Services for refugees
German for studying: free German lessons at the HWR Berlin for refugees from Berlin or Brandenburg who want to study or prepare for a professional career.
Are you interested in studying on a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme − or perhaps a cooperative studies degree programme? We are on hand at every step of the way provide advice and support to all those hoping to learn German at the Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin and then to study for a degree.
We even continue to help after graduation, with advice and support in the job application procedure. As an internationally-active university with students from throughout the world, we should like to extend a warm welcome to the HWR Berlin!
Learn German for free
Refugees can study German at the HWR Berlin. Our language courses are free of charge and are financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research through the »Integra« project run by the German Academic Exchange Service.
Application
- Send the requisite documents to pre-studies(at)hwr-berlin.de. You can find the list of required documents in the course information below.
- Fill in the digital registration form, which you will find under the respective course.
The course starts at A1 level and leads up to B1 level.
This language course is financed by public funds for students and prospective students who have fled from Ukraine and is therefore aimed at this target group.
Course info:
- Duration: 5.5 months, daily from Monday to Friday
- Time: 9.00 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
- Lessons: 24 lessons per week (45 min. each)
- Exam at the end: Telc B1
How to apply
1. Send the following documents by e-mail (PDFs are welcome) to pre-studies(at)hwr-berlin.de:
- A copy of your identity card
- A copy of your residence permit from Ukraine (for international students from Ukraine)
- A copy of your residence permit/”Fiktionsbescheinigung” from Germany
2. Fill out the digital application form.
Information about the course:
- Duration: 4.5 months, daily from Monday to Friday
- Time: 9.00 to 13.30
- Lessons: 24 lessons per week (45 min. each)
- Topics: German course and topics regarding studying in Germany
- Counselling: Personal counselling if required
- Location: The course takes place at the Schöneberg Campus of the HWR Berlin
- Completion: Telc C1 Hochschule – examination
What are the prerequisites?
The prerequisite is a completed German course at the language level B2. The course is open exclusively to refugees. The course is aimed at people who would like to study in Germany.
Please note:
Regular attendance is mandatory.
How to apply:
1. Send the following documents (preferably as PDF documents) to pre-studies(at)hwr-berlin.de :
- B2 language certificate (for refugees from Ukraine: other proof may also be accepted)
- Copy of your identity card or passport
- Current proof of your residence permit
- If possible, a copy of your school leaving certificate and proof of your previous studies
2. Fill out the digital application form.
Information about the course:
- Duration: 4,5 months, from Monday to Friday
- Time: 9.00 to 13.30
- Lessons: 24 lessons per week (45 min. each)
- Topics: German lessons, the world of work, study and training opportunities, strategies for successful learning and intercultural skills
- Counselling: Personal counselling if required
- Location: The course takes place at the Schöneberg Campus of the HWR Berlin
- Completion: Telc B2 examination
What are the prerequisites?
The prerequisite is a completed German course at language level B1. This can be an integration course, for example. The course is only open to refugees. The course aims at persons who are planning to study in Germany in the future.
Please note:
Regular attendance is mandatory.
How to apply:
1. Send the following documents (preferably as PDF documents) to pre-studies(at)hwr-berlin.de :
- Copy of your identity card or passport
- Current proof of your residence permit
- If possible, a copy of your school leaving certificate and proof of your previous studies.
2. Fill out the digital application form.
Welcome@HWR - Buddies for refugees
With our project "Welcome@HWR - Buddies for refugees", we would like to create a casual exchange between people with a refugee background who are interested in studying at the HWR Berlin and enrolled as Bachelor students. By having HWR Berlin students talk about their experiences and degree programme and give first insights into everyday life at the university, we aim to make it easier for prospective students with a refugee background to get an overview of the degree programmes and everyday life at the HWR Berlin.
The project will start on 01.06.2023 at 05:00 pm at Campus Schöneberg with an informative Meet & Greet. More information and registration below.
Are you interested in studying at the HWR Berlin, but are confronted with a lot of questions? You don't know the degree programmes at the HWR yet, don't know how to apply or don't understand the German study system very well? Then register for our Welcome Project - it should help you to clarify many of your questions and make your path to the HWR easier.
The first part of the project is an Info - Meet & Greet on 01.06.23 starting at 5pm at Campus Schöneberg, where a staff member of the Student Counselling Services and students of the HWR Berlin will give you information about studying at the HWR Berlin.
The meeting will cover essential topics such as:
- How do you apply to study at the HWR Berlin?
- Which degree programmes does the HWR offer and which lectures do students attend?
- What does a typical day at the HWR look like?
Exchange ideas with other students and make new contacts at the same time. In addition to the meeting, we would like to give you the opportunity to become a "student for a day". For this, we will match you together with another student who will take you to the HWR Berlin for a day. Learn how a lecture at the HWR works, where the cafeteria is or how to borrow books from the library.
Our goal is also to found a group of enrolled students and interested persons with a refugee background who meet in their free time for various activities and thus promote cultural exchange and integration.
Are you interested?
Then sign up now and become part of this great project! Just fill out the registration form and we will contact you with further information.
By sharing your own HWR Berlin story and experiences, you can help prospective students with a refugee background find the right degree programme for them, give first exciting insights into everyday study life and make new contacts.
The kick-off will be an Info - Meet & Greet on 01.06.23 from 5 pm.The meeting will focus on essential topics such as:
- What was your path to the HWR Berlin like?
- What made you choose your degree programme and what career opportunities does it open up for you?
- What does your typical day at university look like?
Participation in the event does not require much preparation - it is simply about your experiences!
The kick-off meeting is followed by organising a "Student 4 One Day". We put you in touch with an interested refugee based on the study programme, language level and interests. Show your buddy your everyday study life by attending lectures together, having lunch in the canteen or going to the library.
Besides, we aim to create a group of enrolled students and interested refugees who meet in their free time for various activities to promote cultural exchange and integration.
Are you interested?
Then sign up now and become part of this great project! Just fill out the registration form and we will contact you with further information.
We are looking for students from all backgrounds - especially if you come from abroad yourself or perhaps have a refugee background, your story can inspire others!
Learning a new language is never easy. But with the enthusiastic teachers and great atmosphere at the HWR Berlin, you will soon make progress. This is why I want to work in my profession as a teacher in Germany.
Choosing a degree programme
Completion of the German course prepares its participants to apply for a place on a degree programme. Find a degree programme that suits you and submit your application.
Knowing what to do: studying at the HWR Berlin
Two steps to the right degree programme
FAQ Studying at the HWR Berlin: answers to your questions
Studying successfully − here’s how
We provide a range of advice and support to help you settle in to the HWR Berlin and acquire all the skills that you need to study successfully. Improve your language skills so you can complete your studies in German.
Starting your career
Are you about to graduate and would like to start looking for a job or internship? Working within the framework of the DAAD-funded project Integra, the HWR Berlin provides advice and support to international students with or without a refugee background with all aspects of starting a career.
Further information about careers guidance at the HWR Berlin
How to contact us
Student Counselling Services
Consulting, degree programmes and auditing
Student Counselling Services contact form
German courses
Emmi Brunel
T +49 30 30877-1526
E
pre-studies@hwr-berlin.de