A complete profile of the foundation year for public universities in Germany

At Iwan International Foundation, in collaboration with our partners in Germany, we undertake all tasks related to preparing international students of all nationalities for studying at German public universities through their specialized institutes for language training and university preparation.

Studying in Germany remains globally distinguished by free university education for all nationalities.

The program details

The required costs are limited to living expenses and accommodation.

General information

Most programs at public universities are in German.

Medical programs at public universities are competitive.

Engineering, computer science, scientific, and management programs are mostly direct entry without competition.

For obtaining a visa, it is required to open a bank account in Germany and deposit a general living expenses fee.

The German embassy requires at least completion of two levels of German language proficiency for visa issuance.

The required documents for registration must be submitted in original paper form and will not be returned.

The passport must contain the student’s electronically authenticated signature or be certified by their country’s embassy (for certain nationalities like Syrian).

The passport must be valid for at least 12 months from the date of visa application.

The name must match exactly between the certificate and the passport.

Preparatory subjects are required according to the type of high school diploma as follows:

Preparatory subjects required:

  • General secondary school certificate
  • American diploma without AP subjects
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma without complete requirements

Preparatory subjects not required:

  • British certificate
  • American diploma + 4 AP subjects
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma with complete requirements
  • French diploma
    – Tunisian Baccalaureate

One academic year (at an accredited university) outside Germany is equivalent to the preparatory subjects after evaluation by Uni-assist.

The language of instruction in public universities

  • German 98%

  • English 2%

The language of instruction in private universities

  • German 40%

  • English 60%

German language required for visa application

  • A2 90%

  • B1 10%

German language required to begin university studies

  • C1 70%

  • B2 30%

The required level of English

to begin university studies in the offered programs

IELTS 6.5

REQUIREMENTS FOR ACADEMIC CERTIFICATES

General requirements for high school diploma.

High school diploma for 12th grade, original authenticated, translated into English, and endorsed with a minimum GPA of 70%.

Requirements for the British certificate.

Requirements for the British certificate (updated until December 2023).

Basic requirements.

Three subjects at A-Level with a minimum grade of C.

Choose specialization subjects according to the following table: (You can complete all three subjects from the same table or choose the third subject from the next table.)

Medical and Pharmaceutical specializations3 A-Level subjects from: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science
Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology specializations1 A-Level subject in Mathematics (mandatory)
1 A-Level subject, minimum requirement: Natural Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science
Social and Economic Studies specializations1 A-Level subject, minimum requirement: History, Geography, Social/Political Studies, Economics
1 A-Level subject, minimum requirement: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science
Humanities and Legal Studies specializations1 A-Level subject, minimum requirement: Language, History, Geography, Social/Political Studies, Economics
Scientific and Natural Sciences specializations2 A-Level subjects, minimum requirement: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science
Specializations that cannot be classified within these disciplinesThe specific requirements for subjects are determined by the accredited university.

A table listing subjects eligible for A-Level (AL) choices (two or three subjects), considering specialized subjects as in the previous table.

Very important note:

Only the listed subjects are eligible for A-Level choices (subjects no longer qualified are not listed).

LanguageArabic (Listening, Reading, Writing)
English:
- English Language
- English Language and Literature
- French
- German
- Spanish
HistoryHistory
GeographyGeography
Social/Political Studies- Political Science
- Sociology
- Government and Politics
EconomicsEconomics
MathematicsMathematics
BiologyBiology
ChemistryChemistry
PhysicsPhysics
Computer Science- Computer Science
- Information Technology

The recognized platforms in Germany for the IG certificate are:

Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge International Examinations)
Learning Resource Network (LRN)
Oxford AQA
(Pearson (Edexcel

Requirements for the American Diploma certificate
  1. The American high school diploma requires a minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.
  2. The American high school diploma includes transcripts for grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, with the following academic diversity:
  • English Language: At least 4 units over the four academic years.
  • Second Language (must be specified): At least 2 units over the four academic years.
  • Mathematics (must be specified): At least 3 units over the four academic years.
  • Science (must be specified): At least 3 units over the four academic years.
  • Social Studies (must be specified): At least 3 units over the four academic years.
  • Elective (must be specified): At least 3 units over the four academic years.

3- School accreditation certificate from one of the following accrediting bodies only:

  • Middle States Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
  • North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA-CASI)/AdvancED(COGNIA)
  • Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC)/AdvancED (COGNIA)
  • Southern Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS-CASI)/AdvancED (COGNIA)
  • Accrediting Commission for Schools – Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ASC-WASC)

4- A copy of the Courses Description file from the school, including details of the curriculum for the subjects studied from grades nine to twelve.

 

Exceptional importance regarding the requirements of the American high school diploma.

