Preparatory German courses - INSTEP
You can only register for the German proficiency test for preparatory German courses at the link given in the admission letter sent to you by the Admissions Office.
Please note that applicants for certain degree programmes (e.g. Medicine, M.A. German as a Foreign Language, M.A. German Studies, PHM and for international degree programmes) are not eligible for the preparatory German language course.
INSTEP Study preparation
For more information please go to our websites of the INSTEP Study preparation
Preparatory German courses - INSTEP
The University of Oldenburg offers the INSTEP study preparation for university applicants. Part of the study preparation are the preparatory German courses with the aim of obtaining the DSH certificate (German language examination for university entrance).
The most important facts at a glance
Entry
You can start INSTEP study preparation in the winter or summer semester. We test your language level in the German proficiency exam. Depending on the results, you can start with the B1, B2 or C1 examination course.
Duration
If you start with the B1 or the B2 examination course, the study preparation lasts two semesters. If you start with the C1 level, you will complete the program after one semester. The study preparation ends after you have passed the DSH.
DSH
The DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) takes place in June/July and in January/February. It is usually taken after the C1 examination course.
Costs
Participants are enrolled and pay the applicable semester fee. There are no further course fees.
Requirements
You must have successfully applied to study at the University of Oldenburg and passed the language entrance exam. Since course places are limited, we cannot guarantee you a place.
How can I apply for the preparatory German courses?
You can apply online for a place to study at the University of Oldenburg via uni assist e.V.
The application must be accompanied by a certificate of attendance of at least level B1 or an official German certificate (e.g. Goethe, telc) of at least level A2.
Please note that verification by uni-assist can take 4-6 weeks.
Please contact the Admissions Office of the University of Oldenburg for further information on the application procedure.
If your application is accepted, you will receive an invitation to the German proficiency test.
Application for international students
Prospective refugee students have the opportunity to apply as a guest student. More information on applying as a refugee.
When can I apply?
For the winter semester, you can apply from 15 May until 15 July.
For the summer semester, you can apply from 15 November until 15 January.
What is the German proficiency test and how do I register for it?
The German proficiency test is an online test in which you must demonstrate that your knowledge of German is equivalent to at least a level of A2.
If your application is accepted, you will receive a preliminary admission letter from the Admissions Office. You can find a link to the online registration for the German proficiency test here. Please only use this link.
After registering, you will be informed of the time and place of the German proficiency test.
If you have any questions or problems, please contact
What happens after the German proficiency test?
You will receive an email with your result a few days after the examination.
If you pass the test, you will then receive more information about your course and enrolment.
If you do not pass the German proficiency test, you will not receive a place on the course and cannot be enrolled. In this case, please contact the Admissions Office to clarify further procedures.
Please note that course places are limited and therefore cannot always be guaranteed even if you pass the test.
FAQ
I already have been awarded a B2 certificate. Can I participate in the examination course C1?
No, we will test every applicant's German knowledge in the German proficiency test. You will be placed in the course according to the test results.
Why do I have to take the German proficiency test when I already have a B1 / B2 certificate?
For the application you need proof of German language skills. This can be an official language certificate, it can also be a certificate of attendance for a German course at level B1 or higher. Regardless of your document, we test all applicants in the German proficiency test to place you in the appropriate course based on the result.
How much is the course fee?
Applicants have to be enrolled and pay the valid semester fee in order to take part in the preparatory German courses. There are no further course fees.
Can I participate, even if I haven't applied as a student at the University of Oldenburg?
Unfortunately, we don't have the capacity to accept external participants at the moment.
How does the German proficiency test work?
After registering, you will be informed in more detail about the German proficiency test.
If I don't pass the German proficiency test, can I attend another German course at the University of Oldenburg?
Below level B1, we offer German courses during the semester for students of the University of Oldenburg. These courses take place twice a week. Participation as an external student is possible but is not recommended as intensive courses are better to prepare for your studies. As an external participant you won't be enrolled.
When do the examination courses start?
The examination courses take place during the regular semester times of the university as well as during the semester break.
You can find more information onthe academic calendar.
I have already attended a course at level B2. Why was I placed to level B2?
Our preparatory German courses provide linguistic preparation for admission to university. They include general language topics, but also vocabulary and scientific language structures that you will need for your studies. The courses are very intensive, so our placements can sometimes differ from the placements of other language course providers.