'Preparatory language courses at German universities: how to apply and

Preparatory language courses at German universities help international applicants bring their German to the level required for admission: most often B2 or C1, sometimes higher depending on the program. This is not a typical evening school, but rather intensive preparation for studying in Germany: classes are held several times a week, require regular attendance, and usually conclude with a language exam.

Who These Courses Are Suited For

Language courses at a Hochschule or Universität are worth considering if you’ve already chosen a field of study in Germany but can’t yet demonstrate the required level of German. They’re especially useful for those who want to study in a German-language program while simultaneously getting used to the academic environment: the schedule, requirements, correspondence with the university, and the exam format.

It’s important to distinguish between two scenarios in advance:

• The course serves as preparatory training prior to university admission;
• The course is chosen independently, without any connection to a future academic program.

This can affect your application, required documents, and visa type. For applicants from non-EU countries, it’s best to check visa requirements through the German consulate, the Ausländerbehörde, and official websites, rather than relying on a specific school’s description.

How the courses are typically structured

The format varies by university, but most often consists of intensive group German classes. Program descriptions may include terms such as “Deutschkurs,” “Deutsch Vorbereitungskurs,” “studienvorbereitender Sprachkurs,” or “Vorbereitung auf DSH/TestDaF.”

Typically, the course includes:

• classes in grammar, writing, reading, listening, and speaking;
• preparation for the DSH, TestDaF, telc C1 Hochschule, or another recognized exam;
• regular progress tests;
• attendance requirements;
• A limited number of attempts to advance to the next level or pass the final exam.

Don’t rely on a one-size-fits-all rule like “80% attendance” or “four semesters maximum”—these requirements are set by the specific university or language center. Before applying, visit the course page and read the Prüfungsordnung, Gebührenordnung, or FAQs for international applicants.

What Level of German Is Required?

To begin the course, a university may require a certain prior language level, such as B1 or B2. Admission to a German-language program often requires a certified B2/C1 level according to the CEFR/GER, but the exact level depends on the university, the field of study, and the exam.

What to check before applying:

• Which certificate does the university accept: DSH, TestDaF, telc C1 Hochschule, Goethe-Zertifikat, or another;
• Do you need a certificate when applying for the course?
• Is it possible to take the exam at the same university after completing the course?
• Does the chosen academic program accept the results of this specific exam?
• Are there specific requirements for medical, education, law, or creative fields?

How much do preparatory courses cost?

There is no uniform price across Germany. The cost depends on the federal state, the university, the course status, the length of the semester, and whether the participant is considered an enrolled student. In some places, it may be a moderate semester fee; in others, a separate fee for the course and the exam.

Before paying, check not only the course price but also any additional costs:

• Semester fee or administrative fee;
• registration fee;
• the cost of the DSH/TestDaF/telc exam;
• course materials;
• health insurance;
• Proof of financial means for a visa or residence permit;
• housing and transportation.

If the website lists an outdated fee or a PDF from the previous semester, it’s best to contact the International Office and request the current Gebührenordnung.

Student Status and Visa

At some universities, participants in a preparatory language course receive limited student status; at others, they are considered participants in a preparatory program without full student status. This affects access to a student ID, a semester transit pass, insurance, dormitory housing, and the university’s internal services.

When it comes to visa issues, it’s important to focus not on colloquial terms like “language visa,” but on the purpose of your stay. Official Make it in Germany portal states that a residence permit for study purposes under §16b of the Residence Act (AufenthG) may also cover preparatory measures prior to admission, including language courses and the Studienkolleg. If you do not yet have a spot at a university, there is a separate scenario—a visa or residence permit for the purpose of seeking admission to a university; this has its own conditions and restrictions.

Don’t automatically apply someone else’s example to your own situation. The consulate and the Ausländerbehörde consider your citizenship, educational documents, course admission, financial support, and purpose of stay.

Can you work while taking the courses?

Your right to work depends on your specific reason for staying in Germany. Different rules apply for a student residence permit, for applying to a university, and for a standalone language course. Therefore, the statement “after the exam, you can just go to work” should be taken with a grain of salt: transitioning to employment usually requires a suitable contract, the appropriate basis for a residence permit, and verification of the requirements for skilled employment.

If you plan to work rather than study after completing the course, check the requirements in advance with the Ausländerbehörde or a qualified advisor. Do not change your visa status based on advice from online forums: a mistake could affect the legality of your stay.

How to find a course at a university

There is no single, comprehensive database of all university language courses. The most reliable approach is to base your choice on your intended degree program.

Steps to follow:

1. Choose a major and a university.
2. Look for the sections titled “International,” “International Office,” “Deutschkurse,” “Studienvorbereitung,” or “Sprachzentrum.”
3. Check to see if there is a preparatory language course specifically for international applicants.
4. Find out the German language proficiency requirements and which certificates are accepted.
5. Check the deadline, cost, application process, and list of required documents.
6. If the information is incomplete, please contact the International Office.

To search for these courses, you can use search terms that include the name of the university along with “Deutsch Vorbereitungskurs,” “studienvorbereitender Deutschkurs,” “DSH Kurs,” or “Sprachkurs internationale Studienbewerber.”

How to Apply

The application process is often linked to your future degree program: you select your field of study, indicate that you need language preparation, and submit your academic and language documents. At other universities, you apply for the course separately through the Sprachzentrum, the International Office, or the uni-assist portal.

You’ll typically need:

• passport;
• high school transcript or diploma with a transcript;
• translation and certification of documents, if required;
• to confirm their current level of German;
• a statement of purpose or a brief explanation of your study plan, if requested by the university;
• Proof of payment or willingness to pay for the course;
• visa documents, if you’re applying from abroad.

What to do after the course

After passing the exam, you can apply to your chosen program or to another program, provided it accepts your certificate and academic transcripts. Completing a course at one university does not always guarantee admission to that same institution: the decision on admission is made by the admissions committee of the specific program.

Before submitting your final application, check the following:

• Does the program recognize your language certificate?
• whether an additional subject exam or a Studienkolleg is required;
• Do the deadlines for the course, the exam, and the application coincide?
• Is it possible to extend a residence permit while waiting for the results?
• What are the employment requirements if you change the purpose of your stay?

A quick checklist before choosing a course

• The course is specifically geared toward university admission, not just language learning.
• Current dates, prices, and exam information are provided.
• It’s clear what status a participant receives.
• The university specifies which certificate is required for admission.
• Information for international applicants and contact details for the International Office are available.
• Your visa situation matches the one described here.
• You understand what comes next after the course: university admission, retaking an exam, renewing your residence permit, or another path.

FAQ

Do these courses guarantee a spot at a university?

Generally, no. The courses help you meet the language requirement, but admission depends on your academic credentials, the competitive conditions, and the specific program’s rules.

Can you choose a different university after completing the language course?

It’s often possible if another university accepts your language certificate and you meet the admission requirements. However, you should check the deadlines and whether the exam is recognized in advance.

Are private language schools worse than university courses?

Not necessarily. A private school might be more convenient in terms of schedule or language level. But if your goal is to study at a university, it’s important to check whether your prospective university accepts the certificate from that school and whether the course fits your visa requirements.

Do you need to already have a B2 level?

Not always. Some courses accept students with a B1 or other level, but this depends on the program. The lower your starting level, the more time and money you may need to spend before taking the entrance exam.