Introduction: Why Germany for African Students?
Across Africa, many young people dream of studying abroad for a world-class education, international degrees, and new career paths. For them, Germany has become one of the most attractive choices.
Germany combines academic excellence, affordability, and opportunity. Most public universities charge no tuition fees, only small semester contributions. Its degrees are respected worldwide, and its strong economy offers one of the best job markets in Europe.
For students from English- or French-speaking Africa, Germany offers the opportunity to study in a truly multilingual environment at the heart of Europe. The Saarland region, bordering France and Luxembourg, is beautiful thanks to its cultural diversity, bilingual networks, and double-degree programs with French universities. Saarbrücken, the capital of the federal state of Saarland, is also one of Germany’s leading hubs for computer science research and innovation. It hosts renowned institutions such as the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), the Max Planck Institute for Informatics, the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems and the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security, which together attract top international researchers and drive cutting-edge work in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and software engineering.
However, entering the German system is not always straightforward, and adapting to a new academic culture can be a challenging process. This is where Prep-For-Study steps in a program designed to bridge the gap and support your success.
What is Prep-For-Study?
Prep-For-Study is a structured two-semester program starting every October at htw saar, a public university in Saarbrücken. It aims to help international students prepare for studying in Germany.
The core of the program is the T-Kurs (Technik course), which involves approximately 32 hours of teaching per week. The curriculum covers:
- German language (academic and subject-specific)
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Informatics (Computer Science)
students attending a math class © FITT
This combination prepares graduates for bachelor’s degrees in technical subjects, natural sciences and engineering. Beyond subject knowledge, the program emphasizes scientific methods, academic writing, and classroom participation, all critical skills for university life.
But Prep-For-Study goes beyond academics. It offers intercultural training, group excursions throughout the Saar-Lor-Lux region, and initial networking opportunities with local companies. These experiences help you not only study more effectively, but also feel at home in Germany.
In short: Prep-For-Study is not just a classroom program – it is a full bridge into academic and social life in Germany.
The Preparation Phase: Student Experience
Life as a Prep-For-Study student is both demanding and rewarding. You attend subject lectures and German classes, complete assignments, and prepare for the final examination. Alongside academics, you join workshops on cultural adaptation and excursions to discover Saarland and neighboring France and Luxembourg.
You’ll receive support every step of the way – from your arrival at Frankfurt Airport to applying for a student job & internship at our partner companies after the final examination. Our staff ensures that you can focus on your learning with complete peace of mind.
To make this more concrete, let’s look at Sanata, an 18-year-old student from Côte d’Ivoire. Sanata joined the Prep-For-Study in 2023. Arriving in Germany at just 17, she faced multiple challenges: a four-week late arrival due to visa delays, adjusting to a new climate, and studying in a language she had not yet mastered. Her start was a bit rocky, but she persevered. By June 2024 she achieved the best result of the whole class in her German oral exam. Sanata was awarded the Prep-For-Study Award scholarship, took her internship offered by our partner company and later began studying mechanical engineering at our German-French University Institute (DFHI), a double-degree program between htw saar of Germany and Université de Lorraine of France.
Sanata at her internship at our partner company © FITT
Her story illustrates what Prep-For-Study offers: not only academic preparation, but also personal growth, integration, and new opportunities.
Admission Process & Academic Next Steps
To participate in Prep-For-Study, you need meet three conditions:
- Secondary school diploma (university entrance qualification) of your home country
- German language certificate at level B1, which can be submitted after the application and before the start of program
- Passing Mathematics entrance test
The entrance test will be conducted online. Upon request, we will be happy to provide you with a sample test so that you can prepare in advance.
To apply for the Prep-For-Study however, you just need to pass our mathematics entrance test. The secondary school diploma and German certificate B1 can be submitted later, after you receive them and latest by the end of August.
The program runs for two semesters, beginning in October, and concludes with the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) in June of the following year. Passing this examination qualifies you for bachelor degree programs at German universities.
Students begin their bachelor’s degree programs at DFHI after the Prep-For-Study program © DFHI.
After Prep-For-Study, students can either continue study at htw saar or study at other German universities. Some, like Sanata, choose the DFHI double-degree program, which combines study in Saarbrucken (Germany), Metz (France), or/and Luxembourg. This international pathway is especially appealing for French-speaking African students, offering a bilingual academic environment and enhanced career prospects. Some choose study at other universities, such as Technical University of Munich, University of Heidelberg, or RWTH Aachen University.
Procedure Prep-For-Study © FITT
Practical Considerations: Planning Your Move
Moving from Lagos or Nairobi to Saarbrücken involves more than academics. Careful planning is always important.
