The universities in Bremen and Bremerhaven offer more than 200 different degree programs. All fields of study are represented: Mathematics, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences (MIN), Engineering (ING), Humanities, Cultural Studies, and Social Sciences (GKG), and Economics (WiWi).

If you’re not yet sure what you’d like to study, we recommend scheduling an appointment with the Student Advising Office. ou can find office hours and contact information on the universities' websites. It is best to send an email to request a personal appointment.

Universität Bremen Central Student Advisory Service - Universität Bremen

Hochschule Bremen Robert Campbell Rennie - HSB Hochschule Bremen

Hochschule Bremerhaven Studienberatung

Hochschule für Künste Bremen: Student Advisory Service | HfK Bremen

Hochschule für Öffentliche Verwaltung: Die Verwaltung - Hochschule für Öffentliche Verwaltung (German only)

The universities in Bremen and Bremerhaven offer more than 200 different degree programs. All academic disciplines are represented: Mathematics, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences (MIN); Engineering (ING); Humanities, Cultural Studies, and Social Sciences (GKG); and Economics (WiWi).

You’ll find the degree programs offered at the universities in Bremen below:

• Degree programs at the University of Bremen Offered Study Program - Universität Bremen
• Degree programs at the HSB – City University of Applied Sciences Bremen: Programmes - HSB Hochschule Bremen
• Degree programs at the University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven: Study Programmes at the University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven
• Degree programs at the University of Arts Bremen: How to Make the Most of Your Studies at HfK Bremen | HfK Bremen
• Degree programs at the University for Public Administration: Studienangebot - Hochschule für Öffentliche Verwaltung (in German only)

No, the degree programs human medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine are not offered in Bremen/Bremerhaven. Still, our universities are well-known for their excellent degree programs in the field of Health and Social Sciences

These include:

University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven:

• Medical Engineering: Medical Engineering (B.Sc.)
• Physician Assistant: Physician Assistant (PA) - Medical Assistance (B.Sc.)

University of Bremen:

• Public Health: Public Health (B.Sc.)
• Psychology: Psychology (B.Sc.)
• Vocational Education in Nursing Science: Vocational Education in Nursing Science (B.A.)

University of Applied Sciences Bremen:

• International Degree Nursing (B.Sc.) – Primary Qualifying: International Degree Nursing (B.Sc.)
• International Degree Program in Midwifery (B.Sc.): Study International Degree Programme in Midwifery (B.Sc.)
• Nursing and Healthcare Management: Nursing and Healthcare Management (B.A.)
• Applied Therapy Sciences – Speech and Language Therapy/Physiotherapy: Applied Therapy Sciences (B.Sc.)

Yes, :prime is the Bremen Way of Studienkolleg. The „Zugangsprüfung“ (equivalent to Feststellungsprüfung for the Universities in Bremen) enables you to study at one of the five public universities in Bremen and Bremerhaven. The Foundation Program :prime offers language courses from B1+.2 to C1 and a thorough preparation which is directly geared towards your future studies at a university in Bremen or Bremerhaven.

The Foundation Program :prime is only for prospective students with an indirect access to a German university and who are aiming for a Bachlor degree program.

The public universities in Bremen and Bremerhaven offer multiple degree programs in the area of engineering. In general, you will need an ING TestAS and take the Zugangsprüfung in the ING cluster.

Detailed information on the degree programs offered by the universites can be found on their websites. Please find the links below.

1. Universität Bremen:

• Vocational Education and Training - Mechatronics (Bachelor) - Universität Bremen
• Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (Bachelor) - Universität Bremen
• Mechanical and Process Engineering (Bachelor) - Universität BremenSystems Engineering

• Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (Bachelor) - Universität Bremen
• Management and Production Engineering (Bachelor) - Universität Bremen

