Background information

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.

VORsprung: A digital head start for Engineering and Science studies in Germany aims to take these developments into account by offering an eight-month digital preparatory programme. It is a closely supervised, free online course that participants can complete from their home country, including taking the TestAS and TestDaF entrance exams. After its successful completion the graduates can apply for a place at a German university in a scientific or technical subject. 

The program was developed and quality-assured in the first project phase (2021-2024) in cooperation with German universities and preparatory colleges. The language quality assurance was carried out by (DAAD) lecturers. The media content was created by the Center for Audiovisual Production at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. 

VORsprung aims to make a significant contribution to attracting international first-year STEM students and ensuring their academic success and offers universities a simple and innovative way to use alternative university access.

At the end of the program, course participants will take both the TestAS and the TestDaF and will then be admitted to selected degree programs at a German university that has previously concluded a cooperation agreement with the DAAD. Both tests can be taken regularly in digital and paper form at test centers worldwide. The corresponding dates are included in the course schedule. 

The preparation period lasts a total of six to eight months:

• 6 weeks of preceding digital intensive German language course (depending on language level) 
• 2 introductory weeks
• 24 weeks of subject-specific preparation and preparatory language modules
• 2 weeks of flexible breaks/holidays/independent exam preparation

Content of the programme

The subject-related preparation

The in-depth, standardised technical preparation for studying in Germany includes the subjects of the technology course (T-course) of a German preparatory college: mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science. This core curriculum, which has been developed by the universities involved in the project, will be offered on a modular basis and will impart specialised knowledge that prepares students for the assessment test. Participants take two of the four modules that are suitable for their future course of study, usually the mathematics module plus a further subject module; the required course combination for a specific course of study is explained to the course participants in advance. 

The preparatory language modules

To strengthen their language skills and prepare them for studying at a German university, all participants complete selected modules of the Deutsch-Uni Online (DUO).

There are two options: For language entry skills at level B2.1 (CEFR) or higher, participants take modules that prepare them for the TestDaF in a targeted manner and in parallel with the subject modules. 

In the case of language proficiency at level B1.2 (CEFR), an additional intensive German language course is held beforehand, which brings participants up to level B2.1 (CEFR) within 6 weeks of starting the course.

These modules also teach strategies and techniques for academic work and university-specific communication.

The support concept

VORsprung is largely a location- and time-independent program in which participants are expected to take personal responsibility and motivation. However, in order to provide participants with the best possible support, contact persons are available for professional, technical and personal questions on the Moodle learning platform.

The tutors are available to provide specialist support:

• in synchronous online tutorials
• in digital consultation hours
• for the correction of submitted assignments

Experienced contact persons from Deutsch-Uni Online are available for language preparation.

Technical and personal support is provided by the DAAD Community Management. This includes

• networking between the participants
• contact and assistance in case of difficulties encountered during the programme

Latest News

We will be accepting applications for the program again from 2025. You will soon find details on application requirements and the process on this page.

Universities in the federal states that implement alternative university access and are interested in cooperating with us can contact us at any time.

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