The Freshman Program offers the students who do not have previous knowledge of German the Possibility of studying in German, English or both at one of our partner universities with guaranteed admission to one of the following programs after successful completion of the Freshman year
Freshman Program
Your fast track to Bachelor’s programs in Germany.The Freshman Institute is in the heart of Europe, where Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium meet.
Freshman Institute
Campus Geilenkirchen
The Freshman campus is on the outskirts of Geilenkirchen, a small town about a 20 minute train ride from Aachen. Shops are within walking distance of the campus and larger cities such as Cologne or Dusseldorf can be reached by public transport at no extra cost using the Student Semester Ticket.
Study Programs taught in English or German
The Freshman Institute is an integrated part of the FH Aachen – University of Applied Sciences, a public university
The Freshman Program is the foundation year(Studienkolleg) at the FH Aachen. It is a “soft landing” for international students: an ideal entry year where students from all over the world study in small groups in an intercultural environment and prepare for their future in today’s global economy.Germany is world-renowned for its expertise in engineering, hence the main focus of our program!However, courses are also available in economics, medicine and the humanities.
Over 300 Freshman successfully complete our program each year.
How to Join the Freshman Program
- Demonstrate basic proficiency in English or German
- Submit the application form with required documents
- Take the entrance exam or TestAS at any time
- Complete high school before starting the Freshman year
The Freshman Program includes
- Subject-related courses
- Intensive language courses
- Books and materialsBooks and materials
- Accommodation (meals not included)
- Internship (engineering only)
- Extra tutorials – language and subject-specific
- Health, liability and accident insurance
- Transportation from Dusseldorf airport
- One year residence permit
- Free public transportation in NRW (bus & train)
- Excursion and sports
The Freshman Year
on one Campus the Freshman Program is a two semester program.Courses begin in October and finish in August.
Scholarships are awarded to our best graduates
Admission to University
Depending upon your knowledge of German before starting the Freshman program, you have a variety of options.
- German Track | If you already know German, you can join our FeP “Feststellungsprüfung” program.
- English Track | If you do not know any German or prefer guaranteed admission to a specific program at one of our partner universities in Germany, after the Freshman year you can study at one of the following universities:
- FH Aachen – University of Applied Sciences (AC)
- FH Rhein-Waal –University of Applied Sciences (RW)
- FH Südwestfalen –University of Applied Sciences (SW)
- University of Duisburg-Essen (DuE*)
- >SRH Hamm (SRH**)
Tracks
- Entire program in German
- Entire program in English
- Transition from English to German
Requirements
- English: Recommended level B1 with a mark of 1 or 90% or IELTS 5.0 (certificate not required)
- Successful completion of high school (final school certificate is required)
- Freshman entrance test or Test AS
- All applicants must take either the entrance exam or TestAS.
Fields of Study
Engineering and Natural Sciences
Fields of Study taught in English and German
FH Aachen - University of Applied Sciences
- Applied Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Rail Vehicle Engineering
Universität Duisburg-Essen - University of Duisburg-Essen*
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Metallurgy and Metal Forming
- Mechanical Engineering
- Structural Engineering
Students for the University of Duisburg-Essen must have a “B” average in mathematics over the last 3 years of school, which includes the last two years of high school as well as the Freshman year. Therefore, we cannot guarantee admission to the University of Duisburg-Essen after the Freshman year. If a student does not meet this goal, we will do our best to help him/her find an alternative.
SRH Hochschule Hamm - SRH University Hamm*
- • Logistik – Logistics
Fields of Study taught in English
Hochschule Rhein-Waal – Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences
- Biomaterials Science
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Environment and Energy
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronic Systems Engineering
Business and Economics
Fields of Study taught in English
Hochschule Rhein-Waal – Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences
- Gender and Diversity
- International Taxation and Law
Fachhochschule Südwestfalen – South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences
- Business Administration with Informatics
Field of Study taught in English and German
SRH Hochschule Hamm - SRH University Hamm*
- BWL – Betriebswirtschaftslehre – Business
*Special Information about the SRH Hochschule Hamm. Additional tuition fees are required after the Freshman year.
Working in Germany
After completion of the Freshman year, students enrolled at German universities are permitted to work part-time. Upon completion of their degree, students may stay in Germany for up to 1½ years to find employment.