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. After its successful completion the graduates can apply for a place at a German university in a scientific or technical subject.

At the end of this course, which will last approximately eight months, the participants will take the traditional assessment test (Feststellungsprüfung) as well as the Test for Academic Studies (TestAS). Thus, allowing them to apply at a university of their choice.

The preparation period comprises nine months in total:

• 3 introductory weeks
• 29 weeks of subject-related preparation and study-preparatory language modules
• 4 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. These modules can be supplemented by further courses offered by the partner universities involved in VORsprung. Thus, the participants have the option to prepare specifically for STEM studies at one of these universities – if they are already looking at a possible university of their choice at this stage in their student journey.

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).

They will enhance their abilities in the following areas:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

and learn strategies and techniques for academic work and university-specific communication.

The support concept

In order to support the participants in the best possible way, contact persons are available for professional, technical and personal questions.

The developers of the programme are available for professional 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 support is provided by the team responsible for the digital implementation of the programme.

Questions that go beyond subject-specific and technical concerns can be discussed with the Community Manager, including

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

Latest News

In the fall of 2023, VORsprung launched with the pilot country of Brazil. The pilot phase of the programme is currently ongoing until May 2024.

Currently, applications are not possible. We will inform you as soon as the application portal is open. 

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