University studies for refugees
Refugees can start university studies leading to a degree under the same conditions as other international applicants.
Further information on university admission requirements (in German)
Minimus requirements for university admision:
- 1. A Higher Education Entrance Qualification (in German: “Hochschulzugangsberechtigung”) –This is a school-leaving certificate which qualifies you for university study.
The DAAD entrance qualification database can help you finding out whether your university entrance qualification is recognised in Germany (available in German or English). You can obtain more specific data about other countries and certificates at Anabin (only available in German). These websites provide non-binding information about whether your certificate will be recognised.
If your school-leaving certificate is not recognised, you have to take the Feststellungsprüfung – an assessment test where you will be examined in several subjects that are important for your choice of study programme, including a language test. The Studienkolleg (preparatory course) prepares you academically and linguistically for studies in Germany and the Feststellungsprüfung. The Studienkolleg is the university preparatory course and takes one year (two semesters) to complete on a full-time basis. In Berlin Studienkollegs are offered at Free University as well as a at the Technical University .
If certificates are incomplete or missing due to forced migration, universities offer procedures that facilitate the documentation of the higher education entry qualification.
For further information please check the resolution Access and Admission to Institutions of Higher Education for Applicants who are Unable to provide Evidence of a Higher Education Entrance Qualification Obtained in their Home Country on Account of their Flight (Download PDF) of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs dated 3 December 2015.
Uni-assist offers further information for refugees interested in studying in Germany and provides a self-disclosure form where you have to detail your educational background.
Recognition of credits / study periods
If you have already completed periods of study and obtained credits at another university and would like to apply for a higher degree semester please contact the universtity you wish to apply for about the procedure of recognition of previous earned credits
- 2. Proof of Language Proficiency
German language skills on a high level are an essential precondition for studying. Courses are usually taught in German. Most universities require a language level in German of B2 to C1.
A list of the tests that are recognised as proof of language proficiency at German universities can be found here:
https://www.kmk.org/themen/deutsches-sprachdiplom-dsd/deutsche-sprachkenntnisse-fuer-den-hochschulzugang.html
https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-studies/requirements/language-skills/
- Further information on the admission process
The decision on admission usually rests with the higher education institution at which you are applying. For that reason, you should always inform yourself about the requirements for your chosen degree programme at the respective higher education institution.
Often you need to apply via uni-assist . Uni assist is an institution for applicants with international educational certificates, which checks and evaluates international study applications.
There is special information for refugees at uni-assist .
Refugees as auditors
As auditors, refugees can attend lectures at German colleges and universities. Berlin’s colleges and universities offer different auditor programs for refugees. Further details can be found on the universities’ websites.
Counseling and support for refugees at colleges and universities
Berlin’s public colleges and universities offer special counseling for refugees.
