HERE Studies – Preparational Studies for Refugees
:here studies prepares refugees for university studies in Bremen and Bremerhaven. It offers full-time language and study preparation courses and is designed to provide a foundation for successful university studies.
The next course start will be in April 2025 subject to sufficient fund.
The application will be possible until January 15, 2025
For a complete application you need a Vorprüfungsdokumentation by uni-assist and a German A2 certificate. In case that uni-assist certifies that you need to attend a Studienkolleg you need a TestAS certificate with at least 190 points in the cluster that you want to study or a proof of registration for the next possible TestAS. It is not sufficient to send us your school or study certificates.
Learn German and Discover our Universities
© Matej Meza/Universität Bremen
Reading scientific texts, writing seminar papers, communicating in an academic world. :here studies offers German language up to level C1 with fundamental and subject-specific preparation. You will learn German in small groups trained by highly qualified teachers. Besides that, you will gain key-qualifications like literature research, scientific writing and time management in workshops. :here studies is exclusivly for refugees. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us. We speak German and English.
What does HERE Studies offer?
For admission to studies you need a solid language preparation. German language on the level of C1 is the starting point for successful studies.
- Counselling service for studies in Bremen and Bremerhaven
- German language A1 to C1
- Subject specific preparation
- Methodological preparation
- Preparation for the Bremen Universities Entrance Exam
- Plausibility check for missing educational documention
Who can participate?
- Refugees with at least a higher secondary degee that allows admission to German universities
Refugees that have already obtained a master degree are not eligible to apply.
- Refugees residing in Bremen and Bremerhaven and the neighboring counties Ammerland, Aurich, Wesermarsch, Cloppenburg, Cuxhaven, Diepholz, Leer, Nienburg, Oldenburg, Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Rotenburg/Wümme, Stade, Vechta, Verden, Westerstede, Wittmund as well as district cities Delmenhorst, Oldenburg, Wilhelmshaven.
5 Steps to Preparation Studies :here studies
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1. Online Registration
more detailsWithin the process of your application, you have to decide for one particular cluster. Here you'll find lists showing which Cluster includes which study program:
Cluster GKG = Humanities, the Arts and social sciences
Cluster MIN = Mathematics, computer science and sciences
Cluster WIWI = Economics
Cluster ING = Engineering -
2. TestAS
more detailsTest for Academic Studies
TestAS is a central standardised aptitude test for foreign students. That can be done in German or English language. TestAS gives prospective students information about their individual ranking compared to other applicants. TestAS is crucial for admission to :here studies. In case of admission to the :here studies, the costs can be refunded.
Check out the sample questions on the TestAS website.
TestAS is conducted in German or English. For a reasonable result, we recommend a language level of at least B1.
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3. uni-assist Evaluation
more detailsuni-assist evaluates if your qualification provides you higher education access. You need this evaluation as well as TestAS to apply for HERE Studies. You have to upload school and university certificates, also translated into German or English by a sworn translator based in Germany.
At uni assist you have to choose Universität Bremen and as course of study one of the the following
- :here GKG
- :here ING
- :here MIN
- :here WIWI
You will receive a "Vorprüfungs-Dokumentation" (VPD) = Evaluation by uni-assist.This takes about 6 weeks time. If you already have one for the University of Bremen that is not older than 1 year, you do not need to do this a second time.
Please note that we only accept a "Vorprüfungs-Dokumentation" from University of Bremen, Hochschule Bremen and Hochschule Bremerhaven.
In case you don't have any school leaving or university certificates, please contact us. We'll try to find for you to enter university.
Step by step to the application at uni assist e.V.
Our manuals (pdf) will guide you through the process on how to apply for a VPD at uni assist:
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4. Admission
more detailsThe ranking for admission is based on the grades of the university entrance qualitfication and places available. The steering commission is responsible for the selection.
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5. Course Start – HERE Studies
more detailsThe next course start will presumably be in April 2025.
For a complete application, the VPD (Vorprüfungsdokumentation) by uni assist e.V. and a German A2 certificate are required. For the VPD please find our guideline here. If you need to attend a Studienkolleg, you need at least 190 points in the TestAS.
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6. Deadlines
Deadline for the application for a course start in April 2025:
The Voprüfungsdokumentition, the German A2 certificate and the proof of registration for the TestAS have to be submitted by January 15, 2025.
Deadline for the application for a course start in October 2024:
The Voprüfungsdokumentition, the German A2 certificate and the proof of registration for the TestAS have to be submitted by July 15, 2024.
What does :here studies cost?
The :here studies courses are free of charge. During preparations, refugees can receive financial support from social security offices. For further details, please contact the appropriate office.
There are some foundations that support refugees with their studies.
Which Universities in Bremen will take in :here studies candidates?
After completing :here studies, the following universities in Bremen and Bremerhaven will take in our students:
What is the content of the program?
:here studies contain three major areas: Language learning, :here Mentoring and extracurricular courses as well as curricular courses preparing for the chosen study program.
The German language is the core skill and - depending on your start level - will probably be the largest part of your preparation. Beside the in-class courses, extra activities will be provided by the Language Center SZHB.
The HERE Mentoring provides regional and cultural studies, general information on the program and the universities. Additionally, you will take part in intercultural trainings and seminars on study technics.
All courses are mandatory as :here studies is a full time program.