If the proof of entrance qualifications or undergraduate studies is missing, there are still opportunities to take up studies in Germany. You can for example take the Delta Prüfung, which will be accepted as an equivalent to the normal entrance qualification (Abitur). With passing this exam you will be allowed to start your studies in a Bachelor degree. For Master studies the different university departments have the possibility to set up specific assessment test in order to accept the application.
More information on these opportunities can be found at the relevant course guidance centers (consult the list of contact persons in the infobox).
My qualifications are only partially recognized. What can I do?
If one's qualifications are only partially recognized in Germany, one will have to take preparation courses at the Studienkolleg. Language classes as well as subject teaching are offered at the Studienkolleg and they are adjusted to the desired program. Completion of these courses will usually take one year and upon completion the student will receive a subject linked university entrance qualification in one of the following areas: social studies, humanities, economics, medicine or technology. Information on the entrance requirements as well as the required paperwork can be found on the Studienkolleg's websites.
The Studienkolleg Konstanz is responsible for all colleges of applied sciences, whilst the Studienkolleg Heidelberg is responsible for all universities Baden-Wurttemberg. The Studienkolleg Karlsruhe is responsible for degrees taught at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and the University of Stuttgart as well as all qualified professionals who are seeking degrees in the natural sciences or technical fields. The applications for the Studienkolleg have to go through the institution of higher education at which one would like to study later on.
How can I finance my studies?
The website study-in.de provides a good overview on this topic. Attention - the financing opportunities depend on the legal status!
For recognized refugees
BAföG
Recognized refugees (those entitled to political asylum, refugees granted refugee status or subsidiary protection according to § 23 Par. 1 or Par. 2 AufenthG) can apply for the educational grant according to BAföG as soon as the legal status has been granted.
Starting June 1st 2016 those tolerated or holding certain humanitarian legal statuses (§ 25 Par. 3, § 25 Par. 4 Sentence 2, § 25 Par. 5) and those with a residence permit due to family circumstances (§§ 30 through
34) may apply for BAföG after a stay in Germany of at least 15 months.
If there is a general eligibility to receive educational grants according to BAföG, the individual case will be reviewed (for example age limit) as well as all details concerning the course of study and the previous academic history. It is therefore advisable to already start organizing the BaföG during the study preparation period, because previous completed semesters (also abroad) can be deducted and might reduce the period of financial granting. Those affected may seek guidance at the Studierendenwerk.
Attention - to drop out the studies or change subject is unproblematic for the educational grant according to BaföG till the beginning of the 3th semester. If you change your study subject after that normally no BaföG will be granted anymore. Further information is available here.
Bildungsberatung Garantiefonds Hochschule
The federal government supports those with a legal status according to § 23 Par. 1 and Par. 2 AufenthG and who also want continue their studies or gain a university entrance qualification through the Bildungsberatung Garantiefonds Hochschule.
Among others, supported activities include language courses in preparation for university, training courses, Studienkollegs and academic internships. The application and its review will be conducted by the guidance centers of the Bildungsberatung Garantiefonds Hochschule. However, one may also use the online registration.
The application must be filed no later than 2 years after entering Germany or one year after being recognized. Furthermore, approval of support must be given prior to reaching 30 years of age.
Scholarships
There are various foundations and programs through which one may receive a scholarship. Most scholarships will ask for particularly talented students or those with exceptional grades. However, there are various scholarships which are aimed at supporting students in need or those who show an exceptional social engagement.
The Bildungsserver's website provides an overview of scholarships open to foreign students. The DAAD's scholarship database is also helpful in gaining a good overview.
In addition to that, there are various other helpful websites. These include: The scholarship database of the federal ministry of Education and Research, the federal association of charities' portal and the Begabtenförderungswerke.
Most scholarship programs are currently aimed at students who come to Germany to pursue their studies and want to return to their home countries upon completion of their studies. However, there are numerous charities specifically aimed at supporting refugees with their studies. The relevant information can be found on the mentioned websites. One may also find additional information on a personal guidance opportunity on the Studierendenwerk's Website, as well as at the scholarship counselling at the University of Freiburg.
Loan
Under certain circumstances the Studierendenwerk may approve a student loan if the student is about to graduate. The relevant Studierendenwerk will offer financial guidance for anybody interested in a loan.
Employment / Student Jobs
It is always helpful to take a look at the faculties' bill-boards. Usually one can find many postings regarding jobs, internships and the like. Furthermore, the Studierendenwerk offers an employment service through the Studijob portal.
There are also nationwide portals which are specifically targeted at refugees in Germany. Two of them are Welcome2Work and Workeer. The initiative Science4Refugees helps refugee scientists and researchers to find a suitable job in the European Union.
Health Insurance
A student does not only have to cover the cost of subsistence, but also the cost of health insurance and a nursing care insurance. For all students younger than 30 years of age and who have not reached their 14th semester yet, the cost of insurance will be about 80 Euros.
For Applicants going through the asylum procedure
For refugees who are still in the process of seeking asylum it is possible to take up studies in Germany, but due to a lack of financing options it is rather difficult to commence studies at this stage.
With the commencement of the winter semester 2017/2018, 1500€ in tuition fees will be charged per semester for international students, who are enrolled at universities in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg. Asylum seekers who are of an origin with an increased protection quota (Syria, Iraq, Iran, Somalia, Eritrea) will be exempted from paying these fees.
Individuals currently going through the asylum procedure are not eligible for a BAFÖG stipend or support through the Garantiefonds Hochschule.
Those with a 'high' probability of being granted asylum (from Syria, Iraq, Iran and Eritrea) can apply for admission to an integration class whilst in the process of seeking asylum. Anybody who is not from one of those countries and still going through the asylum procedure will not be eligible to enroll in a federally financed integration course. Furthermore, opportunities may be limited due to residence constraints.
If one manages to overcome all this and has been accepted to a university, one can still receive benefits through the German social welfare law for asylum seekers for the first 15 months. If the asylum procedure has not been completed within 15 months, there may be a funding gap, as there is no entitlement to BAFÖG stipends or benefits through the SGB II or SGB XII (students in general are not entitled to these benefits).
