The South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences welcomes refugees to Germany and supports their start in our region.
This page gives you an overview of the current educational services offered by the South Westphalia University and explains how you can participate.
If you would like to familiarise with the environment and teaching activities at the South Westphalia University for the time being, you are welcome to apply as a guest student. The guest student status is free of charge for you. Further information about Offer for guest students.
As it is important to have German language skills in order to begin or continue studying in Germany, the South Westphalia University offers refugees various options to help them during their start at the university:
The South Westphalia University offers preparatory German language courses for refugees and international students who wish to study in Germany. These courses are funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. The University of Applied Sciences supports German courses at language levels B1 to C1 Hochschule. The course dates can be found in the section below.
The language courses designed for academic purposes serve to prepare students for the TELC examination. The respective language exam can be taken after completion of the language course.
3–4 months each (B1 and B2 levels), 4.5–5 months (C1 Hochschul level). The courses consist of 18–24 class periods per week and take place daily, Monday through Friday. You will receive detailed information along with the class schedule, which we will send you after the requirements have been approved.
The language courses are held as in-person classes at the Hagen campus.
The language course is free of charge for participants. A proportionate share of the examination fees (max. €100) will be charged for the examination organized by us. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks and workbooks.
No costs for own organized examinations can be covered.
Preparatory language courses (B2)
From July 20 to November 22, 2026, in-person at the Hagen campus.
Placement tests: approximately 10 days in advance (in Hagen)
Registration: is now open (nrwege@fh-swf.de). In exceptional cases, seats may still be available after the course begins; please contact us for more information.
Preparatory language course C1 Hochschule
Starting in January 2027 via blended learning at in Hagen.
We will publish the course dates here as soon as the planning is complete. If you are interested or have questions about our language courses, please feel free to contact us at nrwege@fh-swf.de.
Please note that these are preparatory language courses for university studies. Prospective students will be given priority in the allocation of spots.
Information on the ahe degree courses and requirements, as well as language requirements at the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences.
Information on the application procedure at the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences
If you meet certain requirements, you can apply for a "BAföG" education grant for your studies. You can find the requirements here.
Please contact the Studierendenwerk Dortmund to find out whether this is an option for you.
The Otto Benecke Foundation provides further educational advice on the funding programme for young immigrants and the Higher Education Guarantee Fund.
You can find information regarding scholarships for refugees here.
NRWege ins Studium – Integration of refugees at universities in North Rhine-Westphalia established in 2023.