Careers

Future Leaders Summit

What defines a great leader? Taking charge and creating the future you envision. Start yours now, take the next step in your joruney and apply by March 15, 2026, for the Future Leaders Summit in Ludwigshafen.

The BASF Future Leaders Summit will take place at BASF headquarters in Ludwigshafen from May 5 to 6, 2026. It is the career event for our TOP START International Business Leader trainee program and offers a glimpse into what a career at BASF can look like: It connects participants with diverse and ambitious young leaders within our company as well as Members of the Board.

You are eager to make an impact and shape the future of a global player? You want to improve your leadership skills during a unique leadership trainee program? Take the chance to show us why you should become a future leader at BASF and apply for our 2-day Future Leaders Summit.

Apply now

The Future Leaders Summit gave me a first taste of what it means to be a leader at BASF and what to expect when joining the TOP START community.

Hannah Mayr

TOP START Trainee

Application process

Learn more about the application process

Voices of our TOP START Trainees

Lotte Koopmann

Why should other young talents apply for the TOP START International Business Leader Program?

Camilo Ramirez Jaramillo

What makes the TOP START International Business Leader Program different from other trainee programs?

Zhiying Jiang

What motivated you to apply for the TOP START International Business Leader Program?

Throwback to the last Future Leaders Summit

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply? Which documents are required?

Please use our online application form and attach your motivation letter, CV (please add your final/current average grade in your CV), high school diploma, Bachelor's degree with grades, Master's degree with grades or current transcript of grades, work references (letter or person of contact), GMAT Test Score (if available), and certificates.

What is the maximum file size I can upload?

Files such as scanned certificates must be no larger than 5 MB each. Please try to use pdf formats.

In which language do I have to apply?

English is the preferred language, but applications in German are also accepted. The event will be completely in English.

What is the privacy policy regarding the online application system?

All data provided to BASF is handled strictly in accordance with German data protection legislation. HR details, including candidate information obtained via our online application system, are treated in the strictest confidence and are used exclusively for application purposes.

When and how will I receive the acceptance/refusal?

You will be informed via mail about the next process steps. If your application was successful, we will invite you for an online test to further identify the best candidates.

How does the online test work?

You can find the information about the online test and other steps of the recruitment process here: TOP START International Business Leader Program.

What costs do I have to expect in case of a participation?

During the event, BASF will cover 2 hotel overnight stays (May 5 and 6, 2026) and all meals. For travel to and from the event, specific guidelines apply:

Hotel Stay:
If you need to start your journey before 7 am on May 5, 2026 to attend the event starting around 09:00 am, BASF will cover the cost of one additional hotel overnight stay on May 4, 2026 including breakfast.

Flights:
Within Europe, BASF will reimburse flight costs up to 350 €.
For flights from overseas, we will discuss and agree with you individually on the maximum amount covered by BASF.

Details regarding train and car travel will be clarified upon confirmation of your participation in the event.

Where will the event take place and on what date?

The event will take place from May 5 to 6, 2025 at our German headquarters in Ludwigshafen.

What do I have to be aware of and what tips are helpful for a video interview?

Make sure you choose a suitable background and adapt to our dress code (Business Casual). Also check if your technology is working (both audio and video) and test your internet connectivity and speed. You should also not be distracted by your cell phone or your surroundings. Also, during the interview, showing that you have studied the company and understand what is important will leave a good impression.

Is it possible to participate thus I cannot stay the whole event?

We expect your participation throughout the whole event. If you have some limitations regarding that point, please contact us in advance for consultancy.

Can I get an attendance record for my university/employer?

After the event, you could receive a written attendance record, if required. Please let us know in advance or at the event. You will also get a certificate of participation after the event.

Is there a fixed number of spots for the following job interview? What are your selection criteria?

On the event, we will select the best qualified applicants and invite them to the interview day. This is the last step before being selected as a TOP START Program member. Your complete application portfolio including your performance at the event will give us a good impression, whether you are the right one for the TOP START Program. You will find our selection criteria in the chapter “Who are we looking for”. Please be yourself: Although the event is part of a selection process, it is also meant for networking and to get to know BASF as an employer much better.

Do students who participate at the event have better chances to get into the TOP START Program than applicants who apply by the standard process?

There is no difference between the two application processes. Only the event as such makes a difference but not for your chances to be part of the TOP START Program. As a benefit for both sides, the event offers the possibility to connect and by this, the students get a better insight into BASF.

Who should I contact if I have got any more questions?

Please address all questions to: future-leaders-summit@basf.com and we will respond to your request in the shortest possible time.