Door-opener to studying in THE LÄND: Preparatory semester

Several higher education institutions in the German Southwest offer preparatory semesters to help international students realize their study plans in Germany.

Studying abroad in a country of which you don’t speak the language yet can present various hard-to-overcome obstacles. Whereas the state of Baden-Württemberg in Germany offers many degree courses in English (see our study search), there might still be courses that are taught in German, but are nevertheless more suitable for you. Moreover, having a good command of German makes it easier to settle in Germany on the long run and it improves your chances of having a happy and successful study experience. That is why some research universities and universities of applied sciences in the southwest of Germany offer so-called preparatory semesters: this means that you’ll be admitted to university for the duration of approximately half a year in which you’ll achieve the required language level for your studies and other necessary skills for university studies in Germany.

„getstaRTed“ at Reutlingen University

Reutlingen University, a university of applied sciences, offers such a preparatory semester for example. The program „getstaRTed at Reutlingen University“ includes intensive German courses, study orientation and guidance, preparation for university as well as leisure and excursion programs.

„It’s a great opportunity for those who want to profit from a German education. Studies have found that international students are more successful in their studies when they are well-prepared for them. Our preparatory semester doesn’t only give future international students excellent language skills at hand and therefore helps them reach the required German language level for their studies; we also offer study orientation and guidance and prepare them optimally for their studies in Germany with a workshop on study strategies, intercultural trainings as well as an extra-curricular program to make them feel at home“, says Karin Bukenberger, who is the Director of the Institute for Foreign Languages at the University of Reutlingen and manages the „get staRTed“ project together with a colleague.

Interested persons with German language skills at level B1 (minimum) and recognised university entrance qualification can apply for „get staRTed“ until 15 September 2024.

Amongst the higher eduation institutions in Baden-Württemberg offering similar programs are Furtwangen University, the Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences and the University of Stuttgart. In case you’ve already found a university at which you’d like to study, we recommend to check its website for information on preparatory courses.

Author: Leonie Rörich