2. Hochschule Bremen

• Study Architecture B.A. - Degree programmes - HSB Hochschule Bremen
• Civil Engineering (website in German only)
• Study Electrical Engineering B.Eng. (standard, dual study, international) - Degree programmes - HSB Hochschule Bremen
• Study International Degree Programme in Mechanical Engineering with focus on the economic area China B. Eng. - Degree programmes - HSB Hochschule Bremen
• Study International Degree Programme in Ship Management – Nautical Sciences B.Sc. - Degree programmes - HSB Hochschule Bremen
• Study Environmental Engineering B.Sc. (international, dual study, standard) - Degree programmes - HSB Hochschule Bremen
• Study International Degree Programme in Business Administration and Engineering B.Eng. - Degree programmes - HSB Hochschule Bremen
• Study Aviation Systems Engineering and Management B.Eng. - Degree programmes - HSB Hochschule Bremen
• Study Aerospace Engineering B.Eng. - Degree programmes - HSB Hochschule Bremen
• Study Mechanical Engineering B.Eng. - Degree programmes - HSB Hochschule Bremen
• Study Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering B.Eng. - Degree programmes - HSB Hochschule Bremen
• Study Dual Study Programme in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering B.Eng. - Degree programmes - HSB Hochschule Bremen
• Study Mechanical Engineering with Focus on Digitalisation B.Eng. - Degree programmes - HSB Hochschule Bremen
• Study Energy Engineering and Management B.Eng. - Degree programmes - HSB Hochschule Bremen

3. Hochschule Bremerhaven

• Engineering (Bachelor of Engineering)
• Food Science (Bachelor of Science)
• Renewable Energy and Environmental Technologies (Bachelor of Science)
• Transportation, Economics, Logistics (Bachelor of Science)
• Medical Technologies (Bachelor of Science)

:prime B1

Application deadlines: May 31rst or November 30th (second for selected degree programs at the University of Bremen only)

Start language courses B1+.2: September or March

Start ZuP semester: March or September

Zugangsprüfung/university entrance exam: July or January

Application universities July 15th or January 15th

:prime C1 (deadlines, no late submissions possible!)

Application deadlines January 15th (for selected degree programs at the University of Bremen only) or July 15th

Start ZuP semester: March or September

Zugangsprüfung/university entrance exam: July or January

Application universities July 15th or January 15th

For :prime B1 you need:

• VPD with the result „Studienkolleg“
• TestAS with a score of at least 150 in the digital or 190 in the paperbased test
• Very good German B1 language certificate*
• Participation in language entrance exam

For :prime C1 your need:

• VPD with the result „Studienkolleg“
• TestAS with a score of at least 150 in the digital or 190 in the paperbased test
• German B2 certificate* plus the booking confirmation for a German C1 course or a booking confirmation for a German C1 exam
• Application for Zugangsprüfung – thoroughly filled in and signed by hand

Please contact us in advance for questions regarding you language certificate or if you want to complete your B1 or C1 certificate in Bremen: info@primebremen.de

These language certificates can be accepted: TestDaF, telc, Goethe, DSD, DSH, ÖSD

Yes, this is possible.

The :prime language courses start on the level of B1+.2 which requires a very good B1 certificate. Applicants with a langauge proficiency below B1+.2 can enrol for pre:prime: you will be enroled as a preparation student while finishing your language requirement. The costs fort he language courses are not included in the :prime fees but have be additionally paid by the students.

Starting with the leven B1+.2, you enter the :prime language courses.

Please contact us so we can find the right course start for your. Either way, the German B2 certificate must have been reached by Januar 15th or July15th to be able to apply for the Zugangsprüfung/university entrance exam.

Yes, you can! In this case you can apply for :prime C1 with the pre:prime option. Language courses up to C1 including the language exam have to be paid in addition to the :prime fee. If your arrival meets the enrolement phase, you can enrole as preparation student.

If you plan to complete your language aquisition in Bremen, please send us an email to info@primebremen.de. Together we will find the best start in :prime for you.

A Studienkolleg is designed for international prospective students whose school leaving certificate does not result in a direct entrance admission at a German university. During the Studienkolleg you will have classes in subjects that are important for your future degree program and you participate in German classes. The Studienkolleg finishes with the Feststellungsprüfung.

In the Foundation Program :prime you learn the German language up to C1 and receive a subject-based preparation tailored to the academic field pf your future degree program. For this you visit introductory courses in your academic field at the Academy and lectures as well as seminars and tutorials in you future degree program at your future university. By doing so, you get to know the future professors, meet with students and get to know the university buildings.

:prime B1 takes two semesters: 1 semester language acquisition, 1 semester subject-based preparation and Zugangsprüfung.

A degree program does not include language classes or preprartion courses.

:prime B1 (2 semesters)

1. Semester
   Language courses from B1+.2 to C1
   Seminars on study skills and intercultural trainings
   Mentoring and counselling
   
   
2. Semester (subject-based semester = ZuP semester)
   Introductory courses according to your academic field
   Lectures, seminars, excercises, tutorials at the future university in the future degree program.

