completing an examination known as the DSH or German language exam for ...
Instead of taking the test at the BTU you can provide an adequate certificate as ...
Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg International Office International Admissions P.O.Box: 10 13 44, 03013 Cottbus, Germany T: +49 355 69 2105 or 2319 F: +49 355 69 2108 E:
[email protected] I: www.tu-cottbus.de/intoff
Information about German Language Proficiency for Degree-seeking students (Direktstudium) and Preparatory Year “A Bridge to Studyies” Proficiency in German is a requirement for enrolment to all study programmes at the BTU Cottbus – Senftenberg that are conducted in German. Proof of this proficiency is achieved by successfully completing an examination known as the DSH or German language exam for the university admission of foreign students.
Accepted German proficiency certificates Unrestricted admission for all programmes with German as the language of instruction requires a score of at least 67% on the DSH (DSH-2). A score between 57% and 66% signifies a limited language capability (DSH-1). In this case, you can receive a letter of conditional admission with the invitation to take the DSH2-test at the BTU. Instead of taking the test at the BTU you can provide an adequate certificate as listed below. The following examinations are also recognised by the BTU as proof of proficiency in German:
German language certificate of the Conference of Ministers of Culture (“Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz”), level 2 (DSD-2)
“Kleines Sprachdiplom” (minor German language certificate) or “Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom” (great German language certificate) of the Goethe Institute
“Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP)” (advanced level exam) of the Goethe Institute (www.goetheinstitut.de) – since 01.01.2012 replaced by the Goethe certificate C2
Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF) with a result of at least 16 as a sum in all levels (TDN), although for each of the four parts of the exam at least a level of TDN 4 must be achieved. Further information can be found under www.testdaf.de.
German exam of the assessment test at a German Studienkolleg
Degree at a German university in study programme conducted entirely in German
Requirements for taking the DSH exam at BTU Cottbus - Senftenberg You have the possibility to take the DSH examination right away at BTU. The following certificates fulfil the prerequisite for taking the DSH at BTU:
“Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung” (ZMP) certificate of the Goethe Institute
Certificate of Medium Level 2, according to the rating system of the Goethe Institute
Certificate of B2-level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
TestDaF results of at least 2x4 and 2x3
The DSH exam is offered at the BTU before the start of the Winter Semester for all new applicants. All international applicants to our university who satisfy the general admission requirements for Germany and who fulfil one of the above listed alternatives for proficiency in German will receive an invitation for the DSH exam which includes all necessary information. Participation in the DSH exam costs 130 €. Please be advised that the DSH exam can be repeated only once.
Preparatory Year – “A Bridge to Studyies” BTU offers prospective students from foreign countries who do not meet the German language proficiency requirements yet the opportunity to participate in a preparatory programme called "A Bridge to Studyies". This preparatory year offers comprehensive linguistic, technical, and intercultural preparation for studying at BTU Cottbus - Senftenberg. The programme is composed of the following components:
An intensive German course in the summer (August to October) for applicants at A2-level (CEFR)
A German course which prepares students for the "German Language University Entrance Exam for Foreign Students” (DSH) (2 semesters - October until June) for applicants at B1-level (CEFR)
Course-accompanying tutorials to improve conversational skills
Courses to prepare students with key study skills and techniques
Intercultural introductory events and workshops
Advisory events pertaining to organising one's studies (e.g. choosing courses, making a schedule)
Technical preparatory courses (Propaedeutic)
Excursions
Mentoring by tutors and the online coaching platform BTU Intercoach
Participation in the preparatory year is free of charge. But, the BTU does require a registration and enrolment fee each semester (for more information on the current amount of the semester fee please see www.tu-cottbus.de/btu/en/studies/students/registering-for-the-following-semester/semester-fees.html).
Requirements: In order to participate in the preparatory year all students have to provide evidence on their qualification to study at higher education level along with a certificate of German language proficiency. For the intensive German language summer course (August to October) you have to provide a certificate at A2-level (CEFR). For the German preparatory course for DSH (starting in October) you need a certificate from the 1 Goethe Institute (or equivalent ) at B1-level (CEFR). A certificate for attendance is not adequate. We do not accept certificates of language proficiency which are not officially notarised2. The intensive course (A2-level) starts in August thus before the official start of the winter semester. The course will be completed by taking the level B1 test. If you pass the test you can start in October with the year-long preparatory German course for the DSH-2-test. Students who already are at B1-level start with the preparatory German course in October. This course starts with a placement test for your German language proficiency. Passing the test is mandatory for enrolment. Attention: The intensive course starts in August and lasts two months. The following DSH preparatory course lasts 12 months. International students can apply for a visa for preparatory courses which is valid for at most 18 months. Further information on the programme and the application may be found here: http://www.tu-cottbus.de/btu/fileadmin/uploads/aaa/files/Dokumente/Website_Bruecke-zumStudium_englisch_10.05.2011.pdf Further information on the DSH exam and the German course in preparation for the DSH at BTU may be found on the website of the Language Centre at our university www.tu-cottbus.de/sprachen. International Admissions - July 2013
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Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache (ZDaF) oder Zeugnis der Grundstufe 3 entsprechend dem Kursstufensystem des GoetheInstitutes als beglaubigte Kopie. We only accept certifications from the German embassy or other consular authorities, your former university, or a Commissioner for Oaths. In case your documents are not in German or English, you must provide certified English or German translations from a sworn interpreter.
