Business Foundations Program (Studienkolleg) · KLU
Kickstart your business career with KLU’s Business Foundations Program, your direct pathway to our Bachelor’s degree, integrating academic preparation with real-world application and a vibrant community experience. (Formerly KLU Preparation Program)
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The Program
KLU Degree Finder
Courses & Curriculum
KLU Bachelor in Business Administration
Admission Requirements
Tuition
Funding Options
Student Testimonial
Ask a Student
Contact KLU Staff
Request Brochure
The Program
KLU Degree Finder
Courses & Curriculum
KLU Bachelor in Business Administration
Admission Requirements
Tuition
Funding Options
Student Testimonial
Ask a Student
Contact KLU Staff
Request Brochure
Language of instruction
15 July 2026
Final deadline
Studienkolleg Program
Small classes
Individual Support
Location
KLU Hamburg HafenCity
KLU Bachelor
Your Next Step
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.
Bachelor in Business Administration
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 l
iving 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!
Is KLU's Bachelor right for you?
Find out in just 4 minutes if this program is for you.
Start quiz
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.
Download Curriculum
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:
Digital Management & Innovation
International Management
Supply Chain Management
Sustainable Management
Download Modul Handbook
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:
Digital Management & Innovation
International Management
Supply Chain Management
Sustainable Management
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)
Download Curriculum (Standard Track)
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)
Download Curriculum (Intensive Track)
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
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
Deadline for international (non-EU) applicants
: May 31
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
9,600 € - 11,600 €
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!
Learn more about your scholarship options
94% of our students would recommend KLU to prospective students
Apply Now
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Meet us
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
Vivien
Wawer
Student Recruitment & Marketing Manager (BSc & Business Foundations Program)
Kühne Logistics University
+49 40 328707-157
study
klu.org
Request Brochure