FAQ

The German Summer Courses refer to students and graduates worldwide who are planning to stay for research and study in Bielefeld/Germany, who would like to learn German or refresh their language skills or who simply wish to experience life in Germany. We are especially pleased to greet international students from partner universities of Bielefeld University from all over the world!

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers summer course scholarships for students. Depending on the respective country of the applicant, the deadline ends in November or December for a course taking place the following year. You can find all the relevant information on the requirements and applications deadlines here.

You can find the application form here. Fill out the form and attach a copy of your passport or identity card and a certificate (if you have one) of your current level of German language proficiency. With a click on "Send application" the registration will be binding.

A few days after we have received your application we will email you an invoice for the services you have booked.

If you require a visa, Bielefeld University will send you a letter of invitation to the German Summer Courses after you have successfully applied and paid the first instalment. Submit this to the German representation in your country where you will receive further information on visa application.

If you are funding yourself you need to take out travel health insurance in your own country before you travel. Furthermore, we recommend
liability insurance. DAAD scholarships include health, accident, and liability insurance, so you do not need to take out your own insurance in this case.

As a participant of the German summer course you will be given a "UniCard" for the duration of the course. This card enables you to buy lunch cheaply in the university canteen and cafeterias. The price of a midday meal is around 3 Euros. More information on what is on offer at the Mensa (university canteen) and cafeterias is available here.

Before the start of the course, you will receive an email with a list of all the most important things that you should bring with you.

No. The rooms in the student residences and with host families are generally available only from the 05.08. until the 29.08. If you wish to arrive earlier or leave at a later date you will need to organise your own accommodation for the corresponding days.

On the left-hand menu on this home page you will find the link "Arrival". There you will find information on how to get to the University from Bielefeld main station ("Hauptbahnhof"). On reaching the meeting point at University, participants can follow the signs to the German Summer Courses.

The German language courses take place from Monday to Friday and on one Saturday from 9 a.m. until 12.30 p.m. 
In the afternoon there are study groups on Landeskunde (regional and cultural studies) and language didactics. These groups are part of the course, and it is obligatory to participate in at least two study groups per week.

No, the arrival and departure day is free of lessons.

When you register, you choose whether you would like to stay in a student residence (single apartment or flat-share) or with a guest family. Please note both options have limited availability. If you apply late then we may not be able to fulfill all your accommodation wishes.

All rooms in the student residence are single rooms furnished with a bed, desk and wardrobe. Bedding will be provided. Some rooms have a small kitchen and own bathroom. In most cases rooms are in shared flats, which means that you will share the kitchen and the bathroom with other course participants. The rooms with guest families are also single rooms and in some cases also have their own kitchen and bathroom. Usually, you will share the bathroom and kitchen with the family members.

No, unfortunately there is no Internet connection in the student residences. Only matriculated students can use the Internet connection. However, you will receive a guest pass so that you can have access to WLAN in all areas of the University. Some guest families also allow access to WLAN.