How much time do I need to set aside for VORsprung each week?

The programme lasts a total of 33 weeks and has a workload of 25-30 hours per week.

What does a typical week in the VORsprung program look like?

VORsprung is a full-time program with a mandatory attendance. Please make sure to consider these time commitments before applying and check whether they are compatible with your part-time job or other commitments.

The german course usually takes place twice a week (on Mondays and Thursdays) in two groups: 12:00 p.m. to 1 p.m. CEST and 3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Be sure to check what that means for your local time zone using an online time zone converter.
The math course is held every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m., and the subject-specific modules (physics, chemistry or computer science) take place on wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Will I receive a certificate or diploma at the end?

At the end of the programme, each graduate will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate confirms that the participant has successfully completed all VORsprung subject modules and German lessons. The test results of the final examinations (TestAS and TestDaF) are issued in separate documents by our cooperation partner and must be submitted together with the certificate of completion when applying for a degree programme at a VORsprung partner university.

Is there a cost for participating in the programme?

Participation in the programme is free of charge; the costs are covered by the DAAD.

How can I apply for VORsprung?

You can apply for VORsprung via our application portal.

When is the deadline for applying for VORsprung?

You can apply for the next round of VORsprung until 30 June 2026.

How does communication work during the registration phase?

During the application phase, you can contact the VORsprung team at info.vorsprung at daad.de if you have any questions.

Will I receive confirmation that my application has been received?

After submitting your application, the application portal will show you that your application has been successfully submitted. Please note: you will not receive a confirmation email about your application!

What criteria are used to allocate places on VORsprung?

Once the application phase is complete, we will review all applications that meet the formal requirements (see above). The selection process focuses primarily on school leaving certificates and language certificates.

I have been accepted onto VORsprung. What happens now?

After being accepted for VORsprung, you will receive all the necessary information by email within the next few days. This includes information on registration, the further course of the programme, dates and contact persons. The preliminary mathematics course, which is part of the programme, must be successfully completed after acceptance, as this is a prerequisite for participation in the programme.

Which STEM subjects can I choose and how in-depth is the content?

In addition to the mathematics module, which all participants take, you can choose from the elective modules physics, chemistry and computer science, allowing you to determine your focus for your future studies. The content corresponds to the technology (T) focus course at a German preparatory college.

Are there homework assignments or exams during the programme?

During the programme, there are regular homework assignments, short tests and assignments in the subject modules and German lessons, which are assessed by the tutors.

How do the German course and the STEM courses work? Are there live lessons or only self-study units?

The programme includes self-study units as well as guided learning units, i.e. online tutorials, for subject preparation in mathematics, physics, computer science, chemistry and German lessons.

Is there an exam at the end of the programme? Similar to the FSP?

At the end of the programme, there are two exams, both of which are offered and conducted by our cooperation partner, Gesellschaft für Akademische Studienvorbereitung und Testentwicklung e. V. (g.a.s.t.)

The Test for Foreign Students (TestAS) is a cognitive study aptitude test that assesses general and subject-specific suitability for university study in a standardised, transparent, fair, efficient and valid manner. To help you prepare for the TestAS, model tasks for the core test and subject modules as well as introductory videos are available online.

The Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF) is the only standardised language test specifically for university admission in Germany. It is recognised nationwide by all universities as proof of German language proficiency for international applicants. The German course completed at VORsprung prepares you specifically for the TestDaF.

Both tests are conducted at the local test centre in your home country. The VORsprung team will register you for the tests during the programme and cover the costs. You can use the results of these tests to apply to our partner universities.

Are there contact persons available if I have questions?

Tutors are available to provide technical support. They offer online tutorials and digital consultation hours for participants and correct their submitted assignments. Experienced tutors from Deutsch-Uni Online are available to provide support for the language preparation modules. The DAAD's Community Management team is available to answer organisational questions.

Are there opportunities for exchange or community activities?

The VORsprung Community Management team is available to answer non-academic questions and offers digital community events (on topics such as visa issues, studying in Germany, exam formats, intercultural training, and study fairs).

Who are VORsprung's partner universities?

You can find VORsprung's partner universities here: VORsprung degree programmes in Germany - My GUIDE

How does the application process at the universities work? Do I have to apply myself or does VORsprung help me with this?

You apply independently and in a timely manner to the partner universities. We support you with questions about your application and accompany you throughout the process. We recommend that you apply to 2-3 partner universities so that you can study your desired subject later on.

What technical requirements do I need?

To participate in the course, you will need a laptop or PC and a stable internet connection so that you can watch videos and take part in online tutorials.

Which platforms does VORsprung use?

VORsprung uses the Moodle platform. Moodle is a learning management system that enables digital learning. Participants can acquire knowledge on Moodle and test themselves with self-assessments. They can also use the platform to exchange ideas with other learners and get in touch with their tutors. In addition, VORsprung uses the HyHyve and Zoom platforms for digital collaboration and communication.

Is there an introduction to the tools before the programme starts?

There is a technical introduction during the onboarding week at the beginning of the programme. The VORsprung team is always available to answer questions during the programme.