Study options for refugees

Learning German

German is the teaching language of almost all study programmes (Bachelor, Staatsexamen) at the University of Göttingen, only in some Master and Bachelor programmes it is German and/or English. In order to study, you need to have a language level of C1 (DSH-2) or C2 (Medicine and Psychology). Prior to studying there are intensive German language courses. The courses at IIK are free of cost for refugees with prospects of studying.

Validating your Certificates

You will receive information on the university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) for undergraduate degrees at the Incoming Office of Göttingen International.

If you apply for a Master programme, the suitability of your first study certificate will be checked.

If you already obtained a degree in another country, you can have it recognized. You can get counselling on your validation process.

Finding your Study Programme

Before applying, you should know the content and the structure of your study programme. Leran more about your study programme: Degree programmes from A to Z

At the University Open Days or in a live visit of your study courses, you can learn more about your chosen field of study and study programme. In subject-independent study preparation programmes or a study counselling session you can find out whether a study programme fits, and ask your questions.

Peparing your Studies

Before starting your study programme, you can already learn the basics. There are special workshops for prospective international students on academic writing and presenting, writing exams, working and applying in Germany or intercultural competence.

Directly before the start of the semester, many degree programmes offer pre-courses, in order to refresh the basics (e.g. Mathematics). International students can also benefit from learning German subject-speficic vocabulary.

Applying

At the University of Göttingen you directly apply at the University, not via Uni Assist. Even if the date of your German language exam is only shortly before the beginning of the semester, you can already apply for your Bachelor programme (except for Medicine). This is different for Master programmes. Application deadlines and required documents vary for each programme, please check the information on the application process.

Financing your Studies

Language courses (German or English), preparation courses for the German Abitur or travel expenses can be financed by the Garantiefonds Hochschule (GF-H). Contact the GF-H educational guidance centre in Göttingen to make a counselling appointment.

Securing your livelihood will change, wenn you start to study. In order to take the right steps, check out this basic information on study financing (in German).

Studying as a Parent

There is support for students with children. You are eligible for receiving BAföG over a longer period, and you can use counselling sercives on study organisation and register your children on the waiting list for the child care facility at the University. Check out the information provided by the Family Service.

Talking to Wasey

Wasey Khalil took part in the guest student programme at Göttingen University, now he is doing his PhD research on the topic of “Emotion and Migration” at the Institute for Sociology. Watch the video to find out about the experiences Wasey made at Göttingen University and about his favourite word

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Talking to Marwa (German)

Marwa Alashkar steht kurz davor, ihr Studium in Betriebswirtschaftslehre an der Uni Göttingen abzuschließen. Im Gespräch erzählt sie von ihrem ersten Tag als Gasthörerin an der Universität Göttingen, von ihren Plänen für das nächste Jahr und verrät, welches Wort ihrer Muttersprache sie gerne allen Deutschen beibringen möchte.

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Talking to Nisrin (German)

Nisrin Mahmoud war für zwei Semester Gasthörerin und steht jetzt kurz davor ihr Studium an der Uni Göttingen aufzunehmen. Welche Vorteile das Gasthörerprogramm hat, welcher Ort für sie die Uni ausmacht und welchen Rat Nisrin allen Geflüchteten geben würde, erfahren Sie im Video.

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