University Entrance Qualification

Anyone wishing to study in Germany needs a direct higher education entrance qualification (HZB). However, many applicants from outside the EU only have an indirect, i.e. insufficient, higher education entrance qualification to study at a German higher education institution. They then usually complete one or two academic years in their home country or attend a preparatory course in Germany in order to gain direct access to a German higher education institution.

An alternative to this classic approach is the programme "Pre-College Fulda - Preparing International Prospective Students for Studies and Careers". The Pre-College Fulda opens up further access routes for international prospective students without direct university access to study or vocational training in Germany.

The unique feature of this programme is the simultaneous preparation of the international participants for different educational and professional paths. In this way, the orientation programme helps participants to identify and prepare for the best (educational) path in Germany for them.

Shortage of skilled workers and the tension between studying and vocational training

Due to the shortage of skilled workers, the recruitment and qualification of foreign skilled workers is becoming increasingly important. Many applicants from abroad are initially interested in studying in Germany. For this reason, many universities offer preparatory programmes to make it easier for them to start studying by offering additional German and specialist courses.

Not everyone is suitable for a degree course, which is often reflected in students dropping out, longer study times and comparatively poorer academic performance. The German model of vocational training as a further educational pathway is often not sufficiently known internationally or is not considered to be equivalent. Thus, quite a few people start a degree programme even though vocational training might be more in line with their inclinations.

Studies in recent years have not only found a lack of professional preparation among prospective international students, but also gaps in the support they receive after completing preparatory programmes.

Programme components in "Pre-College Fulda

International students often concentrate strongly on their studies and neglect the development of practical contacts. In addition, they are sometimes not sufficiently supported in practical phases during their studies or when entering the German labour market. This makes it difficult for them to enter the world of work after completing their studies. As a result, many international students who actually want to work in Germany do not find a job and return to their home countries.

The Pre-College closes this gap by not only preparing prospective international students for a degree programme or vocational training in Germany, but also by establishing early contacts with companies in the Fulda economic region and involving the International Career Service of Fulda University of Applied Sciences from the very beginning.

At the same time, the participants are accompanied by the International Office from the application to the end of the programme, in the form of support in finding accommodation, visa matters, applications for later studies or vocational training, regular consultation hours and individual additional offers as needed.