Frequently asked questions
about the preparatory German courses at IIK e.V. in cooperation with the Georg-August-University of Göttingen
1. WHO CAN ENROLL IN THE LANGUAGE COURSES AT IIK?
- Participants with a university-entrance diploma who plan to enroll or continue their studies at the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen or any other university.
- Visiting scientists or lecturers at the University of Göttingen or other research institutions.
- Participants without one of the above requirements at the discretion of the course coordinator.
If you have no knowledge of German, we strongly advise that you attend a beginner’s German course in your country.
This must be an A1 level course. We offer A1 courses only three times a year. You can then complete levels A2, B1, B2 compact/B2.1/B2.2 and C1 compact/C1 Advanced Training followed by the DSH or the TestDaF examination. You will need around 11-12 months to reach the C1 level required for the German language examination for university admission. If successful, this will be accepted at all German universities (TestDaF will also be recognized in your country).
2. WHERE CAN I LIVE WHILE I ATTEND MY LANGUAGE COURSE?
If you already have a letter of admission to the University of Göttingen, you are eligible for accommodation in a student dorm. For more information visit Studentenwerk Göttingen at: http://www.studentenwerk-goettingen.de/wohnen.html
If you are not a student at the University of Göttingen, information on private accommodation in the area can be found here: → see page "Accommodation"
3. WHEN AND HOW DO I PAY THE COURSE FEE?
The enrollment fee must be paid 2 weeks after your registration. The total fee must be paid by the end of the first course week.
Our accepted method of payment is:
- payment by bank transfer into our account.
We do not accept payment by credit card.
If you are applying for a visa to enter Germany, you must pay the total course fee by bank transfer to secure your place.
Our bank information:
Bank: Sparkasse Goettingen
Recipient / Beneficiary: IIK e.V.
Account Number: 134676, IBAN: DE13260500010000134676
Bank Code: 26050001, SWIFT: NOLADE2H, BIC: NOLADE21GOE
Important! As reference when paying by bank transfer, please enter your first and last name, the course title and the course start date. Please also send us a copy of the bank receipt via email.
For international transfers we charge an extra 20 Euro to cover bank fees.
4. WHAT IS THE BASIC COURSE FEE?
Course fees vary depending on the number of lesson hours. Intensive Courses with 150-155 lesson hours cost €495/ €499 in 2020. DSH/TestDaF-Crash Courses with 50 lesson hours cost €190/ €195 in 2020 and TestDaF-Crash Compact Courses are €89 /€95 in 2020.
5. CAN I ENROLL FOR MORE THAN ONE COURSE?
If you wish to apply for a long-term visa for Germany, we advise that you register for the complete course program. You will be required to pay the total course fee for the first course and the registration fee(s) for every other course. You can pay any outstanding fees when you arrive in Göttingen.
For example, if you wanted to enroll for the following program: A2+B1+B1plus+B2+C1+DSH-Crash, you would be required to pay the following fees in advance:
- Full A2 course fee of €499
- B1 registration fee of €230 (outstanding course fee of €269 to be paid in Göttingen)
- B1plus registration fee of €230 (outstanding course fee of €269 to be paid in Göttingen)
- B2.1 registration fee of €230 (outstanding course fee of €269 to be paid in Göttingen)
- B2.2 registration fee of €230 (outstanding course fee of €269 to be paid in Göttingen)
- C1 registration fee of €230 (outstanding course fee of €269 to be paid in Göttingen)
- DSH-Crash-Course registration fee of €195.
In this example, the total sum to be paid in advance would be 1844 €. The outstanding course fees would be 1345€. Fees can be transferred in one payment.
Once we receive payment of your registration fee or full course fee we can provide a certificate confirming your enrollment and payment. This certificate will list the course name(s), date(s), fee(s), lesson hours and the total fees paid so far.
6. What is a B1plus course?
B1plus is the continuing level after B1 and an inherent part of the program of the IIK and compulsory. This course will deepen the knowledge you acquired in level B1, help you progress to level B2 and create a solid foundation for exam preparation (DSH, TestDaF) in the advanced levels. From our experience, we know that the transition from level B1 to B2 is particularly challenging and can prevent students from successfully completing exams such as the DSH and TestDaF later on. This course will help bridge any gaps between the basic and intermediate levels and prepare you for success in the more complex B2 and C1 program.
7. HOW DO I CANCEL MY COURSE AND GET A REFUND?
Please read the following refund policy carefully before enrolling.
In the event that you need to cancel your enrollment in one (or more) of our courses, please provide written notice via email as soon as possible.
If you encounter problems or delays obtaining your visa to enter Germany, we can re-register you for the next possible course in the required level if free places are available. We charge a €50 fee per course for a new registration.
In case of withdrawal earlier than 28 days before the course start, an administration fee in the amount of €90 per course is non-refundable.
