A gateway to German universities

Thanks to its high-standard of education, Germany has become an increasingly prominent study destination for students from all over the world. In addition, it is home to world-famous companies like BMW, ALDI and Siemens. Since Germany is the origin of such global enterprises, German has emerged an important business language. This has urged more and more students to learn the language and pursue higher education with a German institution.

If you are interested in studying in Germany and intend to do so at a state university or Studienkolleg, you can obtain proficiency in the language with the help of University Pathway Programmes. 

Reasons to opt for a University Pathway Programme (UPP)

• Fill potential gaps in your education: When considering higher education abroad, you will need to share your academic records with the universities you are applying to. It is important to remember that education standards might be higher in certain countries. Furthermore, some institutions require students to have completed a specific number of years in their academics or possess career-specific skills. UPPs come into play in these scenarios where gaps in your education need to be filled.
• Student-centric: These programmes are designed with international students in mind. They involve learning the local language, which helps students from all over the world adapt to the new culture, interact with local people and make new friends.
• Gaining admission into graduate, postgraduate and Studienkolleg programmes in Germany: A UPP will improve your German and mathematics which will hold you in good stead for applying to graduate, postgraduate or Studienkolleg programmes. They can also help you obtain full or part-time jobs in Germany. In addition, the academics on the UPP offer full support when it comes to applying to a university or studienKolleg, helping you to overcome any initial difficulties with the application process or the language barrier.

University Pathway Programmes at GISMA Business School

University Pathway Programmes consist of preparatory courses which help international students to hone their knowledge and skills. The UPP at GISMA Business School gives students opportunities to learn the German language in a truly international environment in either Berlin or Hannover. In order to be proficient in the German language, you will have to pass the TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language) or the DSH (German Language University Entrance Examination for Foreign Applicants).

GISMA Business School also offers a specialist university placement service to those students enrolled in its UPP. The institute assists students in applying to various German state universities for either graduate or postgraduate programmes. Students are also advised on how to proceed with the application process for these universities. GISMA additionally offers support to students with visa applications and finding accommodation.

Types of University Pathway Programmes offered by GISMA

• Pathway Studienkolleg: This pathway programme involves 36 weeks of German language classes (A1 – B2 levels) and eight weeks of Studienkolleg preparation, which prepares you for the mathematics and German exams.
• Pathway University: This particular programme consists of 44 weeks of German language classes (A1 – C1 levels) along with four extensive weeks of level-specific language exam preparation.

Steps involved in the UPP Studienkolleg at GISMA Business School

• Step 1 – Registration: Enrol for a University Pathway Programme: Studienkolleg.
• Step 2 – Study: Study German language levels from A1 to B2; then complete the preparation course for the mathematics and German entrance exams at the Studienkolleg.
• Step 3 –  Studienkolleg Application: Start applying to the Studienkollegs once you have obtained the B1 certificate (for some programs the B2 certificate is required). A placement officer will help you with all application processes at a Studienkolleg
• Step 4 – Tests: You will have to take and pass the Studienkolleg entrance exams (consisting of German language and mathematics exams).
• Step 5 – Admission: Once you pass the entrance exams at a Studienkolleg, you will receive admission to a Studienkolleg.

Steps involved in the UPP University at GISMA Business School

• Step 1 – Registration: Enrol for the University Pathway Programme: University.
• Step 2 – Study: Study German language levels from A1 to C1; then complete the preparation course for the TestDaF or the DSH exam.
• Step 3 – University Application: Start applying to universities once you have obtained the B2 certificate (for some programs, the C1 certificate is required). A placement officer will help you with all application processes at a German university.
• Step 4 – Tests: You will have to take the TestDaF exam and obtain a result of TDN 4, or the DSH exam with a result of DSH 2, to gain admission to a university (both prove of German level C1).
• Step 5 – Admission: You will receive admission offers from German state universities.
• Step 6 – Inscription: With the admission offer and the TestDaF TDN 4 or DSH 2, you enrol at the university and start your studies.

Post UPP placements

Former international students who participated in the UPP at GISMA Business School have successfully obtained placements in many universities and Studienkollegs, including:

• Studienkolleg Karlsruhe;
• Technische Hochschule Braunschweig;
• Leibniz Universität Hannover;
• Studienkolleg Kaiserslautern;
• Studienkolleg Hannover;
• Hochschule Kiel;
• Universität Hamburg;
• Technische Universität Clausthal;
• Hochschule Hannover.

If you wish to study in Germany, there are two routes to choose from: state university or private university. If you want to study in a state university, you can enrol in the UPP offered by GISMA to help you eventually gain admission. On the other hand, if you want to study at a private university, GISMA has a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that may appeal to you. You can view the full list of courses here.