
Your Way to KLU's Bachelor Program
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.
The Program
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 & Curriculum
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.
KLU Bachelor in Business Administration
Program: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Start Date: Every September
Tailor Your Studies: Four Specializations
At KLU, there is no “standard treatment.” You can customize your degree by choosing one of four specializations to match your interests and career aspirations:
Curriculum & Courses
- Core management, economics & personal skills modules
- Optional intensive track with a higher workload & added practical training
- Exchange semester at one of KLU’s international partner universities
- Three-month internship integrated into your studies
- Bachelor’s thesis (3 months)
Tailor Your Studies
At KLU, there is no “standard treatment.” You can customize your degree by choosing one of four specializations to match your interests and career aspirations:
Standard Track
- Study Period: 3 years / 6 Semester
- Admission: High School Diploma / school leaving certificate
- Program ECTS: 180
- 3-month internship (integrated into your studies)
- Exchange semester (integrated into your studies)
Intensive Track
- Study Period: 3 years / 6 semester
- Admission: High school diploma / school leaving certificate
- Program ECTS: 210
- 3-month internship (integrated into your studies)
- Exchange semester (integrated into your studies)
How to Apply
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements
- High school diploma/school leaving certificate
- If you haven’t received your final school leaving certificate yet, simply submit your transcript of records with current grades
- English language proficiency (minimum B2 level) - Check out the requirements.
- German language proficiency (minimum A1 level) - Check out the requirements.
Not there yet with your language skills? Don’t worry! Reach out to us – we’re here to support and guide you.
Application deadlines
- Recommended deadline for international (non-EU) applicants: March 31
- Final deadline for international (non-EU) applicants: May 31
- Final deadline for European applicants: July 15
- Program start: Every year in September
We charge an application fee of €50 for all applicants.
Tuition
| Business Foundations Program | ||
| Duration | 1 academic year | |
| Tuition Fees | 9,290 € - 11,290 € |
Tuition fee depending on your language courses and requirements.
Funding Options
At KLU, we believe in educating talented minds regardless of financial background. To help make this possible, we offer a range of scholarships and tuition financing options covering up to 100% of our fees.
Scholarships
- We offer a limited number of merit-based and need-based scholarships
- Sports scholarships are available for German and international top-athletes
- We proudly offer support to students from refugee communities in Hamburg
Check each scholarship’s criteria to find the best fit!
94% of our students would recommend KLU to prospective students
Student Testimonial
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
Ask a Student
Contact KLU Staff
Student Recruitment & Marketing Manager (BSc & Business Foundations Program)
Student Recruitment & Marketing Manager (BSc & Business Foundations Program)
Kühne Logistics University
