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Preparatory semester/semesters:
get staRTed at Reutlingen University

Would you like to study in Germany but you still need to pass the language exam for university admission? We have the right offer for you and will help you achieve the German level needed for your studies!

Option 1: You already have a B1 certificate

You will attend the B2 intensive course for one semester, followed by the TestDaF preparation course in the subsequent semester. At the end of the second semester, you will take the TestDaF exam.

Option 2: You already have a B2 certificate

You will attend the TestDaF preparation course for one semester and take the TestDaF exam at the end of the semester.

Get staRTed at Reutlingen University also offers:

Study orientation and advice

Which degree programme is right for me? How can I finance my studies? What is the best way to learn?

We are here to support you with all your questions about studying here!

Preparation for your studies

What is it like to live and study in Germany? What does a lecture at a German university look like? What cultural differences are there between Germany and my home country?

We are here to prepare you for your studies!

Leisure and excursion programme

What is there to discover in the region?

With us, you will get to know Reutlingen and the surrounding area!

Key Facts

Course duration	9 March 2026 – 3 July 2026
Course content	20 hours of German lessons per week, plus preparatory workshops and activities
German courses	Course 1: B2 course Course 2: TestDaF preparation course Both courses are offered each semester
Entry requirements	Recognised university entrace qualification Proof of German language skills at level B1 or B2
Registration period	Winter semester: May – 15 September Summer semester: November – 28 February
Course fee Semester fee	€800 €199,30

Please watch the video before applying.

Information for international students who require a visa

As an international student, you will need a visa and proof of sufficient financial resources.

Important: The visa process can take a long time. Please apply at least four months before the start of the course!

For your visa appointment…

… you must bring the university admission letter (However, do consider booking a visa appointment even if you have not yet received your admission letter.)
… you must bring all required documents for the visa application (Find out here which documents you need.)
… you must know the required amount of financial proof

FaQ

To register for the preparatory semester, you will need a recognised university entrance qualificationand proof of German language proficiency. Prospective students from India, China and Vietnam also require an APS certificate.

You will also need a copy of your passport, a passport-sized photo, proof of student health insurance, and proof of payment of the semester fee.

Once you have applied via the portal, we will review your documents. Should your proof of German language proficiency not be conclusive, we may ask you to take a placement test to assess your language level.

Then we will send you a letter of acceptance, which you can use to apply for a visa if necessary.

You will receive an invoice for the course fee, which is €800, and for the €199,30 semester fee. To complete your enrolment, please send us the remaining documents. You will find more details about this in the letter of acceptance.

If you can provide proof of German language skills at level B1, you can register for Course 1 (B2 level). Upon successful completion of Course 1 (B2 level), you may register for Course 2 (TestDaF preparation course) in the following semester and take the TestDaF exam.

If you can provide proof of German language skills at level B2, please register for Course 2 (TestDaF preparation course).

Following successful registration, we may conduct a placement test if necessary.

You can assess your language level yourself here.

In addition to the course fee of €800, students must pay a semester fee of €199,30. The course fee covers costs for course books, learning materials, and the fee for the TestDaF exam. You can find more information on the cost of living in Germany here.

Students from EU- countries as well as from non-EU countries will be exempt from the €1,500 tuition fees during the preparatory semester. Registration for the course incurs only the semester fee of €199,30 €, payable at the beginning of each semester.

Yes, you will. As a participant in the preparatory semester, you will be enrolled as a student at Reutlingen University. Upon timely payment of the semester fee and submission of the required documents, you will be registered but not assigned to a specific degree programme.

No, you must formally apply for the degree programme.

You can find out more about student housing and accommodationhere.

We recommend applying via the portal three to four months before the start of the course.

get staRTed at Reutlingen University - well prepared and successful right from the start!

Contact

Do you have questions about the preparatory semester?

If you would prefer to arrange a meeting in person or online, please contact us: email

Our Team

Karin Bukenberger, M.A.	Project management Head of the Institute for Foreign Languages (IfF)
Veronika Datzmann, M.A.	Preparatory semester, Teacher of German as a foreign language
Claudia Frank, M.A.	Project management Reutlingen International Office
Dr. Gracia Llorca Llinares	Project Coordination Guidance for international prospective students and degree-seeking students
Clara Maria Wankmüller, M.A.	Preparatory semester, Teacher of German as a foreign language