  • The American high school diploma from Egypt and Saudi Arabia, along with meeting the previous requirements, requires one full academic year before applying.
  • Then, the student travels to Germany to study the language along with the qualifying subjects. If the student has completed 4 AP courses and this is recognized by UNIASSIST, they are exempt from studying the qualifying subjects.

Required AP subjects:

  • • English (AP English Literature or AP English Language and Composition)
  • • 1 additional foreign language (AP French or AP Spanish or AP Latin or AP German)
  • • 1 mathematical and scientific subject (AP Calculus AB or BC or AP Biology or AP Chemistry or AP Physics C (AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism))
  • • 1 additional subject corresponding to the upper secondary school level (e.g. AP European History, AP American History, AP Computer Science A or AP Macroeconomics (0.5 credits/units) and AP Microeconomics (0.5 credits/units))
  • **These exams must be taken separately from the College Board while attending school.
IB Diploma Requirements

Your Schooling must comprise 12 consecutive school years

6 subjects are required

First Languages (HL)

Other Languages : Language and literature OR literature (SL)

* 1 Science Subject – biology, chemistry or physics (HL or SL)

Mathematics or Further Maths with Math (HL)

1 Social Subject (history, Geography or economics) (HL or SL)

1 Subject of free choice (SL)

3 subjects of HL (High level) + 3 subjects of SL (Standard level)

All subjects must be studied in year 11 and 12 with complete reports detail.

Minimum of 24 points (min. grade 4.0)

French Baccalaureate Requirements

Only one of the following certificates for the French diploma:

Diplome du Baccalaureat General” can be acquired in the following branches

Séries ES: Economique et Sociale,
Séries L: Littéraire,
Séries S: Scientifique

Diplome du Baccalaureat Technologique

Diplome du Baccalaureat Professionnel

Direct admission to universities after completing language preparation and obtaining one of the German language certificates:

DSH

TstDaf

C1 Huchschule Telc

Indian High School Certificate Requirements

10th and 12th grade transcripts authenticated along with the APS evaluation certificate

Requirements for the Canadian Diploma certificate

Alberta ; Northwest Territories

General High School Diploma (with Transcript of Academic Achievement)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Proof of at least 100 credits in grade X, XI and XII
  • Proof of 5 independent subjects in grade XII (course number 30-39)
  • In the transcript of achievement must be proven with 2 annual rates each:
    • Tow languages, of which a language with course number 30
    • Mathematics and a natural science subject, of which one subject with course number 30

COMMENTS
Each individual compartment must be proven with a grade of at least 50%
The total average must be at least 60%.
Note:
For other course numbers, consultation with the central office is recommended in individual cases


British Columbia und Yukon Territory

Secondary School Graduation Diploma (with Senior Secondary School Statement)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Proof of at least 13 successfully completed courses grade XI and grade XII courses, of which at least 5 courses in grade XII
  • The Senior Secondary School Statement must prove:
    • Two languages, Of which 1 language with course number 12
    • Mathematics and a natural science subject, of which a subject with course number 12.

COMMENTS
The average grade must be at least C+


Manitoba

  • Minimum requirements:
    Proof of at least 30 “credits” in grade IX, X, XI and XII, including 5 “credits” in grade XII, of which at least 3 in independent subjects in so-called “40 courses”
  • The subject and grade overview with 2 annual courses must be proven in each:
    • Tow languages, including 1 language with course number 30 or 40
    • Mathematics and 1 natural science subject, of which 1 subject with course number 30 or 40

Note:
Senior 1 = Grade 9 = Courses of 10
Senior 2 = Grade 10 = Courses of 20
Senior 3 = Grade 11 = 30 courses
Senior 4 = Grade 12 = 40 courses


Ontario

  • Requirements
    Proof of at least 12 successfully completed general education courses in grades 11 and 12,  of which at least 6 “University Preparatory Courses” (UPCs) in the 12th Grad.
  • The subject and grade overview (at the UPC level) must prove:
    • Two languages: English or French at a native level and a foreign language,
    • Mathematics: “Advanced Functions” and “Calculus and Vectors”
    • Natural science subject: Either biology, chemistry or physics

N.B:

  • Further subject(s) according to the upper secondary school,
  • An overall grade average of 65% in the 6 UPCs.

