Information for Refugees

What documents do refugees need in order to study full time at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences?

For most study programs, three types of documents are needed: (1) the university entrance qualification for Germany (2) proof of German language proficiency - Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences requires all international students to have C1 (3) for most study programs, practical experience (internship) is needed as a prerequisite. The internship must have been in the same field as the study program, for example, if you would like to study business managment, you will need internship experience in a mercantile unit of a company. If you would like to study mechanical engineering, the internship should be in the production unit of a company.

Please also have a look at our website for international degree-seeking students.

Where do I get information on the prerequisites?

At Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, every study program has its own website. There, you will find information on the documents and certificates that you'll need for each study program. In addition, please refer to our website for international degree-seeking students. The same information is true for all refugees who would like to study at our university. Also, you are welcome to make use of our counselling services for international students in our Center for International Students. Mrs. Maier's office hours are:  MON 14 - 16 h, TUE 10 - 12 h, WED 10 - 12 h and THU 14 - 17 h. Her office is on our Campus Albrechtstraße Room number AF 0108.

In order to prepare refugees who would like to begin or continue studying in Osnabrueck, Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and the University of Osnabrück offer a study preparation class from October 4th 2016 until January 31st 2017. The program is sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funds from the German Ministry for Education and Research. Refugees whose school leaving certificates are equivalent to the German university entrance qualification but who still lack the necessary German language skills can apply until September 2nd 2016. For more information, please click here (website under construction!).

When is a student considered a guest?

A guest is someone who does not have student status, but who may nevertheless participate in a fixed number of classes. At Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, guest may participate in two classes per semester. This equals 10 European credit points (ECTS).

As a guest, can I participate in any course at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences?

At Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, before we admit guests into our courses, we are obligated to check whether there is capacity in these courses. If there is, it is possible to participate.

Do guests have to pay fees?

Generally speaking: yes!. However, if someone can argue a case of hardship, the fees can be waivrd. For refugees, Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences will waive the fees. Therefore, if you are a refugee, you do not have to pay fees.

How can I apply to become a guest at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences?

In order to become a refugee at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, you will have to apply through a certain process. Please check our website Become a Guest! for more information.

Does Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences offer German language courses for refugees?

Due to legal restrictions, Osnabrück University of Applied may only offer courses to persons who are members of the university, for example because they have student status. But, if there is third party funding (external funding) especially for offering German language courses to refugees, then we can organize courses for this group.

 
Can refugees stil participate in German language courses at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences?

Yes: Our course offers for guests also include our German language courses. If there are free places, refugees can learn German together with our international visiting students and our international degree-seeking students. Currently, there are free places in these courses, and experience shows, that during the summer semester, there are usually even more free places. Therefore, the guest program is an excellent opportunity to learn German in an academic environment for all those who are interested in pursuing university studies in Osnabrück.

What kind of German language courses are on offer?

Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences offers German language courses at all levels from A1 to C2. Some of these courses are subject specific, for example Business German or Technical German. Other are more general and help to improve your proficiency in German off campus. You will find an overview of all courses on the International Office's website. Please contact Beate Buczkowski (b.buczkowski@hs-osnabrueck.de) if you have questions regarding German language certificates.

What is BAföG?

BAföG is the abbreviation for the German version of the German federal government's program to financially support students who are under the age of 30. Students who are in the program, receive monthly payments of up to 670 EUros to finance their education. This can also be an academic study program. A part of the grant must be returned to the government after studying. The sum that must be paid back can be divided up into monthly payments, or it can be returned in one. All applicants have to state their financial situation. You will find some information on the internet.

 
Some refugees can profit from this type of financial support, as well:

• if your application for asylum has been recognised, you can immediately apply for BAföG
• from January 1st 2016 onwards: bearers of certain humanitarian titles, and refugees who have received protection from deportation can apply for this support after 15 months

If you want to know more or need advice, the Studentenwerk Osnabrück is your contact of choice. Please contact the Department of Student Financing at the "Studentenwerk Osnabrück".

Campus ohne Grenzen

Campus ohne Grenzen is a student project at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences for refugees. There are offers for everyone that need no special affiliation with the program In addition, in the summer semester 2016 started a mentoring program for refugees who participate in our program for guests.

• DAAD: Information for Refugees
• Refugee Guide
• Federal Office for Migration and Refugees
• University of Osnabrück: Information for Refugees