Freshman College

The Freshman College at the Academy of Ruhr-University Bochum prepares international applicants, who do not yet meet all the admission requirements for studying at a German university, for a BA course at the Ruhr-University Bochum.

The program is divided into two semesters of 19 weeks each, i.e. a total of 38 weeks. Including two weeks of Christmas vacation and all public holidays, the Freshman College runs for about 10 months. The program begins on Monday, 15 September 2025 and the first semester ends on 6 February 2026. There is a two-week Christmas break from 19 December 2025 to 5 January 2026. The second semester runs from February 9, 2026 to June 19, 2026. The final exams with TestAS and TestDaF will then take place from June 19 to July 13, 2026 at the latest.

Programme Structure

The program consists of 32 teaching units (TU) per week, whereby one TU corresponds to 45 minutes. With appropriate preparation and follow-up work, participation in the Freshman College is therefore a full-time undertaking!

The core of the course is a German course of between 20 and 28 units per week. Remember: the key to a successful study in Germany is your language skills and in order to successfully complete the Freshmen College, you will need the C1 qualification level in the European Framework of Reference for Languages at the end of the 10 months. But don’t worry, our experienced lecturers are there for you and will guide you along the way! 

The Freshman College is proud to have partnered up with the well renown Landesspracheninstitut (LSI) for this, which brings in over 50 years (!!!) of experience in language learning excellence. Even the astronauts of the European Space Agency (ESA) are sent there to study, to later reach for the stars.

In the second semester, the team of the LSI enriches the language lessons with technical language exercises so that you come into contact with the terminology of your future study programme as part of Freshman College. Specific exercises such as preparing and giving presentations in German will also help you to practise academic work and presentations at an early stage.

At the end of the second semester, you will also be intensively prepared for the final German exam with the TestDaF. The exam takes place in a DaF test center, which is also located at the Ruhr University Bochum, i.e. in a familiar environment.

In addition to the German course, you can choose one of the science tracks and specialize in your desired degree course at an early stage. You can choose from a combination of chemistry and mathematics, physics and mathematics or computer science and mathematics – depending on your interests. You will be taught 4 to 10 lessons per week in this subject.

We will also bring you into contact with current students and lecturers from your chosen study programme at an early stage, so that you can develop an understanding of how the course really works and what you can do with it from the outset – and also network with older students.

A Joint Start

To make it easier for you to arrive in Bochum and settle in at the Freshman College, all Freshmen are accommodated together at RUBs Landesspracheninstitut (LSI) for the first two weeks. At the beginning, an intercultural workshop will take place, which will allow you to get to know your fellow students and develop a common foundation for cooperation and learning.

Digital Support

To give you an early opportunity to view the course content of the Freshman College and start working, you will be given direct access to the online learning platform Moodle after your admission. All content is prepared for you here, including the German courses as well as the content in mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science. Quizzes and comprehension tasks allow you to playfully test your skills at any time and see whether you are making good progress with the material.

After successfully completing the Freshman College by passing the TestAS and TestDaF final examinations, you are guaranteed to be offered your desired place in the Bachelor’s degree courses in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Applied Computer Science or IT Security at Ruhr-University Bochum.

These study programmes have received excellent ratings in two of the most important university rankings, the CHE University Ranking and the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking. RUB received outstanding ratings in particular for support at the start of studies, the organization of studies, the range of courses and the library facilities. The category “Support at the beginning of studies” received a particularly high rating, which will certainly benefit you!

These successes in renowned international rankings testify to the high quality of teaching at the Ruhr-University. After graduating from our Freshmen College and starting your studies at RUB, you will have excellent career opportunities!

Please note: Unlike other “Studienkollegs” in Germany, the Freshman College of the Academy of the Ruhr-University does not(!) conclude with a so called “Feststellungsprüfung” (FSP). This saves you the fees that other providers charge for this assessment method. Another advantage: the final exam via TestAS and TestDaF is very flexible and allows you to tailor your preparation. However, you cannot transfer to any German university after graduation, but only to the designated BA programmes at Ruhr-University Bochum.

