Application for the Preparatory German Course
The DSH course is aimed at applicants who wish to pursue a degree program in German – not for students enrolled in English-language master’s programs!
Application Deadlines*:
You can only apply for the courses starting in April and October. The application deadlines for the DSH course are as follows:
Application Deadline DSH-Course | Course Start |
---|---|
September 1 - November 30, 2024 | April 2025 |
March 1 - May 31, 2025 | October 2025 |
*For refugees already residing in Paderborn and the surrounding area, additional deadlines apply. Please contact the Coordination for Refugees office for more information.
How do I apply?
Before applying:
Before you apply, please check the DAAD admission database to see if you meet the requirements for a subject-specific or general admission. For admission to the preparatory German course, you need one of the university entrance qualifications listed there.
Application Steps: Use our checklist to ensure you apply correctly.
Application Process:
- Application for Admission:
- Download the application form, fill it out, and sign it. The application must be signed on the last page—applications without a signature will not be considered. Pay attention to the guidelines for the application form.
- For question 1, "Details of the intended studies," only select study programs offered by the University of Paderborn.
- If you have a subject-specific university entrance qualification, only list subject-specific bachelor's programs that match your area of expertise.
- If you are applying for a master's program, it should be consecutive to your bachelor's degree. Do not choose a non-consecutive or unrelated master's program, as this may reduce your admission chances.
- Answer question 11 in the application with "Yes" if you wish to apply for a language course in the upcoming semester.
- Relevant Certificates: Include copies of the following documents in the original language:
- Secondary school leaving certificate / Abitur
- University entrance examination (if applicable)
- Transcript (overview of subjects and grades) for all years of study
- University diploma (if applicable)
- APS certificate (for applicants from China, Vietnam, and India)—always submit the original.
- Official Translation: Also include copies of official translations of your documents if they are issued in a language other than English, French, or German.
- Power of Attorney: If you cannot complete the application or enrollment yourself, you may grant a trusted person power of attorney.
- Current Residence Document: If you are an asylum seeker or already living in Germany, please include a copy of your current residence document. Asylum seekers should also attach a document confirming that they are permitted to reside in Paderborn and its surroundings to regularly attend the course.
Sending the Documents: Send all documents together by post to the International Office. Be mindful of application deadlines.
Address:
Universit?t Paderborn
International Office
360直播吧 Stra?e 100
33098 Paderborn
Important Notes:
- If you send your documents from abroad, you or the sender are responsible for shipping and customs fees. If the International Office has to pay fees, your documents will not be accepted.
- After applying for the preparatory German language course, it is recommended that you promptly apply for accommodation in a dormitory. Waiting times can be up to 6 months.
- Application documents are generally not returned. Please do not send original documents.
Wichtige Hinweise:
- Wenn 360直播吧 Ihre Unterlagen aus dem Ausland senden, sind 360直播吧 oder der Absender für die Versand- und Zollgebühren verantwortlich. Wenn das International Office Gebühren zahlen muss, werden Ihre Unterlagen nicht akzeptiert.
- Nach Ihrer Bewerbung für den studienvorbereitenden Deutschkurs empfehlen wir Ihnen, sich schnell um einen Wohnheimplatz zu bewerben. Die Wartezeiten k?nnen bis zu 6 Monate betragen.
- Bewerbungsunterlagen werden in der Regel nicht zurückgesandt. Bitte senden 360直播吧 daher keine Originaldokumente.
Allgemeine Beratung International Office

Beratung per E-Mail und Telefon für internationale Bewerbende
Hotline International Office: +49 5251 60-1818
E-Mail: io.dsh@zv.uni-paderborn.de
Zust?ndige Ansprechpersonen im DSH-Bereich für spezifische Anliegen
Admission, advising, and support for participants of the preparatory German language course (DSH course)
Office: I4.122
Phone: +49 5251 60-5676
E-mail: Semih.Afacan@zv.uni-paderborn.de
Admission, advising, and support for participants of the preparatory German language course (DSH course)
Office: I4.122
Phone: +49 5251 60-2452
E-mail: mara.koesters@uni-paderborn.de
Coordinator - Coordination Refugees
Office: I4.107
Phone: +49 5251 60-2381
E-mail: volker.verhoff@zv.uni-paderborn.de