From abroad
International students
HRW is a young, open university in the heart of the Ruhr region. Internationality is not just a goal for us, but part of our identity. One in four people in the Ruhr region has foreign roots. However, many students also come directly from abroad to study at HRW and often decide to stay and work in Germany afterwards.
Foreign students from partner universities (exchange students) who only wish to complete an exchange semester at the HRW can find all relevant information on our English website.
There are already special rules for foreign applicants in the application procedure (university entrance qualification, knowledge of German, etc.). All information can be found on the application procedure page.
Even before the lectures begin, the HRW offers an orientation program for all first-year students, the so-called “O-Weeks” (Orientation Weeks). It begins 2-3 weeks before the official start of lectures. We recommend that all first-year students at the HRW take part in this free program.
There are various offers, e.g. to put together your timetable, to use our digital systems, to get to know the professors and, of course, the other students who are starting with you. An introduction to “German as an academic language” is also offered for foreign first-year students.
German language skills at a very high level (C1 university) are necessary to successfully complete a degree course in Germany. This knowledge must be proven at the time of application. The German certificate cannot be submitted later. The HRW only accepts certain language certificates, such as DSH2, TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat C1, but not TELC certificates, for example.
Learn German before studying at the HRW
For foreign applicants who are already in Germany and have only reached language level B1 or B2 (intermediate level), the HRW offers a special preparatory program. This study integration program lasts at least one semester, depending on previous knowledge. It consists of an intensive German course and an accompanying program to prepare you for your studies.
Please note: The study integration program is not a Studienkolleg, but a special offer of the HRW for foreign prospective students in Germany. No conditional admission is granted for this program. No applicants will be accepted who are still abroad or who are applying from abroad.
Improve your German during your studies
Für bereits immatrikulierte Studierende, die ihre akademischen Sprachkenntnisse verbessern wollen, bietet das ZfK studienbegleitende Kurse (z.B. C2 Grammatik) und Workshops (z.B. Wissenschaftliches Schreiben für internationale Studierende) an. Außerdem können Sie sich am HelpDesk Wissenschaftssprache Deutsch zu Ihren aktuellen Projekten (Seminararbeiten, Präsentationen etc.) beraten lassen.
For students who are already enrolled and want to improve their academic language skills, the ZfK offers study-related courses (e.g. C2 grammar) and workshops (e.g. academic writing for international students). You can also get advice on your current projects (seminar papers, presentations, etc.) at the HelpDesk Wissenschaftssprache Deutsch.
Please contact Ms. Magdalena Lukosz (magdalena.lukosz@hs-ruhrwest.de) if you have any questions about the German courses offered during your studies.
| Questions about the application process: | Application support | bewerbung@hs-ruhrwest.de |
| Questions about the study program: | Central Student Advisory Service | studienberatung@hs-ruhrwest.de |
| Questions about living in Germany: | International Office | international.office@hs-ruhrwest.de |
If you are not sure who to address your questions to, please contact HRW's Service Management at servicemanagement@hs-ruhrwest.de. They will forward your question to the right person.
