NRWege-Preparation for University
NRWege-Preparation for University is a program directed at refugees who wish to pursue a degree at the University of Bonn. It offers a free German course as structured preparation for the German Language Proficiency Test for Admission to Higher Education (DSH) as well as advice and support for future study at the University of Bonn.
NRWege scholarships
Students with a refugee background enrolled at University of Bonn can apply for a scholarship within the program “NRWege ins Studium”.
Application deadline: September 01, 2024
About the program
The University of Bonn is offering a preparatory program for refugees as part of "NRWege ins Studium" grant program of the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Culture and Science (MKW NRW). The principal element of this initiative is an intensive German course for B2 and C1 certification in preparation for the DSH exam. Workshops, advice on studying and a weekly afternoon Lerncafé with mentor guidance are also offered as part of the program. Following a consultation, program participants can be permitted to attend courses in the desired subject as auditors (medicine, dentistry and pharmacy excluded). Results of examinations, however, will not be credited.
Offering structure and details
Starting in April and October, the regular program duration is two semesters. The 15-week language course consists of 300 teaching units per semester at 20 course units per week. The program concludes with taking the DSH exam at the end of the semester.
Other program components include:
- Study Prep Workshops
- Weekly Lerncafé
- Academic counseling
- Opportunity to attend courses (optional, in consultation)
Participation requirements
The following requirements apply for program participation:
- Residency based on refugee status or humanitarian grounds; the arrival in Germany may not be longer than five years ago
- German language skills recognized at B1 level
- Resident in the City of Bonn or the Bonn area (i.e. the Rhein-Sieg district)
- Holding university entrance qualification (school diploma, other documented academic qualifications as applicable)
The application process
If you would like to apply for the program and meet the requirements, read the key information on the application process and required application documents here.
Documents and deadlines
To apply as program participant, please complete the application form and upload the following documents in PDF format:
- Scan of your passport or other ID document officially confirming your status (e.g. personal ID)
- Scanned registration certificate with the City of Bonn or a municipality in the Bonn area
- Scanned documentation of B1 language level (German B1 certificate from the Goethe Institute, telc or DTZ)
- Scan of school diploma and other available academic documentation/certificates (in German or English translation)
Application deadlines
Deadline summer semester 2025: January 15, 2025
Deadline winter semester 2025/26: August 10, 2025
The procedure
We will contact you upon receiving your application documents. Following the application deadline, the applications will be reviewed in cooperation with the German as a Foreign Language section. A placement test is conducted before the course starts, after which you receive notification of whether we can place you in the program.
We look forward to receiving your applications—contact us for any questions!
Contact
Dr. Gesine Schiller
0.002
Poppelsdorfer Allee 53
53115 Bonn (Germany)
Consultation hours
- By arrangement
The program is funded by the North Rhine-Westphalia State Ministry of Culture and Science.
Also see
DSH preparatory courses
Information on the DSH preparatory courses can be found in the section “Learning German”.
Intercultural Training seminars
Information on the Intercultural Training seminars offered can be found in the section “Certificate of Intercultural Competence.”