Fachoberschule

Fachoberschule (FOS) is a type of secondary school in Germany that provides vocationally oriented education and leads to the Fachhochschulreife, the qualification for admission to universities of applied sciences. It is offered in several federal states as part of the German upper secondary system. The program is typically pursued after the successful completion of lower secondary schooling, usually the 10th grade, and may also be accessible to students with certain vocational qualifications, depending on state regulations.

The curriculum combines general education subjects (such as German, mathematics, and a foreign language) with specialized courses in a chosen vocational track, for example technology, economics, social welfare, health, or design. The standard duration is two school years (often referred to as grades 11 and 12), and many programs include a practical internship or project work in the field. The exact structure and examinations vary by state.

Graduates receive the Fachhochschulreife, which generally allows admission to study programs at universities of applied sciences. In some states, additional steps or coursework can provide broader Hochschulzugang (including the possibility of Abitur in certain tracks). The FOS is one component of the dual education system and is designed to connect vocational training with higher education opportunities. Regional differences exist in track names, entry requirements, and exam formats across states.