Preparatory semester/semesters:
get staRTed at Reutlingen University
Would you like to study in Germany but need to improve your German and pass the language exam for university admission? In our preparatory semester, we will help you reach the required language level for your studies and prepare you optimally for your studies in Germany.
Intensive German courses: B2 course and/or TestDaF preparation course, tutorials, individual advice on language learning, resources and guidance for independent learning.
Study orientation and guidance: Find the ideal study programme for you.
Preparation for university: Attendance at taster and introductory lectures, workshops on study strategies, intercultural communication, living and studying in Germany, and much more.
Leisure and excursion programmes: Meet German and international students, explore the city and the surrounding areas, and connect with potential employers.
Key Facts
| Course duration | 09 March 2025 – 17 July 2025 (TestDaF exam on 16 July 2025) |
| Course content | 20 hours of German lessons per week, plus preparatory workshops and activities |
| German courses |
Course 1: B2 level Course 2: TestDaF preparation Both courses are offered each semester |
| Entry requirements |
Recognised university entrance qualification proof of German language skills at level B1 or B2 |
| Registration period |
Winter semester: June - 15 September Summer semester: November - 28 February |
|
Course fee Semester fee |
€800 €167.30 |
- You dive into real-life German language! You will not only learn the language in the classroom, but experience it every day in university life.
- You make new friends! In Reutlingen and on campus, you will make valuable contacts even before starting your studies.
- You discover cultural diversity! Our programmes promote intercultural exchange and prepare you for international campus life.
- You begin your studies with a head start! You get to know the German higher education system so that starting your studies will be easy for you.
- You find your perfect degree programme! We support you with personal advice and insights into our degree programmes.
Q&A
Once you have completed the application form, we will review your documents. Should your proof of German language proficiency not be conclusive, we may ask you to take a placement test to assess your language level.
Then we will send you a letter of acceptance, which you can use to apply for a visa if necessary.
You will receive an invoice for the course fee, which is €800, and for the €167.30 semester fee. This needs to be paid within 14 days of receiving the payment request. To complete your enrolment, please send us the remaining documents. You will find more details about this in the letter of acceptance.
To register for the preparatory semester, you will need a recognised university entrance qualification and proof of German language proficiency. Prospective students from India, China and Vietnam also require an APS certificate.
You will also need a copy of your passport, a passport-sized photo, proof of student health insurance, and proof of payment of the semester fee.
If you can provide proof of German language skills at level B1, you can register for Course 1 (B2 level). Upon successful completion of Course 1 (B2 level), you may register for Course 2 (TestDaF preparation course) in the following semester and take the TestDaF exam.
If you can provide proof of German language skills at level B2, please register for Course 2 (TestDaF preparation course).
Following successful registration, we may conduct a placement test if necessary.
You can assess your language level yourself here.
In addition to the course fee of €800, students must pay a semester fee of €167.30. The course fee covers costs for course books, learning materials, and the fee for the TestDaF exam. You can find more information on the cost of living in Germany here.
Students from EU- countries as well as from non-EU countries will be exempt from the €1,500 tuition fees during the preparatory semester. Registration for the course incurs only the semester fee of €167.30, payable at the beginning of each semester.
Yes, you will. As a participant in the preparatory semester, you will be enrolled as a student at Reutlingen University. Upon timely payment of the semester fee (€167.30) and submission of the required documents, you will be registered but not assigned to a specific degree programme.
Yes, attendance is mandatory.
No, you must formally apply for the degree programme.
You can find out more about student housing and accommodation here.
Contact
Do you have questions about the preparatory semester?
Come along to our open consultation hours: Tuesdays 13:30-15 h and Wednesdays 10:30-12 h in room 20-227.
If you would prefer to arrange a meeting in person or online, please contact us: email
