What Can You Study? Prepare for Bachelor's Fields of Study in the Freshman Program

Language: Previous knowledge of German is NOT required.

The recommended minimum English language level requirement for admission to the Freshman program is the level of IELTS 4.5 for applicants to the FH Aachen and the level of IELTS 5.5 for applicants to the University Duisburg-Essen.  English language will be tested as part of the entrance exam and a certificate is not required.

The Freshman program will be taught in English and German.  German language classes will help the students with the transition from English to German.

The use of English and German as the languages of instruction at university as well as the details of the Freshman Program vary depending upon the partner university.

Options: Engineering

During the Freshman Program, students are prepared in various (technical) subjects and with intensive German language instruction for studies in selected bachelor's programs at the FH Aachen or the University of Duisburg-Essen. These bachelor's programs are offered in engineering and natural sciences. We recommend that you carefully research the fields of study before selecting one on the Freshman Program application form.

Upon successful completion of the English to German Track in the Freshman Program, students are only guaranteed admission to one of the bachelor's programs listed below. The letter of admission confirms which bachelor program and university you have been admitted to. Please note that in the English to German track NO change of course or university is possible.

After the Freshman Program, students have guaranteed admission to one of the Internationally Oriented Studies (IOS) bachelor's programs at the FH Aachen listed below and selected in the application form.

The language of instruction in the IOS bachelor's degree programs is German, therefore, intensive German lessons during the Freshman Program prepare students for the transition in the language of instruction from English to German.  We recommend to everyone to use the time after admission until departure for German lessons, such as at a language school or online courses. Students in the first year of the IOS bachelor's degree programs attend additional technical German lessons.

List of the Internationally Oriented Studies (IOS) at the FH Aachen:

• Applied Chemistry
• Medical Engineering (previously Biomedical Engineering)
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physical Engineering

After the Freshman Program, students have guaranteed admission to one of the International Studies of Engineering (ISE) bachelor's programs at at the University Duisburg-Essen listed below and selected in the application form.

The language of instruction after the Freshman Program in these bachelor's programs at the University Duisburg-Essen is English in the first year and German in the final years of study, therefore, both languages are taught during the Freshman Program and students continue to learn German during their first year at this University. We recommend to everyone to use the time after admission until departure for German lessons, such as at a language school or online courses.

List of International Studies of Engineering (ISE) at the University Duisburg-Essen :

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Metallurgy and Metal Forming
• Structural Engineering

Important: Students for the University of Duisburg-Essen must have a “2” average in mathematics according to the German grading system over the last 3 years, which includes the last two years of high school as well as the Freshman Program. Information about the German grading system is available here

Options:  Engineering (T-Course) or Business/Economics (W-Course)

Each university determines which course/final exam (Feststellungsprüfung) you need for a particular bachelor's program. Check the website for the university of your choice to see which course (T-Course or W-Course ) in the English Track FeP is appropriate for your selected bachelor's program.

After successful completion of the Freshman Program

• Students studying business and economics (W-Course) who are interested in the English-taught Bachelor Business Administration with Informatics at the FH Südwestfalen/South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences are guaranteed admission. See details below.
• All other students studying business and economics (W-Course) or engineering (T-Course) may apply to study at any English-language bachelor’s degree program at a university in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW).

Options: Engineering (T-Course), Business/Economics (W-Course), Medicine (M-Course)

Each university determines which course/final exam (Feststellungsprüfung) you need for a particular bachelor's program. Check the website for the university of your choice to see which course (T-Course, W-Course or M-Course) in the German Track FeP is appropriate for your selected bachelor's program.

After successful completion of the Freshman Program, most students may apply to study at any German university, but preferably in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW).