VORsprung: A Digital Head Start for Engineering and Science studies in Germany
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VORsprung is a digital preparatory program tailored for prospective international students interested in pursuing STEM studies in Germany. The program is designed for students who have achieved a B2 level of German language proficiency but do not yet meet the requirements for direct admission to a German university. VORsprung makes it possible for participants to prepare for their academic journey without having to leave their home countries.
“VORsprung” can be completed anytime, anywhere, and is tailored to the individual needs of learners. In addition to language (DUO modules) and subject-specific content (mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry), preparatory measures for university studies play an important role. Specially trained tutors are on hand to support learners.
During the six- to eight-month program, participants will achieve language proficiency at level B2 and be prepared for open, alternative university admission tests. After successfully completing the TestDaF and TestAS exams, they will be able to register for selected degree programs at a German university that has previously signed a cooperation agreement with the DAAD.
VORsprung at a Glance
- Project name:
- VORsprung: Digital Preparation for your Studies
- Project timetable:
- Initial project phase: 01.01.2021–31.12.2024
Secondary project phase: 01.01.2025–31.12.2027 - Target group(s):
- Global openness, including refugees in Germany
- Project management:
- Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)
Funded by DAAD using financing provided by the Auswärtiges Amt (German Foreign Office)
Project partners
- Fachhochschule Aachen
- Technische Universität Berlin
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum
- Internationales Studien- und Sprachkolleg (ISSK) der Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
- Zentrum für Audiovisuelle Produktion der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität
- Gesellschaft für akademische Studienvorbereitung und Testentwicklung e.V. (g.a.s.t.)
- Zentralstelle für Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)
Content of the Program
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The preparation period lasts a total of six to eight months:
- 6 weeks of intensive digital German language course (depending on language level)
- 2 introductory weeks
- 24 weeks of subject-specific preparation and language modules to prepare you for your studies
- 2 weeks of flexible breaks/vacation/independent exam preparation
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To consolidate their language skills and prepare for studying at a German university, all participants complete selected modules from Deutsch-Uni Online (DUO).
Option 1: Participants with language skills at level B2.1 (CEFR) or higher take modules that prepare them for the TestDaF in a targeted manner and parallel to the subject modules.
Option 2: If participants have language skills at level B1.2 (CEFR), they will also take an intensive German language course, which will bring them up to level B2.1 (CEFR) within six weeks of the course start date.
These modules also teach strategies and techniques for academic work and university-specific communication. -
The in-depth, standardized technical preparation for studying in Germany includes the subjects of the technology course (T-course) of a German preparatory college: mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, and German. This core curriculum is being developed by the universities involved in the project and is structured into modules. Participants take two of the four modules that are relevant to their desired field of study, usually the mathematics module plus another subject module; the required course combination for a specific degree program is explained to course participants in advance.
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To provide participants with the best possible support, contact persons are available on the Moodle learning platform to answer any technical, subject-related, or personal questions.
The program developers are available to provide subject-specific support:- in synchronous online tutorials
- in digital office hours
- for the correction of submitted assignments
Experienced contact persons from Deutsch-Uni Online are available to provide language preparation support.
The DAAD's Community Management team is responsible for technical support and personal questions.
