Our Services
The Freshman Program includes many different services.
We are committed to providing an excellent academic education as well as providing overall support for our students as they prepare for life in Germany. We want our students to be comfortable on our campus and develop their independence with our help.
Studying...
The fees include not only the regular lessons, but also workshops and tutorials as well as internships for students in the English to German Track. We also provide our Freshman students with learning materials, books and a calculator. More at Academics.
...and living
Accommodation:
Freshman Program students live in shared student accommodation and share a double room with another participant of the same sex. More at Living Conditions
Counseling:
The team on campus advises students during the Freshman Program on questions about studying and living in Germany. In addition to individual counseling, we also offer seminars and workshops that prepare the participants for what happens after the Freshman Program. More at Support
Free Time & Culture:
During the Freshman Program we offer excursions, cooking classes, creative workshops and much more. Our participants particularly enjoy special events and activities, such as St. Nicholas Day in December, at Easter or our big summer festival. More at Free Time
Insurance:
Included in the fees during the Freshman Program:
- Health insurance, including travel health insurance
- liability insurance
- accident insurance
More at Health insurance and more
Music:
Many students who do not yet play an instrument enjoy the music lessons offered and start learning a new instrument. Others who already play an instrument are happy to be able to continue practicing and to have the opportunity to make music together. More at Free Time
Pick-up Service:
When arriving in Germany for the first time, students can arrange a pick-up service from Düsseldorf Airport. We'll take you straight to campus! More at Coming to Germany
Sports:
In addition to table tennis and football, other sports activities such as badminton or basketball are offered. More at Free Time
Support:
Our team assists and supports students with city registrations, visa extensions, and university applications after the Freshman Program. We also support our participants with other administrative questions. More at Support
Transportation:
Within the first few weeks after arrival, students receive a ticket for free public transportation (the semester ticket) for all public buses and trains in North Rhine-Westphalia. With this ticket students can easily and safely reach larger cities such as Cologne, Düsseldorf or Aachen, or simply take the bus to the city center of Geilenkirchen for shopping. Students can rent bicycles on directly on campus. The first 30 minutes are free!
Finances
Information about the financial aspects of the Freshman Program can be found at AcIAS e.V.
The above explanation of the Freshman Program services is not legally binding. Only the original admission letter and the contract with AcIAS e.V. are legally binding.
After the Freshman Program
After completion of the Freshman Program, students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at a public German university must pay only the semester fee, which is currently approximately €325 per semester at public universities.
For students in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, this mandatory fee includes free public transportation within the state as well as other amenities. Public educational institutions are also subsidized by the German government so that no additional fees are due for Bachelor's and Master's degree programs at public universities.
Many international students require a blocked bank account of approximately €11300 for each year of their studies to cover their cost of living. Students can access the money from their blocked account in monthly increments.
When students enroll in a bachelor's program after completion of the Freshman Program, they will be required by law to purchase health insurance at a German public health insurance company. This currently costs approximately € 125 per month. More information will be available during the Freshman Program.
German public health insurance covers most medical and dental problems.
Students must purchase their own liability and other insurance after the Freshman Program.
