International Affairs

Courses and Tests

NEW from October 2023 - study-preparatory language course for refugees. Information and registration at the end of this website.

Depending on the extent to which your university entrance qualifications are recognized in Germany as well as your language level, you can either attend courses or take tests as an external candidate to qualify for admission to a degree program in Germany. Check the Anabin database to see if your school certificates and other educational documents are recognized in Germany.  

Focus courses T and W
Focus courses T (for degrees in mathematics, natural sciences or engineering sciences) and W (for degrees in economics or social sciences) normally conclude with an assessment test at the end of the second semester. In justified cases, each semester can be repeated once, meaning that the maximum period you can study at the Preparatory School is two years. Particularly strong candidates can take the assessment test after just one semester if they pass transfer tests in three subjects at the start of the sub-course (first semester). Transfer tests must be taken in the subjects to be examined by written tests and are based on the teaching content for the respective subjects in the sub-course. Students who achieve good or very good grades in one subject, can register for the module exam at the end of the first semester and complete one or more subjects by taking the assessment test.
Check here which focus course you need for your bachelor’s program.

 

T course

The T course prepares students for all degree programs in mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering sciences, such as architecture, mechanical engineering, computer science, and chemistry. The subjects taught for examination in written tests are German, mathematics, and physics or chemistry; computer science is offered as an additional subject. Sample tests (in German) are available here. There are approximately 30-32 hours of classes per week. The winter semester runs from September to January and the summer semester from February to August.

Fees
There are no fees for the admissions test, participating in courses, or the assessment test. You pay a semester contribution. This includes your Semesterticket for public transport.

Application periods
Applications for the summer semester: 15 September to 30 November
Applications for the winter semester: 15 March to 30 June

Application via uni-assist
Applications may be submitted online only via the my.uni-assist.de application portal.
You need to upload the following documents when applying:
1. Application for admission (online application from uni-assist)
2. Proof of university entrance qualification (school-leaving certificate)
You may be required to submit further documents depending on your country and education. Please also read uni-assist's country-by-country information or check the anabin (in German) database. If your documents were not issued in either German or English, you will need to submit translations of your documents from a sworn translator (with proof of their qualification).
3. Proof of German level
Your application needs to include proof of German at B2 level in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Proof of participation in a course at this level is not sufficient.
4. Plain copy of your passport or national ID

Submit all your documents as an upload.

At this stage, your application via uni-assist.de is the same as for a regular application for a bachelor's program. You only have to indicate later in the application process that you are applying for a place at the Preparatory School (Studiumkolleg). Further information about translations, certifications, country-specific documents, etc. is available here.

Admissions test
It can take 4-6 weeks to process your application; uni-assist will inform you of the result of your application. If your application is accepted, the Preparatory School will send you an invitation to an admissions test, which you can use to apply for your visa.

 Sample tests (in German)

Sample schedule T course

TimeMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
08:15-09:45Math AnalysisChemistry ChemistryElementary Mathematics
10:00-11:30Physics MechanicsComputer SciencesGermanMath AnalysisPhysics Electrical Engineering
Break     
12:30-13:45GermanGermanPhysics MechanicsComputer SciencesGerman
14:00-15:30Physics Electrical EngineeringElementary Mathematics   

W course

The W course prepares students for economics and social science degree programs, such as economics, business mathematics, and business informatics. The subjects taught for examination in written tests are German, mathematics, and economics; economic history, cost-performance analysis, and English are offered as additional subjects.

Fees
There are no fees for the admissions test, participating in courses, or the assessment test. You pay a semester contribution. This includes your Semesterticket for public transport.

Application periods
Applications for the summer semester: 15 September to 30 November
Applications for the winter semester: 15 March to 30 June

Application via uni-assist
Applications may be submitted online only via the my.uni-assist.de application portal.
You need to upload the following documents when applying:
1. Application for admission (online application from uni-assist)
2. Proof of university entrance qualification (school-leaving certificate)
You may be required to submit further documents depending on your country and education. Please also read uni-assist's country-by-country information or check the anabin (in German) database. If your documents were not issued in either German or English, you will need to submit translations of your documents from a sworn translator (with proof of their qualification).
3. Proof of German level
Your application needs to include proof of German at B2 level in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Proof of participation in a course at this level is not sufficient.
4. Proof of English  
The W course further requires proof of English at level A2 or a minimum of 3 years English at school.
5. Plain copy of your passport or national ID

Submit all your documents as an upload.

At this stage, your application via uni-assist.de is the same as for a regular application for a bachelor's program. You only have to indicate later in the application process that you are applying for a place at the Preparatory School (Studienkolleg). Further information about translations, certifications, country-specific documents, etc. is available here.