Comments

  • The subject and grade overview usually contains the school years 9 to 12.
  • The UPC courses of the 12th Classes are marked as “4U”, for foreign languages (e.g. Spanish, Italian, etc.), the respective abbreviation ends with “DU”.  College courses/University and college courses (so-called M courses) are not UPC courses and cannot replace them.
  • The courses mentioned are each with at least 2 annual courses (11th and 12th Class), i.e. an annual exchange rate in the amount of one credit point (1 credit) in the 11th. Class (level 3U) and an annual exchange rate in the amount of one credit point (1 credit) in the 12th Class (level 4U).
  • In English-speaking schools, the subject of English must be chosen at a native level. Accordingly, at French-speaking schools, the subject of French must be completed at a native level. In addition, a foreign language must be proven.
  • The UPC course “Advanced Functions” is a mandatory prerequisite for the UPC course “Calculus and Vectors.” The UPC course “Advanced Functions” can also be started in the 11th. Class to be completed.
  • Questions about subject occupancy should be sent to the respective bodies responsible for university access (academic offices abroad of the universities or Certificate recognition bodies). to be addressed.
Requirements for the Tunisian high school diploma

13th grade transcript and graduation certificate in English or translated into English and certified.

School leaving certificate from Turkey
  • Your “Lise Diploması“ diploma
  • The second part of your University entrance exam (YKS/ÖSYM, “Yerleştirme Sonuçları”) documenting that you have been assigned a place at a university in Turkey, including the name of the university, the faculty and the type of points awarded
  •  An official overview of subjects and grades of all studies undertaken (if you have already studied at a university), e.g. issued by e-Devlet

These documents qualify you to attend the Studienkolleg (preparatory course).

Certificate of Nile International Secondary Education
  • Your school leaving certificate
  • A Certificate of enrolment at a national Egyptian university (a Certificate of enrolment at a Higher (Technological) Institute or a private University is not sufficient)
  • Your Tansik Nomination Card, including your final average grade
  • The certificate of your national examinations in the subjects religious education and national education (at-tarbiyya ad-diniyya / al-wataniyya), including any additional national examinations (e.g. French language)

These documents qualify you to attend the Studienkolleg (preparatory course).

The required documents for application

  • Passport photo (student, father, mother)
  • Residence permit for the student, father, mother
  • 2 copies of academic transcripts (original or certified copy) authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in English or translated into English
  • 2 copies of graduation certificates (if available) (original or certified copy) authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in English or translated into English
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English in Word format detailing the years of study from Grade 1 to 12 (year and country)
  • Motivation Letter in English in Word format
  • Personal photo
  • Submission of the registration form
  • Birth certificate authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in English and translated into English for students under 18 years old at the time of applying to the embassy

The application deadlines

University acceptance

Winter Semester:

  • Application for the winter semester starts on May 15th and ends on July 15th.
  • In one of the comprehensive package cases only, the application continues until September of the same year.

Summer Semester:

  • Application for the summer semester starts on November 15th and ends on January 15th.
  • In one of the comprehensive package cases only, the application continues until March of the same year.

Language and preparatory year

admissions are open throughout the year.

Specializations at government universities start in October and April of each year.

FOUNDATION YEAR

Language preparation

A1 – C1 Levels

DSH, C1 Hochschule Telc or Test Daf certificate

Academic preparation

T course

For Engineering

Academic preparation

M course

For Medicine

Academic preparation

W course

For Business

Public institutes

  • Limited number
  • Restricted seats
  • Waiting lists up to a year or more
  • Low fees
  • Long wait due to waiting lists
  • Cost ranges from €500 to €1,000

Private institutes

  • Widely available
  • Unlimited seats
  • Direct enrollment
  • Varied fees
  • Completion typically within one to one and a half years
  • Cost ranges from €3,000 to €13,000

COSTS OF THE FOUNDATION YEAR

Basic Package

Admission options for master’s and bachelor’s degrees and private universities

Various universities and institutes in different cities

Euro1990
  • Fees of Iwan International Company for studying abroad
For more information
Services provided by Iwan International Company | Basic Package
  • Providing university admission at a public or private university (based on the university’s requirements).
  • Providing admission to a language institute.

Our services include applying to:

  • 3 universities through Uni Assist
  • 2 universities directly

** You can add other services to this package based on your preference.

Standard Package

Language preparation only

Duisburg | Essen | Dortmund
Euro2999
  • For certificates (Tunisia – IB – IG – American with AP)
For more information
Services provided by Iwan International Company | Standard Package

Service Fees: €2,399

Cities where services are offered: Duisburg | Essen | Dortmund

Pre-departure Services
(Responsibility of Iwan Office)

  • Providing admission to a language institute.
  • Providing admission to a preparatory institute.
  • Registration in the German health insurance system.
  • Opening a blocked bank account for the student in Germany.
  • Assisting the student with writing a CV.
  • Assisting the student with writing a motivational letter.
  • Training the student for the German embassy interview.
  • Preparing the embassy file for applying for a student visa.
  • Coordinating the student’s travel arrangements with our partners in Germany.
  • Assisting in housing options.