Otherwise refunds will be provided as follows:
- For withdrawal more than 28 days before the course start date, an administration fee of €90 per course is non-refundable
- For withdrawal 15-28 days before the course start date, an administration fee of €160 is non-refundable
- For withdrawal 1-14 day(s) before the course start date, an administration fee of €230 is non-refundable.
The DSH-Crash and TestDaF-Crash courses are excluded from these regulations. No refunds will be provided in case of withdrawal.
We do not provide refunds for courses once they have begun.
If you did not get a visa, please send us a visa rejection letter from the embassy. We charge a €30 administration fee and refund all the course fees you paid excluding international transaction fees.
8. WHERE AND WHEN CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ON THE COURSES AND HOW DO I ENROLL?
For more course information, contact us via email at iik.daf.vorkurse@uni-goettingen.de, phone +49 (0)551 39 211 97 or visit us during our office hours. See Contact for our office hours.
To enroll, you must first contact us to confirm that a place is available in the course you would like to attend. If you pay before checking availability and the course is booked out, we cannot provide a refund.
You can then submit your completed online-registration form , the payment/bank transfer receipt and a copy of your passport by post, fax or email.
Course places are limited, so please inquire as soon as possible.
We cannot reserve your place until we receive payment of the registration fee.
9. DOES THE COURSE FEE ALSO COVER THE REGISTRATION FEE FOR THE DSH OR TESTDAF EXAMINATIONS?
No, registration fees for the DSH and TestDaF examinations are not included in our course fees. The fees are decided by the University of Goettingen or any other university in Germany and the TestDaF Institute.
10. WHEN WILL THE NEXT GERMAN LANGUAGE EXAMS IN GÖTTINGEN TAKE PLACE?
For information on the DSH, including the next exam dates in Göttingen, registration fees and deadlines, visit: www.uni-goettingen.de/de/7736.html
For information on TestDaF exams and to register online visit: www.testdaf.de/gast/testdaf/teilnehmer/
We take no responsibility for the accuracy of the information on the above websites.
11. IF I ATTEND A GERMAN COURSE AT IIK WILL I BE ENROLLED AS A REGULAR STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GÖTTINGEN AND CAN I ACCESS THE STUDENT BENEFITS?
If you attend German courses at IIK you will have a non-student status, but you will still be entitled to many benefits including use of the library and media center. An enrollment confirmation letter from IIK can be presented to university staff or authorities.
12. WHAT BENEFITS DOES THE IIK CONFIRMATION LETTER OFFER?
Upon registration for our German courses and receipt of your course fees, a letter confirming your registration can be provided entitling you to the following benefits:
- Extension of your visa
- Concession price for cinemas, theaters, museums, swimming pools, etc. for participants up to the age of 27 or 30 years (depending on the facility)
- Access to the media center of the university's language center.
Always carry the original confirmation letter with you to prove your status as a language course student.
13. HOW DO I KNOW WHICH LEVEL IS THE RIGHT FOR ME?
If you are unsure about your level of German and don't know which course to enroll in, please visit us during our office hours to discuss your options.
The following free online tests are provided by Cornelsen publishing houses to help determine your German knowledge: Cornelsen tests for levels A1, A2 and B1
Klett tests for levels A1 to C1: http://einstufungstests.klett-sprachen.de/
Please do not take more than 60 minutes to complete these tests and send us your results via email to help us assess your level.
14. DO YOU OFFER A PLACEMENT TEST? IF I AM NOT SUCCESSFUL, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Before the course start you will complete a placement test to ensure you are in the correct level. After your test has been graded, we may suggest that you transfer to another course. Participants who do not complete the placement test cannot attend the booked course and course fees will be refunded. If you are not able to pass the test, there may be an option to attend a course at a lower level if places are available.
We reserve the right to organize our classes in the most appropriate way to guarantee the best conditions for both students and teachers.
15. WHAT DOES ‘GER’ MEAN?
GER means Common European Framework of Reference for Languages CEFR. Further information can be found online:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_European_Framework_of_Reference_for_Languages
16. HOW DO I KNOW WHAT MATERIALS I NEED?
Course textbooks are chosen by your teacher. Details on required textbooks will be provided via email before the start of your course. Textbooks generally cost between €30 - €40 per course.
17. WHAT DO I HAVE TO BRING WITH ME TO THE LESSONS?
Other than your textbook(s), you will need a pen, paper, a dictionary and, of course, motivation.
18. WHO TEACHES IN THE COURSES AT IIK?
IIK teachers hold university degrees, have the language skills of native speakers and specialize in teaching German as a foreign language. They are all experienced teachers with more than five years’ experience at university level. Many of them also have experience as examiners.
19. HOW MANY PARTICIPANTS ARE IN EACH COURSE?
We require at least 12 participants to run a course. We usually have 16 – 20 participants per course.
Places are limited, so please enquire as soon as possible about the course(s) you wish to attend.
We cannot reserve your place until we receive payment of the registration fee.
