The preparatory German course is aimed at prospective students at the University of Cologne (Bachelor, degree programmes with state examination) who already have a good knowledge of German (B2), but do not yet have the necessary language level for a degree course. There is a compulsory placement test before the German course. Depending on the result, the German course lasts 1 to 2 semesters before you are admitted to the DSH exam. The German course comprises 20 semester hours per week (45 minutes each).

If you successfully pass the DSH exam, you will have acquired the required language level for admission to a degree programme at the University of Cologne, for which you must apply separately. Participation in the preparatory German course does not guarantee a place at university.

The University of Cologne offers German courses and other courses for refugees to prepare them linguistically and generally for university studies. The minimum language requirement is a B1 certificate.