Bank, Finanzdienstleistungen (grundständig)

The study program takes place at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) and professional academies (Berufsakademien). Learning locations at the university of applied sciences or professional academy include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, and libraries. Students also study at home (e.g., preparing for and reviewing courses, completing homework; possibly participating in online courses).

This is an undergraduate study program (grundständiges Studium). Study options are available at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) and professional academies (Berufsakademie). Graduates earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree. The standard duration of study is 3-4 years. The undergraduate subject of Banking and Financial Services provides fundamental scientific knowledge in business administration, economics, law, and banking. This subject is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium) or a distance learning program. Possible undergraduate programs include Banking and Finance, Financial Services, Financial Advisory for Companies and Private Clients, Financial Services and Corporate Finance, International Financial Management, and Central Banking. Admission requirements for universities of applied sciences and professional academies include at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification). In some cases, passing an internal university selection process and proving English language skills may be required. Students attend lectures, seminars, and practical exercises at the university.

The standard duration of study is 6-8 semesters. The average actual duration of study is 8 semesters. Source: Federal Statistical Office, Statistical Report - Statistics of Examinations at German Universities - Examination Year 2024.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for student services, student body, semester ticket). Tuition fees may apply in some cases, such as for 'long-term students,' those pursuing a second degree (Zweitstudium), or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance are typically required when exceeding the age limit of 25 years or certain income thresholds. Information on funding opportunities can be found at the German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studierendenwerk) and in the Federal Law on Individual Promotion of Education (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG).

Dual study programs (Duale Studiengänge) combine a university degree (Studium) with vocational training (Berufsausbildung) or practical phases in a company. In the undergraduate subject of Banking and Financial Services, there are programs that integrate vocational training (ausbildungsintegrierende) and those that integrate practical experience (praxisintegrierende). For example, the study program can include the recognized vocational training occupation of Bankkaufmann (bank clerk). Further information and search for dual study programs can be found on the AusbildungPlus portal.

Compulsory modules include, for example: bank and financial management, fundamentals of business administration, fundamentals of financial services, credit business, specific accounting, corporate accounting, insurance business, sales of financial service products, economics, business mathematics/statistics, and commercial law. Elective modules may include: audit and accounting, human resource management, international management, and supply chain management. Practical study content may include internships, practical modules, or practical semesters (e.g., at banks), depending on the university.

You should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements during your university studies: Attend lectures and seminars during the semester, possibly participate in online courses from home. Independent work includes preparing for and reviewing lectures, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and writing term papers (even during semester breaks). You are responsible for planning your studies within the given framework, adhering to deadlines and study periods, and completing academic and examination requirements on time. Self-discipline and organizational talent are essential. Vocational preparation, such as completing internships (e.g., at banks), may also be necessary.

Students can complete parts of their studies abroad. For example, there are international undergraduate programs like 'International Financial Management.' Universities such as the Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Umwelt Nürtingen-Geislingen and partner universities in Australia, France, Japan, Switzerland, South Africa, and the USA offer such programs. The degree awarded is a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). Further information can be found on the Nürtingen-Geislingen University's Bachelor's program in International Financial Management.

The following subjects can be alternatives for the Bank, Financial Services (undergraduate) program: Management and Corporate Management, Insurance Business Administration (undergraduate), Finance and Accounting, Controlling (undergraduate), Taxes, Auditing (undergraduate), Corporate Management, Management (undergraduate), Business Administration (undergraduate), Management Consulting (undergraduate), International Economics (undergraduate), Economic Sciences (undergraduate). Commonalities include acquiring business administration knowledge and knowledge in cost and performance accounting, investment and financing, and balance sheet preparation.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for successful studies: Mathematics (e.g., for cost and performance calculations and statistical analysis), Economics/Law (e.g., to facilitate access to business administration study content), English (e.g., English as a business language), Computer Science (e.g., data structures, algorithms, and programming languages).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. The following topics, for example, are relevant: Business English, Rhetoric, Project Management. Elective modules such as Marketing or Management Consulting can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example in banks, specifically prepare for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university). For universities in Germany, refer to the Hochschulkompass university search.

The undergraduate program in Banking, Financial Services provides fundamental scientific knowledge in business and economics, law, and banking. It leads to a first university degree. This subject is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium) or a distance learning program (Fernstudiengang).

Examples of Bachelor's degree programs in this field include: Banking and Finance, Banking and Insurance, Business Administration - Financial Services, Finance and Management, Financial Services, Financial Advisory for Companies and Private Clients, Financial Services and Corporate Finance, International Financial Management, Management and Sales (Finance), Central Banking.

For Bachelor's graduates in the field of banking and financial services, various career opportunities are available in the private sector. These include insurance and financial services, controlling, or finance and accounting.

In the 19th century, commercial colleges were founded in Leipzig, Aachen, and Vienna, marking the beginning of the scientific study of economic decision-making processes. Business administration emerged as an independent discipline. By the mid-20th century, specialization by functional areas and business types developed. The first institutes for monetary and banking economics and banking management were established, leading to independent degree programs (Studium) for banking. From 1990 onwards, the private financial sector founded its own educational institutions, such as the Hochschule für Bankwirtschaft (HfB). In 1999, the Bologna Process began, reforming the European higher education landscape with goals including creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing degree programs (Studium) and qualifications (introduction of Bachelor's and Master's degrees), and improving the mobility of students and lecturers.

Depending on the degree program (Studium), graduates receive a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree.

The following vocational training (Ausbildung) professions can be alternatives if a student drops out of their degree program (Studium): In the field of money, insurance, and real estate: Bank Clerk (Bankkaufmann/Bankkauffrau), Financial Assistant (Finanzassistent/Finanzassistentin) (dual-qualified vocational training), Investment Fund Clerk (Investmentfondskaufmann/Investmentfondskauffrau), Insurance and Financial Investment Clerk (Kaufmann/Kauffrau für Versicherungen und Finanzanlagen). Common aspects of these professions include banking, financial services, insurance business, payment transactions, and accounting. A civil service career in the higher non-technical service at the Deutsche Bundesbank (German Central Bank) may also be an option. Searching by professional fields may reveal further alternatives. For more information on prospects after dropping out of a degree program (Studium), visit studienwahl.de.

No remuneration is received during a degree program (Studium). Compensation may be agreed upon for practical phases, for example, during an internship in a company. Remuneration during a dual degree program (duales Studium) varies depending on the training model and the company.

Depending on the university and study program, specialization is possible, for example, in Banking or Insurance.

Legal regulations for study programs are determined at the federal level by the Higher Education Framework Act (HRG) and inter-state structural guidelines. At the state (Bundesland) level, Higher Education Acts and administrative regulations apply. At the university level, the university's statutes and study and examination regulations for the respective study program are enforced.

The prerequisite for studying at a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences) and Berufsakademie (professional academy) is at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the competent authority of the state (Bundesland). Information on studying without a general higher education entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals can be found in the regulations of the individual states. Depending on the university, an internal selection process may take place. For dual study programs, an apprenticeship, internship, or employment contract with a suitable company (practice partner) is usually required. English language proficiency may need to be demonstrated.

Bachelor graduates in Banking and Financial Services can continue their studies in an advanced subject, such as Banking, Financial Services, Finance and Accounting, Controlling, or Risk Management, thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities. Advanced study options include Banking, Financial Services, Business Administration, Financial and Economic Mathematics, Finance and Accounting, Controlling, or Risk Management.