Application Deadline

Deadline for your application is the 30th of June 2025

Please note that you must apply for a student visa after your documents have been checked and you have been successfully admitted right away. The waiting time can vary and unfortunately we have no influence on this. With the program starting on the 15th of September and a lead time of at least two months to organize everything, we have set the 15th of July as the deadline for an application. If you have any questions about the process or are unsure about the short time available, we will be happy to provide you with information and advice.

Accomodation

To make it easier for you to arrive in Bochum and settle in at the Freshman College, all Freshmen are accommodated together at RUBs Language Institute (LSI) for the first two weeks. This stay is included in the fee for the Freshman College. 

After the first two weeks, you will have to book and pay for your own room. We are happy to help you with this and bring you in contact with private student accommodation providers. We can also provide you with a list of other options if you prefer to live more cheaply and look for a room e.g. in a shared flat or on the regular housing market.

We have worked with the two providers below in the past, for a first point of contact:

1. Seven Stones
2. Green Stay

Please use the link above to see details about their apartments. Further details can be discussed after acceptance to the program.

For student housing through the RUB, please fill out an application form here: RUB Student Housing- AKAFOE

For flat shares, the most popular platform in Germany is WG-Gesucht 

The Freshman College

Is there an entrance exam?

No, there is no entrance exam.

Before the Freshman College starts, we simply carry out an onSET language placement test to see whether your German language skills are sufficient and at the requirement minimum of a completed A2 level. This is done online and quickly – the onSET takes a maximum of 40 minutes.

Why is the Freshman College subject to fees?

The Freshman College at the Academy of Ruhr-University Bochum is located on campus in Bochum. Our offer is subject to a fee, as we unfortunately do not receive any state financial support. However, we offer you a tailor-made package that prepares you optimally for the start of your studies.

What courses does the Freshman College offer?

We currently offer a T-course (for technical and mathematical degree courses / MINT subjects). This course provides you with the necessary German language skills to reach the C1 level required for studying after one year, as well as all the relevant technical knowledge in physics, chemistry, computer science and mathematics.

Which study programmes can I study after passing the final examination?

After successfully passing the final examination, you are guaranteed a place on your chosen BA at Ruhr-University Bochum. Depending on what you choose to focus on at Freshman College, you can study for a BA in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Applied Computer Science or IT Security.

Which visa do I need?

Before entering the Federal Republic of Germany, all applicants must apply for a student visa at the German embassy (or consulate) in their country. Once you have paid your course fee and are enrolled at Freshman College, you will receive a letter of confirmation from us. You should then apply for your visa immediately so as not to lose any time! This process does not sit with the University authorities; rather, it falls in the purview of each of the many German Embassies abroad, following directives from the German Federal Foreign Office. From our end, we encourage students to apply for a SINGLE APPLICANT national D-student long-term visa as soon as possible so the process can already begin.

This requires you to prepare documentary proof, which include finances, health insurance, among others (see https://www.studying-in-germany.org/german-student-visa/ and https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/buergerservice/faq/08-studentenvisum-606690).

Important: You need a student or student applicant visa – please do not apply for a tourist visa!

Please take note that there may be additional requirements based on the German Embassy you are applying from — please check with your Embassy for visa application fees and other requirements!

Will the time at Freshman College count towards your BA studies at Ruhr-University Bochum later?

No, attending the Freshman College does not count towards your subsequent BA study programme.

Your Application / Costs Incurred

Will I definitely get a place at Freshman College when I apply?

You can expect to be accepted to the Freshman College at the Academy of Ruhr-University Bochum if you meet the relevant admission requirements.

Will my chances of getting a place at the Freshman College increase, if I apply as early as possible?

