Pre-semester preparatory course (subject-specific academic preparation)
The pre-semester preparatory course ("Propädeutikum") will be organised by Studienkolleg Hamburg for the last time in 2024.
The preparatory course will no longer be offered from 2025. An application is no longer possible
Having your higher education entry qualification reviewed
You will need to submit your foreign educational qualification to us at Universität Hamburg for the process of recognition of foreign educational qualifications. Please read the information on our website "Recognition of foreign educational qualifications".
German language skills
In order to be admitted to the pre-semester preparatory course you must provide proof of sufficient German skills. You have to submit a language assessment from an accredited institution as proof of German proficiency with your application. The following language assessments are accepted for the pre-semester preparatory course.
- Goethe-Zertifikat B2
- Telc B2-Zertifikate
- DSD II
- DSH I
- TestDaf TDN 3 (in allen vier Prüfungsteilen)
- ÖSD B2-Zertifikate
Certificates must not date back more than three years from December 1st, the beginning of the application period for the pre-semester preparatory course.
In addition, the language certificates that can be submitted for a degree program at Universität Hamburg are also considered sufficient for the pre-semester preparatory course. You can find an overview here.
Further information can be found on the website of Studienkolleg Hamburg.
Sending your online application
At the start of the application period, please set up an applicant account in the application portal of Universität Hamburg. Read the information about applying online, put in your data, and send your application electronically. Don't forget to print out your online application!
Is there a selection procedure?
Yes, there is a selection procedure based on qualitative criteria due to a limited number of spaces available.
Information about admission and enrollment
At the beginning of March, Universität Hamburg will inform you about the status of your application. You will receive a confirmation or rejection at your online applicant account under "Dokumente" (documents). Final course lists for the Studienkolleg Hamburg will also be issued.
Please note that the Studienkolleg begins in March (before the start of the summer semester!).
After you have enrolled, you will receive preliminary semester documents by mail as well as your semester public transportation ticket (valid for one year from the beginning of the semester on 1 April).