You hold a higher education entrance qualification, have decided on a subject, and now want to start your studies. Before you can begin, you must provide other evidence, depending on the programme, to confirm you are eligible for the admissions procedure. Depending on the institution and subject, this may include proof of satisfactory foreign language skills, or evidence of completing a necessary work placement.
Foreign language skills are required for programmes that are taught partly or entirely in another language. Knowledge of foreign languages is also essential for programmes that contain reading material in other languages.
Degree programmes in history, for example, usually require Latin skills and knowledge of two modern European languages.
The point at which you need to provide evidence of the requisite language skills varies from institution to institution. You may need to show proof of your language skills as an admission prerequisite when you enrol, or you may not need to provide it until your programme is already underway.
Confirmation of your skills can be provided in different ways depending on the higher education institution and subject. Some may require several years of foreign language lessons at school or ask you to take language examinations set by the institution; others may require evidence that you have attained a particular language level, such as proof of your TOEFL score.
International students must be able to demonstrate satisfactory German language skills.
Having no language skills at all will make studying very difficult, as a basic knowledge of foreign languages is necessary for almost all academic programmes.
Practical work placements can be either compulsory or voluntary placements. While a compulsory work placement – usually a pre-study work placement – is an essential entry requirement for certain programmes, completing a voluntary work placement is purely a matter of choice and is therefore not subject to any particular rules from the higher education institution. Nevertheless, it is advisable to undertake a voluntary work placement.
As well as acquiring practical experience, you will gain an initial insight into the professional field you intend to work in. Of course, you can complete more than one work placement, which means you will be able to get a feel for several different areas of work.
Participating in a voluntary work placement or undertaking volunteer work during semester breaks are therefore strongly recommended as part of your academic studies.