Admissions test
It can take 4-6 weeks to process your application; uni-assist will inform you of the result of your application. If your application is accepted, the Preparatory School will send you an invitation to an admissions test, which you can use to apply for your visa. Sample tests (in German)

Sample schedule W course

TimeMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
08:15-09:45GermanElementary MathematicsEnglishEconomicsAccounting
10:00-11:30Mathematics AnalysisEconomicsGermanMathematics AnalysisBusiness Administration
BREAK     
12:30-13:45Econnomic HistoryDeutschEconomicsElementary MathematicsEnglish
14:00-15:30   German 

Precourse (Propädeutikum)

The Precourse (Propädeutikum) equips students with the German skills they need to study in a mathematics, technical, or economics degree in Germany. The Propädeutikum is open to all international applicants whose school certificates or educational qualifications entitle them to study at a university in the Federal Republic of Germany and who wish to study for a degree in a natural science, engineering science, or economics. Students are taught German as a foreign language as well as the German they require to study mathematics, physics, and economics. The course lasts one semester and concludes with the German assessment test. A passing grade here is the equivalent of DSH2 and is accepted as proof of German level when applying for a degree program. You may not repeat the Propädeutikum. Sample tests for German (in German)

Fees
There are no fees for the admissions test. The fees for thePropädeutikum (including the assessment test) are EUR 325. This is to be paid upon receipt of an invoice with the semester contribution (including Semesterticket for public transport).

Application periods
Applications for the summer semester: 15 September to 30 November
Applications for the winter semester: 15 March to 30 June

Application via uni-assist
Applications may be submitted online only via the my.uni-assist.de application portal.
You need to upload the following documents when applying:
1. Application for admission (online application from uni-assist)
2. Proof of university entrance qualification (school-leaving certificate)
You may be required to submit further documents depending on your country and education. Please also read uni-assist's country-by-country information or check the anabin (in German) database. If your documents were not issued in either German or English, you will need to submit translations of your documents from a sworn translator (with proof of their qualification).
3. Proof of German level
Your application needs to include proof of German at B2 level in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Proof of participation in a course at this level is not sufficient.
4. Plain copy of your passport or national ID

Submit all your documents as an upload.

Initially, your application via uni-assist.de is the same as for a regular application for a bachelor's program, even when applying for a master's program. You only have to indicate later in the application process that you are applying for a place at the Preparatory School (Studienkolleg). Further information about translations, certifications, country-specific documents, etc. is available here.

Admissions test
It can take 4-6 weeks to process your application; uni-assist will inform you of the result of your application. If your application is accepted, the Preparatory School will send you an invitation to an admissions test, which you can use to apply for your visa. Sample tests (in German)

Sample schedule Propädeutikum

TimeMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
08:15-09:45Grammar Listening ComprehensionReading Comprehension 
10:00-11:30Listening ComprehensionReading ComprehensionReading ComprehensionText ProductionTechnical Language Economics
BREAK     
12:30-13:45Technical Language MathTechnical Language PhysicsTechnical Language MathTechnical Language PhysicsGrammar
14:00-15:30    Study-Skills

Taking the assessment test as an external candidate

You have to apply via uni-assist.de by the deadline if you wish to take the assessment test as an external candidate. The Preparatory School at TU Berlin offers the option to take assessment tests for the T and W courses. External candidates are required to prepare independently for the assessment tests. You can repeat the test once only and within a year of failing. Please refer to the fact sheet (in German) for further information. Sample tests and subject-specific information (in German)

Fees
There is a charge for taking the assessment test as an external candidate. The fee is EUR 550 and is to be paid upon receipt of the invoice. The fees for repeat tests are according to the number of tests taken (written tests: EUR 150 each; oral tests: EUR 50 each).

Application periods
Applications for the summer semester: 22 September to 28 February
Applications for the winter semester: 15 March to 31 August

Application via uni-assist
Applications may be submitted online only via the my.uni-assist.de application portal.
You need to upload the following documents when applying:
1. Application for admission (online application from uni-assist)
2. Proof of university entrance qualification (school-leaving certificate)
You may be required to submit further documents depending on your country and education. Please also read uni-assist's country-by-country information or check the anabin (in German) database. If your documents were not issued in either German or English, you will need to submit translations of your documents from a sworn translator (with proof of their qualification).
3. Proof of language levels
Your application needs to include proof of German at C1 level in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. When applying for the W course you also need to submit proof of English at level B1.
4. Plain copy of your passport or national ID

Submit all your documents as an upload.

Advising session and admissions test
Once you have submitted all your documents by the specified deadline to uni-assist and your application has been fully processed, you will be invited to an advising session at the Preparatory School. You will then be invited to take an admissions test to see if your language and subject skills are sufficient to take the assessment test as an external candidate. You are required to attend the advising session and admissions test before taking the assessment test. 

Supplementary test

Passing the assessment test at the Preparatory School entitles you to a place in a degree program only in the subject areas covered by either the T or W focus course. If you wish to study in a different program, you will need to take a supplementary test. A requirement for this is that your school leaving certificate qualifies you to study this subject in your own country.  

Example
You took an assessment test for the T course and would now like to study economics at TU Berlin. To do so, you would have to have taken the assessment test for the W course. However, if your school-leaving certificate includes the possibility to study economics in your own country, then you can qualify to study economics by taking supplementary test W.

