Important Notice on Winter Semester 2023/24

Please note: The next application round (May 1st - July 15th, 2023) for participation in Winter Semester 2023/24 will not take place, as the FOKuS--Studienstart Deutsch programme is expected to end after Summer Semester 2023.

Updated on 03.05.23

FOKuS Overview

German Courses

  • before SoSe 22/23: B1 Language Course (duration: 6 weeks)
  • B2 Language Course (duration: 1 semester)
  • DSH Preparatory Course* (duration: 1 semester) 
     *Preparatory German language course with final DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang - German language test for admission to higher education for foreign study applicants)

Specialized Courses

  • Tutorials (e.g. mathematics tutorial, study skills tutorial)
  • Specialized language course
  • Seminar on current news with historical & political context

Student Support

  • Orientation activities (e.g. city & campus tour) 
  • Excursions + leisure activities
  • Buddy programme
     

Please note: If you begin with the B1 or B2 language course and then take the DSH course, the prepatory programme will last 2 semesters (1 year).

The following criteria must be met when applying for FOKuS--Studienstart Deutsch:

  • Proof of German language skills: completed A2 level at the minimum (according to the Common European Framework for Languages)
    • A2 level --> participation in B1 course before beginning of semester necessary
    • B1 or better --> course placement in B2 or DSH course determined after placement test at beginning of semester
  • Proof of "Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB)" for studies

Zulassungssatzung der Universität Ulm für die "Fachliche Orientierung, Kultur und Sprache für den Studienstart Deutsch" (FOKuS-Studienstart Deutsch) vom 02.08.2022

Please apply online via the service center uni-assist (in Berlin).

Application documents to submit (online only!):

  • Certificate that entitles you to study in your home country (original + official translation in DE/EN)
  • Proof of German language skills (original)
  • Study achievements, certificates, transcripts of grades or transcripts of records about your previous studies at a foreign university (original + official translation in DE/EN)
  • Original APS certificate for applicants from China, Vietnam and India


Translations:

All application documents must be translated by a sworn translator in Germany or abroad (see: information about certified copies and translations from uni-assist). English or German language documents do not need to be translated!


Application deadlines:

  • Summer semester: 15 October - 15 January
  • Winter semester: May 15 - July 15

The complete application must have been received by uni-assist in Berlin by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Please note: It is not necessary to send the application by mail!


Application costs (uni-assist): [Last updated: September 2021]

  •  € 75.00 for your 1st choice of study in an application semester
  •  + € 30.00 for each further study request in the same application semester

For refugees from Ukraine with residency status persuant to §24 Aufenthaltsgesetz

Please send your filled out Application Form together with your documents (copies of diplomas + translations thereof in German or English, proof of current German language level & a copy of your residency permit) to zulassung(at)uni-ulm.de.

As our German courses begin with the level B1, you must be able to provide proof of A2 level German skills at the minimum (according to the Common European Framework for Languages). Your course placement is based on your language level:

  • A2 level --> participation in B1 course before beginning of semester necessary
  • B1 or better --> course placement in B2 or DSH course determined after placement test at beginning of semester

Support from Universität Ulm for students and researchers from Ukraine

The FOKuS--Studienstart Deutsch programme is currently free of charge, however, all participants are required to pay the Universität Ulm semester fee (Semesterbeitrag). Please note: Programme participants who are not EU nationals are NOT required to pay the tuition fees of 1.500,- EUR while enrolled in FOKuS.

*B1 Course Participants: Please note that you are also required to pay the semester fee for the B1 course. If you choose to continue on with the B2 course directly afterwards, you will be required to pay the semester fee yet again, separately, in order to participate.

The amount of living expenses is difficult to quantify, because these may vary from one person to another. A room for students in Ulm costs about 300.00 € per month at a minimum. Considering costs for food, clothing, insurance, etc., students usually need at least about 735.00 € to 800.00 € each month to cover all costs. Moreoverl, participants are responsible for paying their DSH examination fee, which is usually about 175.00€.

Important information and instructions for living and studying in Ulm and at Ulm University can be found at the following website: Welcome to Ulm!

If you are interested in living in a student dormitory during the preparatory programme, please submit an online application for a room as soon as possible! More information on student housing can be found on the Studierendenwerk Ulm website.

Application deadlines

Summer semester:
November 1 - January 15

Winter semester:
May 1 - July 15

The complete application must have been received by uni-assist in Berlin by this date. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Visa Application

Please note that applying for visa can take a long time.

We therefore recommend that applicants residing abroad apply for FOKuS early so that they can be present for the beginning of the semester.