1. Two options to start your student life in Saarbrücken.
You can either come to Germany with your B1 certificate, which you can obtain in your home country, or you can come to Germany first to learn German at our partner language school if you don’t speak any German when you arrive. It takes six to eight months to learn German from beginner to B1 level on an intensive course. The language course costs €350 per month at our partner language school in Saarbrucken, and we can organize the registration for you.
| Option | Your German level upon arrival in Germany | Application deadline | Time of arrival in Saarbrücken | Start of the language course before Prep-Program | Start of the Prep-Program |
| 1 | B1 | 31.05.2026 | 01.10.2026 | NA | Mid- Oct 2026 |
| 2 | 0 | 31.10.2025 | 01.01.2026 | 05.01.2026 | Mid- Oct 2026 |
2. Application with required Documents and Certificates
Prepare your documents early: certified diploma translations (if not in German or English), passport copy, CV, photo, and proof of German level if available. This helps you avoid delays. Apply online at www.prep-for-study.de . We will contact you after we receive your application.
3. Visa application
The process of obtaining a German student visa can take several months; therefore, it is advisable to apply at least six months prior to your planned start date. See a full and free guide on applying for this German Visa.
4. Costs
The Prep-For-Study program has a tuition fee of €7,800 for two semesters. Afterwards, studying at German universities is either tuition-free or very low-cost.
Compared to major cities like Munich or Frankfurt, Saarbrucken offers lower living expenses, making it an affordable choice. Students should plan for housing, food, insurance, and transport, with an estimated budget of about €1,000 per month. International students are also permitted to work part-time to help finance their studies.
5. Accommodation
Options include student dormitories, private shared flats (Wohngemeinschaften), or small apartments. Prep-For-Study staff help participants secure housing before arrival. It costs currently around 350-500 euro each month for renting a room in Saarbrucken.
6. Integration
Workshops, excursions, and internships at our partner companies not only enrich your first experiences and your student life in Germany, but also help you integrate more quickly and effectively.
Why Prep-For-Study is Unique
Among preparatory options in Germany, Prep-For-Study stands out:
- It is the only program with ASIIN-certified quality for its T-course.
- It combines subject courses, language training, and intercultural skills into one integrated package.
- It provides practical support (support in visa, airport pickup, accommodation, support in application for student jobs at our partner companies etc.)
- It also assists interested students after completing the Prep-For-Study program in applying for a dual study bachelor’s program. This model combines academic studies on campus with practical training within a company, enabling students to acquire professional experience and receive a regular salary while completing their degree in Germany.
This makes Prep-For-Study more than an academic preparation year – it is a holistic support system for your success.
Students participate in an intercultural workshop.
FAQS
Do I need to speak German before applying to the Prep-For-Study (PFS)-Program?
No, you can apply before obtaining your B1 certificate. However, you will need to submit it to us before the start of the program, by the end of August at the latest.
How do I apply?
Applications can be submitted via the official Prep-For-Study website. Deadlines vary depending on your German language level upon your arrival in Germany, but the program starts every October, so plan your application months in advance.
When does the program start and end, and what holidays are there?
It begins in mid-October each year and finishes by July 15. In addition to German public holidays, students have a two-week Christmas break and about ten days off at Easter each year.
Can I work while studying?
International students in Germany may work part-time (usually up to 20 hours per week during the semester). This can help with costs, but your studies must remain the priority
What happens if I don’t pass the final exam?
You may have the opportunity to retake the exam. Prep-For-Study provides tutoring and preparation prior to examination to maximize your chances of success.
Is Prep-For-Study only for students going to htw saar?
No, while many students continue at HTW Saar, the FSP at the end of the program is recognized for admission to universities of applied sciences and universities across Germany. You can either study completely in Germany, at our university or at other German universities, or study at our German-French University Institute in Germany and France.
What can I study after the PFS-Program?
After T-Kurs, students qualify for STEM subjects, such as Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, economics mathematics etc.
Conclusion: A Bridge to Success
For African students, studying in Germany is both a challenge and a life-changing opportunity. Success requires academic readiness, strong German skills, and cultural adaptation. Prep-For-Study provides all of these in one integrated program.
With high-quality subject teaching, intercultural preparation, practical support, and a state-recognized exam, it opens the door to German universities and to a future rich with possibilities.
If you are ready to take the next step, visit our official website: fitt.de/prep-for-study/.
Written by Bo Schmitt, Project manager of Prep-For-Study, Institute for Technology Transfer at Saarland University of Applied Sciences
