Preparatory German Course

The next Preparatory German Courses start in mid-April 2025 and end with the DSH in mid-July 2025. More information: Overview of dates

Class schedule: Monday to Friday, 08.30 to 11.45 (240 hours).

Teaching location: The course normally takes place on campus in Darmstadt.

Costs: The preparatory German course is free of charge.

Enrolment: In order to register for the Preparatory German Course enrolment at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences is mandatory. Payment of the semester fee is a prerequisite for successful enrolment.

You can look up the current semester fee here.

For participation in the DSH (examination): €150 examination fee

If you are successfully admitted, you will receive student status. Every student is granted a semester ticket and can apply for a place in a hall of residence.

Before you register, please read the information on this page and our FAQ carefully.

Prerequisites for registration

The following applies to the exclusive registration for the preparatory German course:

Proof of language proficiency at level B2 or C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in the form of a certificate of attendance/language certificate
- The course level must be clearly stated on the certificate.
- Proof of registration for a language course will not accepted.
- The certificate of attendance must prove actual and complete course attendance.
- Alternatively: Test-DaF certificate - no more than one result U3
- Alternatively: DSH-1 certificate
University entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung - HZB)

A certificate of attendance is not sufficient when applying for a degree program. See SSC

Registration

Registration for the preparatory Germany course is available via uni-assist (and only there). You are charged EUR 75.00 for uni-assist to assess your transcript and check other admission criteria for your first choice of study in a given semester. For each additional study request in the same semester you are charged EUR 30.00.

You can apply directly for a place on the preparatory language course; an application for a degree program is possible, but not mandatory.

You only pay the current semester fee for participation in the preparatory course. If you take the DSH (examination), you will also have to pay the examination fee.

Registration deadline and allocation of places

Registration for the summer semester is possible in the preceding winter semester and vice versa.

Deadline for the winter semester: 15 July

Deadline for the summer semester: 15 January

Places are allocated according to the time of receipt of the application.

Advantages

The preparatory German course does not count as a Fachsemester.
You get to know Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences and all it has to offer before you even start your degree program.
While taking part in the course, you can apply for a degree programm internally, i.e. you don't need to apply via uni-assist again.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the preparatory German course or language skills, please contact the DSH Counselling Center. If you have any questions about applying via uni-asisst, please contact the Student Service Center.

DSH flyer