Post-arrival Services
(Responsibility of the preparatory institute)

  • Language study from A1 to C1 with preparation for the DSH exam.
  • Study of preparatory courses T – M – W with preparation for the FSP exam.
  • Language exams recognized by all German universities.
  • Guidance for completing all legal procedures after arrival.
  • Guidance for obtaining a health insurance card.
  • Guidance for opening a bank account after arrival.
  • Academic supervision.
  • Administrative supervision.

** You can add other services to this package based on your preference.

Advanced Package

Fees for language preparation only

City of Düsseldorf

Fees for language preparation only
Euro5250
  • For certificates (Tunisia – IB – IG – American with AP)
For more information

Cities: Bonn and Berlin

Fees for language preparation only
Euro5750
  • For certificates (Tunisia – IB – IG – American with AP)
For more information

City of Magdeburg

Fees for language preparation only
Euro9900
  • For certificates (Tunisia – IB – IG – American with AP)
For more information
Fees for language and academic preparation

City of Düsseldorf

Fees for language and academic preparation
Euro11750
  • For high school and American diplomas without AP
For more information

Cities: Bonn and Berlin

Fees for language and academic preparation
Euro12250
  • For high school diplomas and American diplomas without AP
For more information

City of Magdeburg

Fees for language and academic preparation
Euro12900
  • For general secondary certificates and American diplomas without AP
For more information
Services provided by Iwan International Company | Advanced Package

Service Fees: €2,899

Pre-departure Services
(Responsibility of Iwan Office)

  • Providing university admission at a public university (based on the university’s requirements). (Magdeburg only)
  • Providing admission to a language institute.
  • Providing admission to a preparatory institute.
  • Registration in the German health insurance system.
  • Opening a blocked bank account for the student in Germany.
  • Providing financial sponsorship from the preparatory institute.
  • Assisting the student with writing a CV.
  • Assisting the student with writing a motivational letter.
  • Training the student for the German embassy interview.
  • Preparing the embassy file for applying for a student visa.
  • Coordinating the student’s travel arrangements with our partners in Germany.

Post-arrival Services
(Responsibility of the preparatory institute)

  • Airport pickup in Germany.
  • Direct accommodation in student housing for the preparatory institute (Magdeburg only).
  • Language study from A1 to C1 with preparation for the DSH exam.
  • Study of preparatory courses T – M – W with preparation for the FSP exam.
  • Language exams recognized by all German universities.
  • Intensive study enables the student to complete preparation within one year.
  • All legal procedures after arrival (Magdeburg only).
  • All residency procedures (Magdeburg only).
  • Obtaining a health insurance card.
  • Procedures for opening a bank account for the student.
  • Academic supervision.
  • Ability for the student’s guardian to monitor progress through the institute’s electronic system.
  • Ongoing procedural supervision throughout the preparatory period.
  • Psychological and social support.

STEPS IN FULL CLARITY

  1. Prepare the file as soon as possible to be complete as outlined above and pay half of the office fees.
  2. Submit the completed file in soft copy via email to [email] and send the hard copies of certificates and documents via DHL upon request.
  3. Contract with the language institute and the preparatory institute and transfer the contract amount directly.
  4. Wait for conditional university acceptance (according to the service package), language institute acceptance, and preparatory institute acceptance.
  5. Upon approval, deliver the acceptance letters along with the remaining application documents to the embassy and pay the remaining office fees.
  6. Open a bank account and register in the student health insurance system, including these in the embassy application file.
  7. Assist in preparing the embassy file and schedule an appointment for the student, with guidance on how to book.
  8. Student attends the embassy interview, submits documents, and receives the embassy receipt, sending a copy to us.
  9. Wait for the visa for travel.
  10. Coordinate travel with our agents in Germany (according to the service package).

The amount for the bank account may vary according to German government regulations, and having a bank statement or financial guarantee letter is one of the essential requirements for the student visa application to the German embassy.

After verifying all the submitted documents, we will contact you to begin the application process as outlined below:

For general high school certificates:

  • We will submit the files to Uni-assist and send another email containing all relevant information. We will wait for Uni-assist’s response with approval within two weeks of sending the student’s information to the university and will obtain a conditional acceptance letter.
  • We will send it by mail along with the student’s contract and a payment request for the associated fees.

For international certificates (IB and IG):

  • We will submit the files to Uni-assist and send another email containing all relevant information. We will wait for Uni-assist’s response with approval within two weeks of sending the student’s information to the university and will obtain a direct acceptance letter.
  • We will send it by mail along with the student’s contract and a payment request for the associated fees.

Each student must sign their contract and provide a signed copy via email. The student should immediately initiate the payment process.

You can contact us through WhatsApp or book a free consultation appointment either in-office or online.

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