Yes, the sooner you apply, the better your chances of getting a place on our course!

How much does the Freshman College cost?

The course fee is 7,500 EUR for the 10-month preparation (38 weeks, divided into two semesters of 19 weeks each) for your desired course of study.

What level of German do I need?

A completed and certified German A2 level is the minimum requirement for our Freshman College. Foreign certificates (TELC or Goethe-Institut) are recognized.

What do I have to do after being admitted?

After you have received an admission letter with the corresponding confirmation letter, you should take care of your visa immediately!

You should also immediately take care of a blocked account and an apartment in Bochum. You will spend the first two weeks together with all the other Freshmen at the Language Institute (LSI) of Ruhr-University Bochum – but after that, you will need to book a room for yourself. We will be happy to help you with this and put you in touch with private student accommodation providers. We will also provide you with a list of other options if you would like to do this yourself.
If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to help you!

Approximately one month before the course starts, you will receive an information package by e-mail in which we will send you your timetable and access to the digital learning platform, which will help you to successfully complete Freshman College.

What documents are required for my application?

We require a copy of your passport and your school leaving certificate (original and certified translation). We also require a completed German A2 certificate (or higher / or comparable certificate).

Simply use our online application form to apply! This will guide you step by step through the application process!

What other costs will I incur?

In addition to the course fees for attending our Freshman College, you will also incur costs in connection with your visa (visa fees and deposits to blocked accounts, etc.).

You will also need to budget for your living costs in Germany, e.g. the rent for your apartment/room in a shared flat and all costs for your personal needs (food, clothing, transportation and travel costs, etc.).

Your time at the Freshman College

Where will I live?

For the first two weeks, all the Freshmen will be accommodated together in rooms at the Language Institute (LSI) of Ruhr-University Bochum. The costs for this period are already included in the Freshmen College fee.

Our experience shows that it is very beneficial for a relaxed arrival in the new environment to have a permanent place on site and also to get to know your new fellow students straight away. This allows you to make contacts immediately and not feel alone from day one!

After the first two weeks, fromn the beginning of October on, you will have to book and pay for your own room. We will be happy to help you with this and put you in touch with private student accommodation providers who can provide us with allotments. We will also provide you with a list of other options if you would prefer to live more cheaply and look for a room in a shared flat, for example.

If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to help you!

What are the Freshman College’s leisure activities like?

As a participant in our Freshman College, you will be enrolled at Ruhr-University Bochum. You are not yet an official student, but have the status of a “Kollegiat”. This means that you are not yet allowed to attend lectures and seminars at the university (this will only happen when you officially start your studies after successfully passing the Freshman College final exam) – but you can take advantage of the wide range of offers at RUB, Germany’s fifth largest university.

It starts with the fact that you can take advantage of the daily culinary offers of the canteen and the vegan restaurant Rote Beete, which offer you discounted meals.

You can also take advantage of the huge range of sports on offer at RUB, from aerobics to basketball, from archery to diving, from climbing to soccer or from karate to Zumba, and make full use of all the courses to work out! You also have the opportunity to train in the university’s own fitness studio “Unifit”.

Your status as a RUB fellow also allows you to take advantage of cultural offers at a reduced price. Thanks to a cooperation with the Schauspielhaus Bochum, you can get tickets at low prices and watch great plays.

Finally, you will also receive a “Deutschlandticket” with your enrolment, which allows you to use regional transport, buses and streetcars throughout Germany. (Except for fast connections such as ICE and IC). This means you are mobile right from the start and can explore surrounding cities or the whole of Germany in your free time.

Will I have enough time for a job besides attending the Freshman College?

No, you don’t – attending the Freshman College is a full-time job!

During your stay at the Freshman College, you can theoretically work part-time with a work permit issued by the Foreigners’ Registration Office in Bochum, but you will not have enough time to do this alongside your attendance at the Freshman College, nor would the income from this cover your living costs and fees.

