German language Courses

The German language course on level C1 concludes with an exam enabeling you to study at the university. Before the course begins, there will be a placement test and applicants will be assigned a German course depending on their language level. We are offering courses at all levels.

Additional Offers

In addition, we offer workshops and organise events on the following topics as well:

- Orientation Workshops for students

- Workshops on the German labour market

- Workshops on time and self-management

- Workshops on systematic exam preparation

- Computer and keyboard trainings

In addition to the workshops, we offer a personal study orientation for all participants.

Course "Mathematics and Programming for Refugees"

The courses "Mathematics for refugees“ and "Programming for Refugees" are offered to prospective students with a refugee background, who would like to refresh their knowledge in mathematics and programming. Participation in the German Preparatory courses at the University of Cologne is not a prerequisite to apply for this programme. For more information please visit: Programme 'Mathematics for Refugees'.

To apply for the courses you will have to fulfil the following requirements:

1) You need a University Entrance Qualification: You can check if you have one using  uni-assist or on the anabin database.

2) Knowledge of the German language of level B1or higher: You need a certificate that proves your german proficiency. 

3) Refugee background

Application deadline:

For the winter semester (Start in October), the deadline for the application is the 15th of August. For the summer semester (Start in April) it is the 15th of February. 

Please note that the application must be submitted via our Application Portal. To submit the documents, upload your files in PDF format to the online portal. 

Required application documents:

To apply for the Preparatory German Course, you need to upload your documents to the application portal. Your participation in an information event is necessary for the application. Please find the next dates for the information events here. 

You will need the following documents:

1. Your School Leaving Certificate (e.g. Abitur) with an overview of subjects and grades in the original language AND the translation (if the original is not in German or English)
2. If available:
   • Study certificates from your university with an overview of subjects and grades (Transcript of Records) AND translation (if the original is not in English or German)
   • Certificate of the University Entrance examination and/ or Pre-University Course in home country AND translation (if the original is not in English or German)
   • Certificate of Assesment Test with proofs from previous education
   • Certificate of the TestAS 
   • Certificate evaluation (Zeugnisbewertung) by the ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education) in Bonn (Click here for more information)
3. Copy of German language proficiency certificate (Level B1 or higher)
4. Copy of resident permit status in Germany
5. If available: Copy of passport or similar proof of identification
6. Tabulary CV
7. Registration form (see Website -> important documents)

You have further questions?

Please read „Frequently asked Questions FAQs)“

Individual consultations (concerning preporatory German courses and study course orientation for refugees):

Digital consultations via Zoom: Tuesdays, 10:00 - 12:00 

Registration via the following link: ukoeln.de/6IIJI

For further information please contact: RefugeeAcademicSupport@verw.uni-koeln.de

Here you can find the FAQs.