Introductory courses
Many universities offer introductory courses (e. g. a Propädeutikum) especially for international students in order to prepare them for their studies. introductory courses usually have a duration of one semester.
Three possible core subjects for introductory courses
Contents
introductory courses teach the basic knowledge required to successfully and actively participate in academic studies.
Methods
introductory courses teach techniques for independent scientific work.
Language
introductory courses usually also include language classes, or at the very least an introduction to the relevant terminology.
Criteria check
Your educational background
You may participate in introductory courses if you already have the required general education to begin a bachelor, Staatsexamen or Master's course (= Subject studies) in Germany.
Not sure if your educational certificates are recognised for admission to Subject studies? Find out on the following pages:
- Your result: If your previous education is recognised - or if you would like us to evaluate if it is when you apply -, find out more about additional criteria now.
Language proficiency
In Germany, introductory courses are usually taught in German. Therefore, you need to show adequate proficiency in German. The accepted proofs of German language proficiency may vary.
Further criteria
In addition to an appropriate educational background and sufficient language proficiency, there are further criteria for admission to introductory courses. These admission criteria are set by the individual universities.
The criteria may include formal application requirements such as deadlines or certification and translation of documents.
Getting information
To ensure a successful application, get information from the uni-assist universities about your options and criteria for your application.
Not every university offers introductory courses. Some universities do not offer any introductory courses at all, others offer them to prepare for specific courses of study only.
The required level of language proficiency and accepted proofs of language proficiency may differ depending on your chosen university. Further admission criteria may depend on the course of study you wish to begin after completing your introductory courses.
application deadlines may be set earlier than those for applications to Subject studies. You can find more information under Deadlines and processing time.
uni-assist is not automatically responsible for all applications to a uni-assist university. In some cases, uni-assist handles applications to Subject studies, but not applications for introductory courses.
