New Online Course to Prepare International Students for University Studies

The DAAD has launched an online course to prepare international students for bachelor studies in a STEM field in Germany. The course is open to potential students worldwide, and applications can be submitted effective immediately on the organization's homepage.

The German Academic Exchange Service, widely known by its acronym DAAD, has announced the launch of VORsprung, a new online course aimed at international students. It is intended to help university candidates improve their German language skills and prepare to study in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field in Germany. Participation in the course is free. The application phase runs until 30 June, with the course itself beginning in August 2025. Applications can be completed here.

The following programs at the University of Siegen are taking part:

• Civil Engineering
• Chemistry
• Biomedical Technology-Digital Biomedical & Health Sciences
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Business Information Systems
• Industrial Engineering
• Digital Engineering

International candidates to study in Germany can take the course at their own tempo and from the comfort of their own homes. Participants can select two subjects from the areas of physics, mathematics, computer science, and chemistry. The course starts with a two-week introductory phase in which participants can explore the course platform and get to know program contacts and the other participants. Six months of STEM courses then follow, built around problem solving with other participants, guided by online tutors and augmented with gamification, videos, and media. Community managers are also available at all times for questions.

Extra emphasis is placed on improving German language skills to better prepare participants for the challenges of university-level studies. They will also learn about Germany as study destination. At the end of the course, participants will take language tests, with the possibility of earning language certificates. Participation in VORsprung is more than just good preparation for potential studies. It will also allow successful participants to apply directly to the program's partner universities in Germany.

To apply for the online course, candidates must hold a school leaving certificate with indirect higher education entrance qualification as well as proof of mastery of German at the B1.2 level or higher. Specifics on the conditions of application can be found on the DAAD homepage. Candidates must also have a laptop or PC with a stable internet connection.

The program is subsidized by the DAAD with financial support from German’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The list of participating German universities can also be found on the website.