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About the company
BASF is an international chemical company headquartered in Ludwigshafen. Its business is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. The group operates six integrated Verbund sites worldwide, the largest of which is in Ludwigshafen.
Program details
Key facts
Program length
36 months
Number of rotations
3
Departments
General management
International assignment
Mandatory
Working hours / week
37,5h
Gross salary per year
Not public
Program description
TOP START at BASF
The TOP START International Business Leader Program is a highly selective program with a clear focus on business functions and an international career. Graduates rotate through different commercial units, gain international experience and are prepared for a global management role through a dedicated leadership curriculum.
Application requirements
Who applies successfully?
Degree
Master's
Field of study
Economics
Work experience
Maximum of 3 years of relevant work experience (outside of your studies)
International experience
First international experience (e.g. semester abroad or internship abroad)
Languages
Fluent German and English
Other
Leadership ambition
Application process
How does the application work?
01
Online application
Application documents, typically a CV, cover letter and relevant certificates, are submitted via the company's career portal. An automatic confirmation follows, while substantive feedback from HR is generally provided within one to four weeks.
02
Online test
A standardized aptitude test completed online, typically covering logical reasoning, numerical and verbal skills as well as personality. The total duration ranges from 20 to 90 minutes.
not required
Recorded video interview
An interview without a live interviewer, in which candidates respond to predefined questions on camera. It typically comprises five to seven questions, each with two minutes to respond.
03
Interview with HR
An interview with the HR department, usually conducted via video and lasting 30 to 60 minutes. It focuses predominantly on academic background, motivation, cultural fit and behavioral questions on soft skills.
04
Department interview
An interview with the manager or team of the department you are applying to, usually conducted via video and lasting 45 to 90 minutes. It centers on technical questions, situational cases and the alignment of mutual expectations.
not required
Assessment center
A multi-stage selection day comprising presentations, case studies, group exercises and individual interviews. The format varies by company and may take place on site or virtually.
TOP START: your questions answered
What salary does the BASF graduate program pay?
BASF does not publicly disclose the gross salary of its graduate program. Remuneration is communicated individually during the selection process.
How long does the BASF graduate program last?
The TOP START program lasts 36 months and comprises three rotations in different areas. The precise duration is determined individually and depends on the chosen department and the course of each rotation. Over this period, graduates gain insight into the company from different perspectives and progressively assume greater responsibility, typically moving into a permanent position upon completion.
What requirements do I need to meet for the BASF graduate program?
The TOP START program sets clear professional and personal requirements. A master's degree is required. Fields of study: economics and business. Fluent German and English are essential. In addition, companies typically place significant emphasis on initial practical experience from internships or working student positions, as well as personal strengths such as initiative, analytical thinking, communication skills and teamwork.
How does the application process for the BASF graduate program work?
The application process for the TOP START program comprises four stages: online application, online test, interview with HR and interview with the department. Each stage builds on the previous one, so candidates only progress after successfully completing a stage. The process overview above outlines each step in detail.
Does the BASF graduate program include an international assignment?
The BASF graduate program includes a mandatory international assignment as an integral part of its rotation plan.
When is the application deadline for the BASF graduate program?
The application portal for the BASF graduate program is currently closed. The notification option on this page provides you with an update as soon as the next application cycle opens.
The application portal is currently closed.
Sign up and we will let you know as soon as the application portal of BASF opens again.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Company | BASF |
| Program | TOP START |
| Industry | Chemicals |
| Main location | Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate |
| Program length | 36 months |
