Background

Most prospective students from non-EU countries pursue studies in STEM subjects. At the same time the demand for well-prepared international students at German universities remains unabated. The existing offers for study preparation measures mainly rely on face-to-face teaching formats, which are either affiliated with universities in the form of preparatory courses or operate as independent units. However, these are naturally limited to a smaller number of possible participants.

This is where the free, digital study preparation program VORsprung comes in: We prepare international prospective students and prospective students in Germany with a refugee background, regardless of their location, for a STEM degree in Germany – including taking the TestAS and TestDaF entrance exams. Upon completion, VORsprung graduates receive university admission for selected degree programs at our partner universities. With VORsprung, we want to make a significant contribution to attracting international first-year students in the STEM field and ensuring their academic success, while offering universities a simple and innovative way to utilize alternative university admission routes.

 

Participate in VORsprung

Program content & program schedule

Technical preparation

The thorough, standardized technical preparation for studying in Germany covers the subjects of the technology course (T-course) at a German preparatory college (Studienkolleg): mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science. Participants take two of the four modules: the mathematics module plus another subject module (depending on their desired field of study).

The teaching materials for VORsprung were developed by preparatory colleges (Studienkollegs) and universities during the first phase of the project (2021-2024) and are available under open licenses, unless otherwise indicated.

Language preparation

The language entry level for VORsprung is B2.1 (CEFR). Participants complete modules from Deutsch-Uni Online (DUO) and are prepared specifically for the TestDaF. Prospective students with language skills at level B1.2 (CEFR) can also participate in VORsprung. However, they must first complete a four-week intensive German course.

Exams

At the end of the program, participants take both the TestAS and the TestDaF, which are offered regularly in test centers worldwide in digital or paper form.

Teaching and support

As an online course, VORsprung requires a high degree of personal responsibility and motivation. To provide participants with the best possible support, contact persons are available on the learning platform:

• Tutors for subject-specific support in weekly online tutorials, for online consultations, and for correcting submitted assignments
• The DAAD Community Management to connect participants and provide assistance with non-subject-related questions
• Support for technical problems

Schedule

The program lasts up to 36 weeks:

• 4 weeks of intensive German language course (only for participants with language entry level B1.2)
• 2 weeks of onboarding and start of the regular German course
• 26 weeks of subject-specific and language preparation, including 2 weeks of vacation
• 4 weeks of TestDaF training
• TestAS & TestDaF depending on available dates

VORsprung is advertised twice a year for prospective students.

Contact

Section S01 - Digitalisation
Team VORsprung
vorsprung at daad.de 

Harald Matthiessen
Team Leader

Lena Weyers
Senior Desk Officer

Ghasale Gol
Community Management

Jana Zimmer
Project Coordinator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funded by the DAAD with funds from the German Federal Foreign Ministry