Sample tests (in German)
Overview of degree programs at TU Berlin and corresponding focus course (in German)

Candidates are required to prepare independently for the supplementary tests. Tests are taken externally. The dates correspond to the Preparatory School's assessment tests (in German).

Fees
There is a charge for the supplementary test. The fee is EUR 350. The fees for repeat tests are according to the number of tests taken (written tests: EUR 150 each; oral tests: EUR 50 each).

Application periods
Applications for the summer semester: 22 September to 28 February
Applications for the winter semester: 15 March to 31 August

Application via uni-assist
Applications may be submitted online only via the my.uni-assist.de application portal.
You need to upload the following documents when applying:
1. Application for admission (online application from uni-assist)
2. Proof of university entrance qualification (school-leaving certificate)
You may be required to submit further documents depending on your country and education. Please also read uni-assist's country-by-country information or check the anabin (in German) database. If your documents were not issued in either German or English, you will need to submit translations of your documents from a sworn translator (with proof of their qualification).
3. Proof of language levels
You are required to provide proof of passing the German section of the assessment test each time you apply to take a supplementary test. For the W supplementary test, you are also required to provide proof of English at level B1.
4. Plain copy of your passport or national ID

Submit all your documents as an upload.

Advising session
Once you have submitted your application in full by the specified deadline to uni-assist, you will be invited to attend an advising session at the Preparatory School. The invitation will be sent to the email address you provided when applying via uni-assist. The advising session will be used to decide which subjects you still need to take tests for and which are already covered by passing the assessment test. We will provide you all the information you need and answer your questions about the test.

Admissions test for students with professional qualifications

Provided you meet certain conditions, you can also apply to study in a bachelor's or Staatsexamen degree program at TU Berlin even if you don't have a school-leaving certificate qualifying you for university entrance (such as an Abitur) or a previous university degree. Further information (in German)

If the subject you wish to study differs to the focus of your professional training (at least two years and officially recognized), you are required to complete an admissions test before you can be considered for admission to the degree program. Check here (in German) to see if your professional training matches with the degree you wish to study. Admissions tests take place at the Preparatory School at the same times as the assessment tests. Please check in good time and give yourself at least three months to complete your application. Please complete the registration form (in German) and send to us at studienkolleg(at)tu-berlin.de studienkolleg(at)tu-berlin.de

If you pass the admissions test, you will receive a certificate of your results for your application to study in a degree program. You need to apply directly to TU Berlin and not via Hochschulstart.

Application periods
Application to take the test in the summer semester at the latest until 15 March by email studienkolleg(at)tu-berlin.de
Application to take the test in the winter semester at the latest until 15 September by email studienkolleg(at)tu-berlin.de

Admissions test

All students applying for the focus courses and the Propädeutikum are required to take an admissions test. You will receive an invitation to the admissions test via email if your application to uni-assist is successful. The invitation will be sent to the email address you provided when applying via uni-assist. You can use this invitation to apply for a visa.
The admissions test is for German and mathematics and each section takes about 1 hour. You can use these sample tests (in German) to prepare for the test. Current admissions test date.
Results will be published anonymously on the website a few days after the test. Successful applicants can find out everything they need to know about the start of their studies at the Preparatory School at an orientation day for new students. Classes start the following Monday.
The admissions test can be repeated only once.

Language Courses for Refugees

Bridge to Studies B1+/B2: Preparatory Language Courses for Refugees at the TU Berlin
The course prepares university applicants with a refugee background to attend the Studienkolleg. The focus is on teaching German as a language of study and science, supplemented by specialized language instruction in mathematics and physics and a tutorial. To this end, 30 hours of classroom instruction are offered from Monday to Friday. In addition, there are approximately 10 hours for preparation and follow-up.

Applications are open to refugees with or without a direct university entrance qualification who wish to study technical, scientific-mathematical or economic subjects. 

The bridge course includes an intermediate  B2.1 level exam which will be conducted at the end of November 2023 and, if successful, can be submitted as proof of language proficiency for application to the entrance exam (26.01.2024) at the Studienkolleg by 30.11.2024 via www.uni-assist.de.

Course duration: 04.10.2023 until 25.01.2024
Placement test: 25.09.2023
Registration/Application: until 20.09.2023 via email deutsch.fluechtlinge(at)studienkolleg.tu-berlin.de

For registration/application you need:

  • B1 language certificate
  • School leaving certificate (in German or English translation)
  • Residence permit (refugee status)
  • Desired course of study at the TU Berlin (in the technical, scientific-mathematical or economic field)

Please send the documents stating your desired course of study by 20.09.2023 to: deutsch.fluechtlinge(at)studienkolleg.tu-berlin.de

Places in the language courses will be allocated according to test results and capacity.
You will receive the invitation to the placement test by email after your registration/application has been reviewed.

Contact

Office INT SK
Building Erweiterungsbau
Room EB 519
Address Straße des 17. Juni 145
10623 Berlin