Take an active part in current research and gain initial work experience: this is what a Voluntary Academic Year (FWJ) offers, and young people can apply to the university for this programme until the end of the month.
The FWJ, the third edition of which is set to begin in Oldenburg in September, is primarily aimed at A-level graduates, but can also provide an alternative route into university for other groups – such as refugees. It takes place as part of the Federal Voluntary Service.
In autumn 2014, the University of Oldenburg became one of the first German universities to establish the FWJ as an additional route into academia – so far with a focus on medicine, but it is intended to be offered in other Schools in the future. In the first year, ten FWJ participants were involved in research projects, working in areas such as medical physics and healthcare research.
Practical work in the university’s research institutions provides an insight into academic career paths. FWJ participants contribute to society whilst simultaneously laying the foundations for a successful start to their studies. In addition to the research work, there are a total of five seminar weeks dedicated to the volunteers’ personal and professional development.
For degree programmes with restricted admission, the FWJ can be counted towards the waiting period; many medical schools take it into account separately in their selection procedures. Volunteers receive a monthly allowance of up to 400 euros and a certificate of completion. Any entitlement to child benefit remains unaffected.