20. DO YOU OFFER A CERTIFICATE AT THE END OF YOUR COURSES?
Participants who attend lessons regularly (at least 75% of the lesson hours) and achieve a final grade above 50% will receive a graded certificate. If your final grade is less than 50% you will receive a statement of participation.
You may progress to the next level if your grade is 69% or more.
Participants must complete all tests set by their teachers. Your test results (and some course work e.g. written texts or a presentation) contribute to your final grade.
If you arrive late to a class, your attendance will not be recorded for that lesson hour (45 minutes).
A certificate can only be issued after full payment of the total course fee.
Important! To register for a DSH or TestDaF examination you must present a graded B2 certificate that states the number of lesson hours you actually attended.
21. HOW CAN IIK HELP ME OBTAIN A VISA?
Please send us your online registration form as soon as possible, pay the required enrollment or course fees and email us the bank transfer receipt. Keep in mind that it may take a week for the money to appear in our account.
When we receive these documents and payment, we will send you a confirmation letter for your visa application via email (no charge) or via post (postage costs to be paid when you arrive in Göttingen). This confirmation letter is the basis for obtaining a visa.
The current international postage rate for a standard letter is 0,90€. International Express Post from Germany costs around €70 depending on the destination country, and delivers within 2 days. If this is required, we will need your full name, address and a contact number for the receiver. Please provide these details via email.
22. WHERE CAN I GET HEALTH INSURANCE?
If you are an EU citizen, your health insurance in your country of origin will most likely cover you while you are in Germany. Speak to your provider directly to confirm this.
If you are not from the EU and are under 30 years of age, you can choose from private insurance or public insurance. Please visit the university website for details: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/insurances or www.mawista.com.
23. WHERE IS THE MEDIA CENTRE AND WHAT CAN I DO THERE?
Media Centre Address: Room 0.119-0.122, Goßlerstr. 10, 37073 Göttingen
Phone: 0551-39-5593
Email: slzbib@gwdg.de
Opening hours:
During lecture period: Monday – Thursday 8.30am – 8.45pm, Friday 8.30am – 4.45pm
During lecture-free period: Monday – Thursday 9am – 5.15pm, Friday 9am – 2.30pm
The Media Centre offers the following facilities:
- Multimedia area with 31 computers and modern educational software
- TV-area with foreign TV programs and the latest movies
- An IT-Catalogue to help you find the right tutorial
- Textbooks, workbooks, audio and video materials, CD-ROMs, DVDs and extensive accompanying materials.
We encourage our participants to use the resources and practice in the Media Center on daily basis.
24. WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET AT THE UNIVERSITY?
Unfortunately, due to your non-student status internet access will not be available to you at the university while attending IIK courses.
25. I WANT TO ATTEND GERMAN COURSES AT IIK AND STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GÖTTINGEN LATER. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
To apply and enroll for a regular course of study in Göttingen, visit the website of the International Office at www.uni-goettingen.de/en/48483.html
When you have successfully completed this process, you can enroll in IIK courses. You will be able to start your studies immediately and will not be obliged to leave Germany after passing the DSH or TestDaF examination.
26. CAN I RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE FROM IIK TO APPLY FOR WORK DURING LECTURE-FREE TIME?
According to a prior agreement with local authorities we are not allowed to issue this kind of certificate as our German courses take place continuously, all year round. There is no lecture-free time. If you have further questions, please contact the local authorities at the New Town Hall.
27. HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED TO LIVE AND STUDY IN GÖTTINGEN?
To live in Göttingen, each student should have at least 600 Euro per month at his or her disposal. This sum can be split up into following items:
- Apartment/Rent: up to €400
- Food: €200
- Health Insurance: €80-120
- Books: €100
- Incidentals: €80
Part-time work is legally possible for non-EU citizens, but remember that you cannot work more than 90 whole or 180 half days. Also keep in mind that jobs are not easy to find in a city full of students.
28. WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT GÖTTINGEN?
In Göttingen old traditions and new knowledge will make exceptional educational opportunities available to you. With 135,000 inhabitants, 24,000 of whom are students, Göttingen is a city in which research plays a large role. The Georg August University, its 13 faculties and 170 institutes are part of an academic landscape that includes several Max Planck Institutes, the German Aerospace Centre and the German Primate Centre.
Throughout the city, cafés, shops and pubs invite leisurely strolls and shared cups of coffee. The Gänseliesel, Göttingen's goose girl fountain figure, is traditionally kissed for good luck by those completing a Ph.D. in Göttingen. The city’s picturesque surroundings as well as its options for leisure activities will make your stay here an unforgettable experience.
29. WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ON SEMESTER DATES (LECTURE PERIOD) AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GÖTTINGEN?
The winter semester runs from around mid-October until the beginning of February. The summer semester usually starts in the beginning or middle of April and runs until the middle or end of July.
For exact semester dates visit: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/47743.html
Do you have another question? Email us at iik.daf.vorkurse@uni-goettingen.de. We would be happy to help you further.
