Why is it worth attending the DSH course at the University of Jena?
The DSH preparation course offers the best and most intensive preparation for the German Language Test for Admission to Higher Education (DSH). You will learn in international groups and practise all the language skills you will need for your studies. You will focus on the development of your writing and oral reasoning skills. Excellent language preparation will form the basis of your academic success! If you attend a DSH preparation course at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, you can discover the location of your future studies at the same time.
Course provider, course fees
The DSH course is run by the International Office at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena in cooperation with JenDaF e.V.External link The number of places available in the course is limited.
The course fee amounts to €1,050.00 per semester (subject to change). Having been admitted to the course, you will receive further information, including the deadline for payment of the course fee by two instalments. If you withdraw from the course before the deadline for the second instalment, the course fee will be returned to your bank account (excluding an administration fee of €50.00). You will pay the course fees directly to JenDaF e.V., not the University.
Entrance test, course duration and compulsory attendance
When admitted to the course, participants are invited to an entrance test in which their language skills are being tested. The results of this test will be decisive for admission to the course. Apart from that, the results of this test determine whether an applicant will participate in a one-semester or in a two-semester course.
For participants who were admitted to the 2-semester course after the first entrance test, the sample test at the end of the 1st course semester and the result of the entrance test at the beginning of the 2nd course semester decide on admission to the higher, 1-semester course. It is not possible to repeat the 2-semester course, as the maximum course duration is 2 semesters.
If you do not manage to pass the respective entry level in the entrance test, you will not be admitted to the course.
The course runs for 300 hours per semester (20 teaching units on four days a week; one day is kept free for self-study). Lessons are held from mid-October to mid-February and from early April to mid-July. The participants must attend the course regularly, i.e. every lesson.
Temporary and permanent absences
You may be absent from the course in exceptional cases only, e.g. illness; if so, you must provide a medical certificate (‘Krankenschein’ or ‘ärztliches Attest’) or a certificate of military service. If you drop out of the course or will be absent for a longer period, e.g. because of an attested serious illness or military service, you must inform the International Office and the person responsible for the course immediately.
It is not possible to apply for a leave of absence, because DSH course participants do not count as students but as preparatory course participants.
In case of giving up the course for grave reasons, please submit an informal request for refund of the course fee to JenDaF e.V., which decides on such requests on a case-by-case basis.
Registering for the DSH exam at the end of the course
A DSH mock exam is held under exam conditions at the end of the semester. You may only take the actual DSH exam if your mock exam results show sufficient learning progress and if you attend the course regularly. The exam is held in February and July, and costs €95.
Upon successful completion of the DSH preparation course, students must re-apply for a place on a degree programme. Any decisions on admission to your chosen degree programme can only be made in the admission/selection process following your application or by the Selection Committee for master’s programmes. Learn more about the range of degree programmes available at our University.
