Examinations at the International Study Centre
If you want to go to university in Germany, you have to fulfil certain German language and subject-specific requirements. The International Study Centre ("Internationales Studienzentrum" / "ISZ") of Heidelberg University offers you different examinations that allow you to officially prove the required knowledge.Please note: Do you need a proof of your German language skills or a German language certificate not for university but for work or other reasons? If so, you should contact a private language school. A list of schools located in Heidelberg is available →here (without claim of completeness or correctness).
These examinations can be taken at the ISZ:
1. |
Examinations for access to our courses |
| 1.1 | Placement Test for the Kolleg für deutsche Sprache und Kultur (KSK) |
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What is
it? A test assessing your German language proficiency. Your score determines at which course level (GER A1 to C1) you will start attending our →Kolleg für deutsche Sprache und Kultur. Who is allowed/required to take this test? All prospective students who have applied successfully either (a) directly with the International Study Centre for the KSK only or (b) with Heidelberg University for a place on an undergraduate degree programme in connection with a preceding German language course at the KSK. Attendance is obligatory. For more detailed information on the application procedures, please go to our course page for the →Kolleg für deutsche Sprache und Kultur. When does it take place? Usually on the Monday in the week before the start of the lecture period, i.e. - for summer semesters: early April - for winter semesters: early October. What exam will I have to take next? - If you have a direct university entrance qualification ("direkte Hochschulzugangsberechtigung/HZB") for your desired degree programme, you will complete the KSK by taking the →German Language Examination for University Entrance ("Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang" / "DSH"). - If you have an indirect university entrance qualification ("indirekte Hochschulzugangsberechtigung/HZB") for your desired degree programme, after the KSK, you will have to attend the →Studienkolleg, which requires you to pass the →Entrance Examination for the Studienkolleg. →Details |
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| 1.2 | Entrance Examination for the Studienkolleg |
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What is
it? An examination assessing your German language proficiency. Your score determines whether or not you will be admitted then to the →Studienkolleg of Heidelberg University. Who is allowed/required to take this exam? Only prospective students with non-German indirect university entrance qualifications ("indirekte Hochschulzugangsberechtigung/HZB"), i.e. without direct university access. Attendance is obligatory. Please note: You cannot apply directly with the Studienkolleg Heidelberg but only with a university. For more detailed information on the application procedure, please go to our course page for the →Studienkolleg. When does it take place? Usually on the Monday in the week before the start of the lecture period, i.e. - for summer semesters: early April - for winter semesters: early October. What exam will I have to take next? You complete the Studienkolleg by taking the →Assessment Examination ("Feststellungsprüfung" / "FSP") ab. →Details |
2. |
Examinations for access to university |
| 2.1 |
German
Language Examination for University Entrance ("Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang", "DSH") |
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What is
it? An examination assessing your German language proficiency which allows you to officially prove that you fulfil the language requirements for studying at German universities. Who is allowed/required to take this exam? Prospective students with non-German direct university entrance qualifications ("direkte Hochschulzugangsberechtigung/HZB"). Please note: To be eligible to take the DSH with us at the International Study Centre, you first must either (a) attend our German courses at the →Kolleg für deutsche Sprache und Kultur (KSK) or (b) have received a letter of admission for a degree programme at Heidelberg university instructing you to take the DSH at the ISZ. When does it take place? (a) DSH with a preceding German language course at the KSK: towards the end of the lecture period, i.e. - in summer semesters: early July - in winter semesters: late January / early February. (b) DSH without a preceding German language course at the KSK: before the start of the lecture period, i.e. - for applicants admitted to a summer semester: late March / early April - for applicants admitted to a winter semester: late September / early October. →Details |
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| 2.2 |
Assessment
Examination ("Feststellungsprüfung", "FSP") |
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What is
it? A subject and German language examination completing the →Studienkolleg and providing official proof that you fulfil the subject-specific and German language requirements to enter your desired degree programme. Who is allowed/required to take this exam? Only prospective students with non-German indirect university entrance qualifications ("indirekte Hochschulzugangsberechtigung/HZB"), i.e. without direct university access. For applications for Studienkolleg places, please note: You cannot apply directly with the Studienkolleg Heidelberg; you have to apply via a university. For more detailed information on the application procedure, please go to our course page for the →Studienkolleg. When does it take place? Usually at the end of your second semester at the Studienkolleg, i.e. - in summer semesters: June to July - in winter semesters: January to February →Details |
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| 2.3 | Eignungsprüfung für beruflich Qualifizierte | |
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What is
it? An examination in German, English, and at least one more subject which allows you to officially prove that you fulfil the requirements for your desired degree programme. Who is allowed/required to take this exam? Prospective students with extended professional experience (at least two years of vocational training plus, typically, three years of employment) who have not obtained yet any university entrance qualifications (e.g. "Abitur" or entitling vocational diplomas such as "Meister" or "Fachwirt"). When does it take place? Once a year in May. →Details (German language page) |
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