Studying

One alternative to vocational training could be to study at a higher education institution in Germany. There are different types of higher education institutions in Germany.

- Universities
These offer a wide range of degrees. Universities do not only pass on knowledge - they also open up research opportunities.

- Colleges/ universities of applied sciences
These colleges and universities of applied sciences are mostly focused on technical/engineering, economics and social science subjects. Colleges/universities of applied sciences are generally more practically-orientated than universities.

- Music and art colleges
These specialise specifically in visual, creative and performing arts.

Here's what you need to know if you would like to go on to study:

You can request information about individual degree courses from careers advice centres of employment agencies or directly from the universities and colleges. You should also take the opportunity to meet and discuss individual degree courses or student life with other students.
To be able to study at a higher education institution in Germany, you need to have a university entrance qualification. For this you must be able to provide evidence (with original documents if possible) of whether the education certificate you hold is sufficient for you to study at a higher education institution in Germany. The assessment and decision are made by the international academic offices of the higher education institutions.
You will generally also be required to pass a language test before you are admitted to the degree course.

University Entrance Qualification

The assessment of your education certificates and documents is done by the international academic offices of the higher education institutions. If your education certificates and documents are sufficient for you to study at a higher education institution in Germany, you will be granted a university entrance qualification. There are different general and subject-specific university entrance qualifications.

If you have a general university entrance qualification you can study any subject. If you have a subject-specific university entrance qualification you are only admitted onto certain degree programmes.
If your documents are not sufficient, you will usually be given a university entrance qualification to preparatory college. At a preparatory college (Studienkolleg) you can retake the exams you require for your desired degree course. Preparatory college ends with an entrance examination.

What is a preparatory college and how do I apply to one?

A preparatory college is where you can prepare for the entrance examination. You will need to sit this examination if the education certificates you hold are not sufficient for you to study a degree in Germany. Many higher education institutions have an affiliated preparatory college. However, there are also preparatory colleges where you need to apply directly. For more information, it is best to contact your chosen higher education institution directly.

Register of the consortium of German Studienkollegs

Proof of German Language Skills

Unless you are not joining a course in English, you will generally need to prove you have sufficient German language skills to study at a higher education institution in Germany. Test DaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) [German as a foreign language test] and DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) [German language examination for university entrance] are the main language proficiency tests for university entrance.

Most universities also provide preparation courses so you can optimally prepare for the tests and required language skills for a degree course.

On the websites of the Test DaF and the DSH you can find information in various languages about prior knowledge, preparation courses and the testing process.

Links

Test DaF Information
DSH Information

Information for Refugees in the Asylum Process

If your asylum application has already been accepted, you can study in Germany just like any other international degree applicant.

Asylum seekers whose asylum process is still pending can also study for a degree in Germany as a temporary residence permit is sufficient to entitle them to study.

To study at a higher education institution in Germany, the same entry requirements apply as for other international degree applicants. You need to hold a university entrance qualification.

The website Study in Germany offers further information on studying in Germany. There is a section dedicated to refugees who would like to study for a degree in Germany. This information is also available in English, Arabic, Urdu, Pashto and Dari.