Are there vacations?

Yes, the Freshman College has a two-week Christmas vacation between the years. You are also free on all public holidays. We will inform you in good time and communicate your timetable in advance.

How to move around on site?

By being enrolled at Ruhr-University Bochum as a “Kollegiat”, you will receive a Deutschlandticket, which allows you to use regional transport (RE trains and S-Bahn trains) as well as all buses, subway trains and streetcars throughout Germany. The only exceptions are fast connections such as ICE and IC. This means you are mobile right from the start and can explore Bochum, the surrounding cities (e.g. Düsseldorf or Cologne) or the whole of Germany in your free time.

The accommodation at the Language Institute (LSI) and the vast majority of student accommodation is in the immediate vicinity of Ruhr-University Bochum, where you will attend your daily Freshman College courses. So you won’t have to travel far.

There are also many bike stations in the city, which can be rented after registering with “Nextbike”. The first 30 minutes are even free of charge – ideal for short journeys!

Examination / Completion

Do I also need to know English?

No, you do not need any knowledge of English to attend the Freshman College.

English language skills are only required for admission to the BA degree programs in Computer Science, Applied Computer Science and IT Security, as these are part of the study regulations there. In addition to the successful completion of Freshman College and the associated proof of German language skills at C1 level, proof of English language skills at B2 level is required for the three subjects mentioned. This can be proven by the usual providers (TOEFL, IELTS).

How does the final examination work?

Unlike other providers, our Freshman College does not conclude with a state assessment test, which is always taken on fixed dates throughout the year and for which an additional fee is often charged.

The final exam at Freshman College takes place via TestAS and TestDaF and is therefore much more flexible and allows us to prepare you in a targeted manner.

TestAS is the study aptitude test for international applicants who are planning to study in Germany. It helps prospective students to assess whether their own skills and competencies are suitable for studying in Germany. With a good result, prospective students can significantly increase their chances of admission to a degree course in Germany.

At the same time, it helps German universities to make fair, objective and tailor-made decisions in admission and selection procedures.

TestDaF is the most important German language test for international applicants and a “milestone” on your way to a German university: with the certificate, you officially prove that you are linguistically ready to start your studies.

The TestDaF certificate is valid indefinitely and is recognized by all universities in Germany.

Do I have to study at the Ruhr-University Bochum after passing my final exam?

Yes, our Freshman College is closely linked to Ruhr-University Bochum, which is why you will get a taste of campus life from day one and will be taught where you will subsequently study. Thanks to our close ties to the degree programs and early contact with your future fellow students, you will be able to settle in during your time at Freshman College and be optimally prepared for the start of your studies at RUB.

How do the lessons work?

In which subjects will I be taught?

In our T-course (for technical, mathematical and scientific courses) you will be taught German, mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science.

How do I get my teaching materials?

The Freshman College offers you a digital learning platform on which all content is available online at all times. We use the latest version of Moodle and have prepared the curriculum in such a way that you can check your learning progress yourself at any time using quizzes and short exams.

In which language do the lessons take place?

Lessons are held in German in all subjects. Our experienced teachers have a lot of experience and are all DaF-certified, which means they are experts in teaching you the German language.

Another special feature of our Freshmen College is that we also integrate technical language elements in our second semester to prepare you as well as possible for the start of your studies at the Ruhr University.

Notes on Application

General Procedure & Visa

The Freshman College does not have an entrance exam, but we will check your application very carefully. If you have applied via our online form, this usually takes about 14 days. If everything is in order and you meet the stated requirements, we will notify you immediately by e-mail.

From then on, we will reserve a place for you exclusively for 14 days. During this time you should transfer the course fee to us. As soon as the course fee has been paid, you will receive a final written confirmation of acceptance from us, which you can then use to apply for your student visa at the embassy.

Application Deadline

The Freshman College always starts in the winter term of each year

Application Deadline is 30.06.2025