How we do University Placement in Germany

Do you offer regular consultation-hours?

Yes, there are fixed "Sprechstunden" at the GLS office, every Wednesday from 15.00 - 17.00 o´clock. I myself or another teacher who is familiar with the German academic system will be available.

How many future university students do you consult per year?

I´d say about 30 every year. We offer TestDaf courses 6 times per year, and many of those who do the TestDaF courses also use our university placement services. But that is no necessary combination, some do only the TestDaf course with GLS.

The consulting fee is 1.100 €. Why?

Because a lot of staff time is involved. It´s not just about having a look at a student´s application  - it´s about accompanying a student through the entire application process, which can last up to a year. And we had students who needed consulting nearly once a week. The consulting fee makes sure that you have help not just once, but all the time - whenever you need it. 

What kind of support is usually needed?

Typically students need help in compiling their documents. Often they have a hard time finding out what exactly a university wants. As that can slightly differ from university to university, it really is not that easy. So often I check university websites with them, collecting exactly those pieces of information, that are relevant for them personally. Or I call an "Immatrikulationsbüro" for them, if they want me to. It really is different from case to case.

Do you guarantee a placement at a university?

Yes, we do - as long as a student fulfills two conditions: a) he/she passes TestDaf or any other German language certificate their prospective university wants and b) he/she has the academic qualification, documented either by an accepted high school diploma or one year of studies at a university in their home country.

Can students select a university in Germany?

Yes and no. Yes, if they decide on a private university that charges tuition fees. No, if they plan to attend a "cheaper" state university. Of course they can apply at the state university they like most, but as foreign students who study non-artistic subjects such as law or engineering are "distributed" across universities in Germany via the central application portal www.uni-assist.de, it is a bit like playing roulette: it can happen that they end up at their dream location, but it can also happen that they end up somewhere else in Germany.

Who is your typical client?

10% of those we support do Studienkolleg, 90% don´t need that, i.e. are on an academic level that allows them to apply directly at a university. I remember quite a few Latin Americans, but also Russian students and students from Asian countries. The majority of the Asian students tend to study art or music in Germany. Tomoko for example, my last Japanese coachee, went on to study TV and film here in Berlin.

• >>> TestDaf preparation courses @ GLS
• >>> More about the  University Placement Service in Germany