Frequently asked questions

The requirements for participation in the current Studienbrücke program are

• Pupil in the 9th to 11th grade
• Proof of the required language level
• high motivation to study in Germany: proven by a letter of motivation, participation in student olympiads, competitions, regional and international projects in the STEM subjects
• above-average academic performance in the STEM subjects

• written confirmation from parents or legal guardians

As part of the program, prospective students from the participating countries are prepared for studying here in the University Alliance Ruhr in terms of language and subject by the local Goethe-Instituts. This preparation also includes the German teaching, learning and campus culture and introduces the students to the social environment.

• School leaving certificate
• Alternatively: if this is not yet available - grades from the last two semesters.
• Proof of very good German language skills: TestDaF - grade 4x4 or 16 points, DSD II, or Goethe-Zertifikat C2
• TestAS: At least 100 points must be achieved in both the core test and the subject test
• Confirmation of participation from the Goethe-Institut confirming successful completion of all modules in the "Studienbrücke" program
• Successful participation in competitions such as Mathematics Olympiads or regional/international projects is also desirable (please enclose certificate(s))

For students at the universities of the University Alliance Ruhr (Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Technical University of Dortmund, University of Duisburg-Essen), the average monthly living costs are around 800 to 1,000 euros.

Monthly expenses are usually made up as follows:

Rent (hall of residence): approx. 350 euros

Health insurance: approx. 140 euros

Food: approx. 200 euros

Telephone/Internet/broadcasting/TV fees: approx. 40 euros

Clothing: approx. 70 euros

Work materials (books, copies, etc.): approx. 45 euros

Leisure, culture, sport: approx. 80 euros

Please note that you may initially incur additional financial costs when you arrive in Germany. These may consist of the deposit, which usually consists of two months' rent and which you will usually get back after you move out (if you hand over your place of residence in its original condition), as well as processing fees for opening a blocked account and obtaining a residence permit.

In addition, students are required to pay a social contribution at the beginning of each semester, the amount of which can vary.

The universities of the University Alliance Ruhr offer subject-specific preliminary courses before the start of the semester, particularly in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and engineering.
These courses serve to repeat and deepen school content and facilitate entry into the Bachelor's degree course.

In addition, introductory and orientation events are held in which the structure of the course, examination regulations and the services and advice offered by the respective university are presented.

The universities of the University Alliance Ruhr support participants in the Studienbrücke program with the following support services:

• Individual support during the introductory phase of studies
• Support in dealing with administrative formalities, e.g. enrolment, taking out health insurance, the rental contract, opening a bank account and dealing with the Citizens' and Foreigners' Registration Office
• Coordinating and accompanying visits to authorities in cooperation with the relevant university departments
• Coordination of visits to authorities
• Permanent contact person on site for questions about studying and student life

Further information can be found under Study-related courses and offers for students

In order to apply for a visa in Germany, international students need proof of financial means to cover their study and living costs (currently: 12 × 992 € = 11,904 € per year).

Proof can be provided in various ways:

• Payment into a blocked account in Germany
• Declaration of commitment from a person resident in Germany to the immigration authority
• Recognized scholarships that are primarily provided from German funds (e.g. DAAD scholarships)
• Statement of income and financial circumstances of parents in the home country(This proof of financial means is only valid for the issue of an entry visa, but not for the residence permit! Please contact the consulate for further information)
• Benefits according to BAföG (in individual cases)
• Contractually proven income from permitted activities, e.g. internship remuneration or income as a tutor or working student job will be offset against the required amount of funding(as part of the extension of the residence permit)