:prime C1 includes only the subject-based semester (see above)

The participation on all courses, lectures, ect. is mandatory during the program.

Afte successfully passing the Zugangsprüfung, you can enrol at one of the public universities in Bremen or Bremerhaven.

Yes, during the Foundation Program :prime you are enroled at the Hochschule Bremen. This is due to administrative reasons. After finishing :prime you can apply at every public university in Bremen/Bremerhaven.

Yes, :prime is a full-time program where attendance is mandatory for all courses – language courses, Academy courses and all seminars and courses assigned to you during your ZuP semester. The attendance is monitored by our academic staff. Having missed more than 20% can lead to being expelled from course or even the complete program.

In case of sickness, you need to send us a sick leave before course start in ordert o be excused.

After successfully passing the Zugangsprüfung you can apply for a degree program at one of the five public universities in Bremen/Bremerhaven: The University of Bremen, HSB – City University of Applied Science Bremen, University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven, University of Arts Bremen, University for Public Administration.

Please note that the University of Arts Bremen does have an additional admission process.

• Degree programs at the University of Bremen Offered Study Program - Universität Bremen
• Degree programs at the HSB – City University of Applied Sciences Bremen: Programmes - HSB Hochschule Bremen
• Degree programs at the University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven: Study Programmes at the University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven
• Degree programs at the University of Arts Bremen: How to Make the Most of Your Studies at HfK Bremen | HfK Bremen
• Degree programs at the University for Public Administration: Studienangebot - Hochschule für Öffentliche Verwaltung (in German only)

After passing the Zugangsprüfung at the Academy HERE AHEAD you can choose between one of the public universities in Bremen. These are Universität Bremen, HSB Hochschule Bremen, Hochschule Bremerhaven – University of Applied Sciences, University of the Arts Bremen | HfK Bremen and the Hochschule für Öffentliche Verwaltung (in German only)

After passing to semester successfully (60 CP) you can apply for another university. BUT the new university decides if they take you in or not.

:prime starts in March and September each year. So there are several months between receiving the admission and start of the program – time for you to finish you visa process, plan your move, find an accommodation and get settled in Bremen/Bremerhaven.

If you already live in Bremen or if you need to start earlier due to a language proficiency below B1+.2, let us know so plan your start accordingly.

The university entrance exam is always in December/January or Juli. After successfully passing the Zugangsprüfung you can apply for the degree program. University starts either in the summer or winter semester, meaning either in April or in October. Please note that the summer semester start is only for selected degree programs at the University of Bremen.

The final admission will be issued after all documents are handed in, the application deadline is closed and the selecting committee has approved the conditional admissions. The conditional admission is valid to start your visa process as well as applying for the student dorms.

Applications can only be considered if send via our application form online: Application form for :prime foundation program - :prime

Required documents for :prime B1 are

1. VPD with the result “Studienkolleg”
2. TestAS with a minimum score of 150 in the digital or 190 in the paperbased test
3. Very good German B1 certificate

Requirements for :prime C1

1. VPD with the result “Studienkolleg”
2. TestAS with a minimum score of 150 in the digital or 190 in the paperbased test
3. German B2 certificate and a booking confirmation for a C1 course
4. Filled in and hand signed application for admission for the Zugangsprüfung

Please use our online form for your application: Application form for :prime B1 foundation program - :prime

DSD I / DSD II

DSH-1 / DSH-2

TestDaF TDN 3/4/5

ÖSD B1 / ÖSD B2 / ÖSD C1

Goethe B1 / Goethe B2 / Goethe C1

Assessment Test (Studienkolleg) pass (B2 oder C1)

Other certificates cannot be accepted

Yes, we do have a cluster-based and a language-based entrance exam.

The cluster-based entrance exam is the TestAS. Herer, the independent g.a.s.t. institute offers a paper-based and a digital test. For an admission in :prime, you’ll need a minimum total score of 190 in the paper-based and 150 in the digital Test.

The TestAS is offered in four different clusters. Before booking the TestAS make sure that the cluster must include your future degree program. If you are uncertain, feel free to contact us info@primebremen.de

You will find further information regarding the TestAS on www.testas.de.

The oral entrance exam takes place after the application deadline and is mandatory for all :prime B1 applicants. The exam has two parts: one C test format which covers the areas reading, listening and writing as well as a 15-minute long conversation with on of our German teachers via Zoom. The evaluation of both parts show your current level of German proficiency and with which course you should start. According to these results we will issue a statement of cost and a time schedule for you.

