Preparation German courses  

Goal of the course: Learning academic German and preparing for the DSH exam (German language exam for university admission).  

The DSH-2 certificate is generally accepted for applications to most German-language degree programmes in Germany (check for your desired degree programme).  

A German language certificate at level B1 or higher is required to participate in this course. A placement test will be conducted at the beginning of the course. Depending on the result, you will be assigned to one of the following course levels: B2, C1 or DSH preparation.

This is a full-time programme: approx. 24 hours per week. Regular attendance is mandatory.   The DSH exam takes place at the end of the course.  

Additional offers  

• Individual guidance counselling    
• Information events on topics relevant to studying (choice of study programme, application and financing)    
• Language café and language learning counselling  
• Buddy programme  
• Social activities (museum visits and picnics)  
• Training for digital learning  

You must meet the following requirements in order to apply for the courses:

1. Eligibility for university admission (HZB):
   Quick check at: https://www.uni-assist.de/tools/check-hochschulzugang/
2. German language skills:  completed level B1 or higher (certificate)
3. Refugee background: See „Liste der akzeptierten Aufenthaltstitel“

Applications must be submitted via the application portal. Before applying, please attend our information event (via Zoom), where the application process will be explained in detail and the required documents will be discussed.

Please note that only complete applications will be accepted.

The following documents are required:

• German language certificate at level B1 (in all skill areas: listening, reading, writing and speaking) or higher
• Tabular CV (in German)
• Residence permit (list of accepted residence permits https://uni.koeln/GEWQX ). If you have a temporary residence permit (Fiktionsbescheinigung), please also upload your expired residence permit.  
• Secondary school certificate (e.g. Abitur) with a transcript of records in the original language & certified translations (if the original is not in German or English)  

Important: Even if you have already completed a degree at a university (bachelor's, master's, PhD), you must still submit your secondary school certificate.

If applicable/available:

• In case of name change: Proof (e.g. marriage certificate + translation)
• Passport or identity document  
• In case of university studies (not completed): Transcript of Records  
• In case of university studies (completed): Certificates & Transcript of Records  
• Certificates from a pre-university course (e.g. Iran) or university entrance examination (e.g. Turkey)  
• ZAB evaluation of academic transcripts  
• TestAS result  

All documents must be submitted in their original language with a certified translation (German or English).

A translation of the documents is only required if the original is not in German or English.