International Pathway Programme

Criteria for applicants

The International Pathway Programme is a form of entrance examination to higher education. It is aimed at international prospective students who meet the following requirements: 

• You are interested in pursuing your first undergraduate degree in a programme without admission restrictions offered at the University of Jena. In our range of degree programmes, these are all courses without a numerus clausus (NC) procedure.
• You do not yet hold a university entrance qualification for a German higher education institution (please verify below)
• You completed the TestASExternal link aptitude test and got a very good result
• You have sufficient German language skills to complete a degree programme in German language. (Please refer to the information below).

If you do not yet meet the above requirements, you might consider joining the Thuringian preparatory college (Studienkolleg) in Nordhausen. There, you will take the assessment test and a German language test after one year of preparation. You can find all information here.

How does the International Pathway Programme work?

The International Pathway Programme allows you to demonstrate your ability to study your chosen degree programme. First you will study two semesters in your chosen programme—just like regular students. After two semesters, you must have earned at least 30 credit points (regular students require 60 credit points). If you have successfully earned these credits, you have passed the subject-specific entrance examination that qualifies you to study at the University of Jena. Following these first two semesters, you continue your studies as a regular student. Your standard period of study is automatically extended by one year.

If you do not earn the required 30 credit points in two semesters or if you want to change your field of study, we can offer advice on your alternative options.

Please note that the university entrance qualification obtained through the Pathway Programme is subject-specific, which means that you may have to take a new entrance examination before changing to another degree programme. The entrance examination is only valid for the University of Jena and cannot be used for other universities.

• You are not a German citizen.
• You have a foreign university entrance qualification that is not equivalent to the German secondary school leaving certificate Abitur. Please check whether your foreign educational qualification is considered equivalent in Germany through the DAAD databaseExternal link or the anabin databaseExternal link.
• You have completed the TestASExternal link aptitude test with at least 50 scores in the core test and at least 100 scores in the subject-specific test or in case of the paper-best TestAS with 90 and 100 points. (The TestAS you have taken must correspond to your desired field of study.)

To be admitted to the International Pathway Programme, you have to prove that you have German language skills at the level of DSH-2 (German Language Test for Admission to Higher Education). Please note that the DSH-1 is not sufficient for admission to a degree programme at Friedrich Schiller University Jena. Only the following DSH examinations accredited by the German Rectors' Conference are recognized as equivalent:

• the Goethe-Zertifikat C2 (GDS)
• the Deutsche Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz (DSD II)
• the TestDaF, at least TDN 4 in all four parts of the examination
• the Zertifikat telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule (at least grade "satisfactory")
  
• a German language examination in the framework of an assessment test at a preparatory college (Studienkolleg)

If you still have to take the DSH-2 exam, you can apply for conditional admission. Anyone wishing to do so must provide proof of participation in German courses where the exam taken is at post-intermediate level (C1). This conditional admission will only become effective if the DSH-2 certificate (or an equivalent certificate) is submitted by the enrolment date. We recommend taking German courses at our Language Centre during your studies to further deepen and broaden your language competence.

You do not yet have sufficient language skills? Then please apply for admission to the preparatory college (Studienkolleg).

1. Scan all documents mentioned below and save them as PDF files under specific names.
2. Have all documents at hand when filling in the online application, because you will need to insert data from them.

• University entrance qualification:
  • a certified copy of your original school leaving certificate and university entrance examination (if taken) with a sworn translation (into German or English)
• Prior degree programme:
  • a certified copy of your original degree certificate or times of study with a sworn translation (into German or English)
  • a certified copy of the original transcript of records for your degree with a sworn translation (into German or English)
• the TestAS certificate (see our information on admission requirements)
• Knowledge of the German language:
  • a certified copy of evidence of your German language proficiency (see our information on language requirements)
• a CV (in tabular format)
• Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese applicants: the original the certificate issued by the Akademische Prüfstelle as proof of your academic achievements
• If you are a minor (under the age of 18), please also submit a parental consent [pdf, 746 kb]pdf, 746 kb · de.

Definition: certified copy

In Germany, all public bodies bearing an official seal can officially certify documents. This includes municipal administrations, district offices and minor administrative authorities (e.g. local mayors, town administration, local registration offices), courts and notaries. In addition, the section for cultural affairs of the Embassy of the country where the certificate was issued can provide official certifications / legal authentications.

Outside Germany, the following authorities are authorized to issue official certifications: the Diplomatic Missions of the Federal Republic of Germany and the authorities and notaries authorized to issue official certifications in the respective countries. You must present the original seal and signature of the person issuing the official certification / legal authentication, not a copy.

Definition: sworn translation

Certificates must always be translated by an official body, e.g. the issuing institution or a sworn translator. Attestations made by a translator who is not a sworn translator will not be accepted.

Please note that while all degree programmes offered at the University can be started in the winter semester, the range of programmes that can be started in the summer semester is limited.

• Application period for the summer semester: 15 October to 15 January
• Application period for the winter semester: 1 May to 15 July

1. Contact the International Office.
2. Register at the online application portalExternal link. Save your login and password. This enables you to use the online platform later without having to re-register. 
3. Complete the online application (see guidebookpdf, 1 mb · de) and upload all required documents.
4. You will be able to check the status of your application in the portal by entering your username and password.
5. Please regularly check your emails for new messages regarding your application.
6. If you receive a letter of admission, it will include further instructions.

Here, you can find the application portal for undergraduate programmes without admission restrictions.External link

Please see the information about the following topics

• what to do after receiving an admission letter
• housing / room search (apply by 15.1./15.7.)
• visa application
• enrolment

 Please find all details at start studying.

Students of the International Pathway Programme should not miss the Study Orientation Days.

Actively seek the guidance and advice of your programme's academic advisor (contact information in the programme description) to plan your studies during the first two semesters. Note that the suggested module plan in Friedolin is designed for regular studies, not the Pathway Programme.

We also recommend registering for the Academic Mentoring Programme for international students.

You can find more information on visa, health insurance, costs, services, and many other details in our FAQs.