The application for :prime requires at least the language certificate B1 (B2 for :prime C1) and the TestAS. After that we can issue a conditional admission so you can start the visa process. We check each application individually and discuss the next steps with you personally. As soon as your documents are complete, the entrance exams were taken, the selecting board has confirmed your intake and you agree to your time schedule and statement of costs you’ll receive a declaration of acceptance. After receiving back the hand-signed German version, we can issue an unconditional admission.

If you are still taking the Zugangsprüfung, yes. The cluster ING and MIN recognize each others TestAS. By the time you hand in the application for the Zugangsprüfung you need to make a definite decision which cluster you want to choose a degree program from. This decision is valid for your whole BA study time. The seminars of your subject-based semester will be chosen according your cluster.

The clusters WIWI and GKG do not recognize each other and you need a TestAS according to your degree program/cluster.

After passing the Zugangsprüfung you have to stick to the Cluster your took the Zugangsprüfung in.

Yes, for an application for :prime B1 you can submit the VPD and school leaving certificates after May 31rst resp. November 30th. If you have already received your school leaving certificate, we need the confirmation that you have already applied and paid for the VPD. The TestAS is mandatory, unless you have can hand in a booking confirmation or have asked for exception and are allowed to take the TestAS after your arrival in Germany.

As long as we did not receive the TestAS results, you’ll stay in the pre:prime status: You pay the costs for the language courses without :prime reduction directly to CASA.

For :prime C1 there is no late submission. January 15th and July 15th are the last dates to hand in your mission documents or complete application.

Yes, you take the entrance exam for a cluster and are not then tied to a specific degree program.

However, the new degree program must belong to the same cluster as the entrance exam.

For example: You took courses in computer science (MIN cluster) during the ZuP semester but would like to study a different major after the entrance exam. In that case, you can choose any major that belongs to the MIN cluster, such as Mathematics, Chemistry, or Biology, as well as Marine Geosciences or Medical Assisting and others.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. To find the right degree program, it’s also worth consulting with an academic advisor at one of the universities.

pre:prime is a program for applicants who do not yet meet all the requirements for the program but would like to come to Germany. These requirements may include:

1. the required language proficiency level
2. the TestAS
3. the VPD

As long as you have pre:prime status, you must pay for the language courses yourself. Once you meet all the requirements, you will become a participant in :prime.

If you’re interested in pre:prime, please contact us. We can then work with you to create a personalized schedule and calculate the costs.

You can reach us by email at info@primebremen.de. We’d also be happy to schedule a Zoom call with you.

Generally speaking, yes. However, we always recommend our partner language school, CASA. Only there can we be sure that the language level truly matches our :prime language courses. We work closely with CASA, so we can always keep track of your progress. If you choose a different language school, please let us know in advance and provide us with your class schedule. We need this information to plan our mentoring program.

You pay any fees to the Academy during pre:prime.

However, you do pay the semester contribution, which is currently 443.00 euros, and the cost of the language courses. These total costs depend on the language level at which you begin.

Once we’ve reviewed your application and documents, we can provide you with a detailed cost breakdown and a personalized schedule.

If your arrival and course start alignes with our enrolment phase, you are welcome to enrol for pre:prime.

Sometimes students arrive outside of our enrolmen phase - February 1rst to March 31rst, resp. August 1rst to October 31rst - and have to wait for the next phase to open the enrolment portal.

If you are planning on arriving early and finishing your language acquisition in Bremen, please get in contact with us as soon as possible.

TestAS is a standardized test for international prospective students. It is divided into four different clusters:

• MIN - Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences
• ING - Engineering
• GKG - Humanities, Cultural Studies, and Social Sciences
• WIWI - Economics

The fields of study at Bremen’s universities are also assigned to these clusters. You can find a list here.

Your VPD will provide you with information on which subjects or academic fields you can choose from for your future major.

The TestAS is designed so that no one can answer every question. In addition to subject-specific knowledge, the TestAS also assesses how well you can handle stress. Try to approach the test as calmly as possible, arrive on time, pay close attention to the instructions, and manage your time effectively. On the pages Test for Academic Studies: The digital TestASand Test for Academic Studies: The paper-based TestAS, you’ll find detailed information on the test structure, test preparation, and test scoring. This should ensure you’re well prepared

Yes, there is a minimum score you must achieve on the TestAS.

