FAQs Freshman Program

Think of it as your "bridge" to Germany. If your high school diploma doesn't allow you to enter a German university directly, or if you want a year to adjust to the language and culture, this program is for you. From October to July we provide the academic foundation, language skills, and a "soft landing" in Germany so you can start your Bachelor’s with total confidence.

Absolutely! Our students are between 17 and 22 and have not yet attended university. Our campus is a safe, supportive community specifically designed for young international students living away from home for the first time. We treat you like a student, but care for you like family. 

We offer a variety of study options in engineering, natural science, business and economics, and medicine and health sciences. See What Can I Study for details.

Register for our online information seminar, where we explain the details and answer your questions. 

We keep it simple: Our entrance exam and a passion for learning!  You don't need a language certificate if you pass our own entrance exam!

Apply directly now or contact one of our partners in your country for local support.

While still in high school or after graduation.

It’s a fair test of math and language (English or German). We want to see your potential, not just your memory. You can take it online from your home or offline in a few countries. 

Exam preparation tip: We provide sample exams and an online math course here so you can practice and feel 100% prepared!  

Yes! If you have a TestAS certificate and a valid language certificate (like IELTS or Goethe), you can skip the entrance exam.

If you are not admitted to the Freshman Program the first time, you can even try two more times. You have a total of three chances to be admitted.

Probably not! For most German student visas, you need to "block" around €12000 in a bank account. Because the Freshman Program is a recognized "all-inclusive" service, most students do not need this extra blocked account for the Freshman Program.

Yes! We offer a pick-up service from Düsseldorf Airport when you first come to Germany. We will take you directly to the Freshman campus in Geilenkirchen, where your room will be ready and waiting. No wandering around with heavy suitcases!

You’ll live in our student residences with about 300 other Freshman students from more than 30 countries on our Freshman campus in Geilenkirchen. You will share a room with another student of the same gender. It’s the best way to make friends from around the world! You’ll have a shared kitchen to cook your favorite meals, washing machines for your laundry, and high-speed Wi-Fi to call home.  Your classrooms are just a few steps away.

Our campus is in the charming city of Geilenkirchen. It’s the perfect environment to focus on your studies while being just a short train ride away from big cities like Aachen, Cologne, or Dusseldorf.

Geilenkirchen is a great place for Freshman students, offering both convenience and a relaxed, enjoyable environment. It has everything you’d need day-to-day, including doctors, a hospital, supermarkets, and a variety of shops, so it feels safe and well-equipped. There are also nice spots like a skate park, ice cream parlors and parks where you can hang out with friends.

You’ll have between 34 and 38 hours a week of language and subject classes starting in October. Final exams are in the spring so you have time to submit your university application.

It can be challenging, but it’s definitely manageable if you study regularly. Teachers support you step by step, so you won’t be overwhelmed.

Yes! You won’t be on your own. You’ll get academic as well as non-academic help from our Student Affairs Team (SAT), your teachers, and the student helpers. They all help you adjust to life and your studies in Germany.

Depends on your track: Feststellungsprüfung or Freshman Institute Final Exam.

Depends on your track.

• Start in a bachelor’s program at one of our partner universities
• Apply to universities within the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) or elsewhere in Germany

This also depends on your Track. Some offer guaranteed admission, especially in engineering, technology or business.

All of our students have found a place at a university in the past, so you shouldn’t worry.

No! After the Freshman Program you transition to a public German university. Most of these are state-funded, meaning you only pay a small semester fee (now around €380), which currently includes your bus and train ticket. You only have your living expenses. A blocked bank account may be required when you start in your bachelor’s program.