known as the DSH or German language exam for the university admission of
foreign students. Accepted German proficiency certificates. Unrestricted
admission ...
Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus 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 “Bridge to Studies”
Proficiency in German is a requirement for enrolment to all study programmes at the BTU Cottbus 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 where the language of instruction is German requires a score of at least 67% on the DSH (DSH-2). A score between 57% and 66% signifies a limited language capability. In this case, enrolment can be made contingent upon the participation in a German language course and the retaking of the DSH. The following examinations are also recognised by the BTU Cottbus as proof of proficiency in German: •
German language certificate of the Conference of Ministers of Culture (“Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz”), level 2 (DSD-2)
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“Kleines Sprachdiplom” (minor German language certificate) or “Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom” (great German language certificate) of the Goethe Institute
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“Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP)” (advanced level exam) of the Goethe Institute (www.goetheinstitut.de)
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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 3 must be achieved. Further information can be found under www.testdaf.de.
•
successful completion of the Studienkolleg (evidence: certificate from the relevant institution)
Requirements for taking the DSH exam at BTU Cottbus You have the possibility to take the DSH examination right away at BTU Cottbus. The following certificates fulfil the prerequisite for taking the DSH at BTU Cottbus: •
“Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung” (ZMP) certificate of the Goethe Institute
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Certificate of Medium Level 2, according to the rating system of the Goethe Institute
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Certificate of B2-level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
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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 – “Bridge to Studies” BTU Cottbus 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 "Bridge to Studies". This preparatory year offers comprehensive linguistic, technical, and intercultural preparation for studying at BTU Cottbus. The programme is composed of the following components: •
An intensive German language course in the summer (10 weeks, August to October) for applicants at A2-level (CEFR)
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A German course which prepares students for the "German Language University Entrance Exam for Foreign Students” (DSH) (extends over 2 semesters starting in October until June/July) for applicants at B1-level (CEFR)
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Course-accompanying tutorials to improve conversational skills
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Courses to prepare students with key study skills and techniques
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Intercultural introductory events and workshops
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Advisory events pertaining to organising one's studies (e.g. choosing courses and making a schedule)
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Technical preparatory courses (Propaedeutic)
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Excursions
• Mentoring by tutors and the online coaching platform BTU Intercoach Participation in the preparatory year is free of charge. But, BTU Cottbus does require a registration and enrolment fee each semester. 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 from the Goethe 1 Institute (or equivalent ) at A2-level (CEFR). At the beginning of the winter semester, a test will be given in order to evaluate your proficiency in German. It is a requirement for your enrolment that you sit this test. If you pass the test you can participate in a German course which is offered free of charge by the BTU. Neither previous attendance at a language school nor language courses offered by a university are regarded as substitutes for this test. 2 Likewise, we do not accept certificates of language proficiency which are not officially notarised . ATTENTION: The German language course starts in October and lasts 12 months. International students can apply for a visa for preparatory courses or the German language course which is valid for at most 18 months. By this means you may not have attended another German language course for more than six months at the time of enrolment. Please note that you cannot be registered at BTU without visa or residence permit valid until the End of September! For more information on the visa regulations please consult either the German embassy or foreigner’s registration office. Further information on the DSH exam and the German course in preparation for the DSH at BTU Cottbus may be found on the website of the Language Centre at our university http://www.tucottbus.de/einrichtungen/en/sprachen/services/offer.html.
International Admissions - June 2012 1
2
Proof of certificate for German as a foreign language (ZDaF) or a notarised report of grade level 3, according to the rating system of the Goethe Institute. 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.