For the digital version of the test, you need a total score of 150 points. For the paper-based test, you must achieve a minimum score of 190 points.

The TestAS is administered by an independent institute. On the website Test for Academic Studies: Test for Foreign Students (TestAS), you’ll find all the important information, dates, test centers, and the option to register.

Please make sure that the TestAS cluster you select matches your major selection from the VPD.

Furthermore, you will find a lot of more detailed and helpful information on the website of TestAS.

In exceptional cases, the TestAS can also be taken after arriving in Bremen.

Exceptions include:

• The TestAS is not offered in my home country.
• The available test dates in my home country are fully booked.
• I will arrive in Germany before the next test date.
• I am already in Germany.

If any of these points apply to you, please contact us in a timely manner at info@primebremen.de. We can then discuss the details on a case-by-case basis.

Unfortunately, we cannot make any exceptions to the required score (150 or 190).

If you do not achieve the required score, please contact us so that we can review your timeline together and provide you with appropriate guidance. You may retake the TestAS as many times as you like.

No, there are no tuition fees at state universities and colleges in the state of Bremen. However, all students pay a semester contribution, which includes, among other things, the semester ticket for unlimited use of buses and trams throughout the state of Bremen and the Deutschlandticket for students. With the Deutschlandticket, you can ride certain trains throughout Germany.

The semester fee is currently around 443 euros.

Semester contributions vary among the universities in the State of Bremen. You can find the exact amounts on the universities’ websites.

For organizational reasons, all :prime students are enrolled at Bremen University of Applied Sciences. 

The semester contribution of the HSB:

There are two tracks in the :prime program. The :prime B1 track includes one semester of language courses ranging from B1+.2 to C1 and one semester of subject-based preparation. For the Foundation Program :prime B1, upon admission, you will receive a partial scholarship from the Senate Department of Higher Education and Research, so that you only pay 2/3 of the total cost.

Your contribution is currently 2,500 euros.

This includes:

• 6 language courses, each lasting 4 weeks (B1+.2 through C1 exam preparation); language courses below the B1+.2 level must be paid for by the students themselves
• Introductory seminar on academic skills
• Mentoring program
• Counseling
• All courses in the preparatory semester
• Entrance exam

The :prime C1-Track includes only the subject-based semester. A one-time processing fee of 100 euros is charged for this.

After taking the language entrance exam, you will receive a detailed and personalized statement of cost.

Generally, the costs should be paid in a single lump sum. Upon request, a maximum of two installment payments may be approved. To do so, you must explain why you need to pay in installments and provide proof of financial hardship.

If you take out a loan for the blocked account, you should include the costs for :prime B1 in that loan. You cannot use the blocked account to pay the program costs.

If your school leaving certificate is from a school in China, India, or Vietnam, you must have the APS before you apply for a VPD with uni assist e.V.

However, for an application to :prime, we accept the APS in advance along with confirmation that the VPD has been applied for. The VPD can then be submitted later.

You are responsible for organizing your visa application and everything you need for it (e.g., the APS, VPD, TestAS). Once you have completed the registration process with us, we will issue a (conditional) admission letter, which you can use to begin the visa process in your home country.

To make the visa process easier for international students, we partner with the VisaFlow portal. VisaFlow offers detailed guidance through the bureaucratic process and helps you prepare for your studies in Bremen. The service is free for students at the University of Bremen and PALS participants. You can sign up at https://platform.visaflow.app/auth using the code “HEREAHEADHB25” to create a free account. You will then be guided step by step through the process.

In addition, you have the opportunity to connect with other international students who are also on their way to Germany through the VisaFlow student community. Join the conversation via this link: VisaFlow WhatsApp Group.

With VisaFlow, you can:

• Plan and organize your move to Germany step by step.
• Easily manage your visa or residence permit application.
• Get expert support whenever you need it.
• Settle into life in Germany more easily.

You’ll receive more information about the visa process via email after you’re accepted as part of our mentoring program.

In Germany, there are various housing options for students:

1. Hostels or host families (often as a temporary solution right after arrival)
2. Private shared apartments
3. Your own apartment
4. Student dormitory
5. Private dormitory

The most affordable option is the student dormitory. That’s why there are so many applicants for the rooms. :prime students can apply for a room in the student dormitory as soon as they receive conditional admission from the Academy HERE AHEAD and should definitely have their names added to the waiting list.

You can find the application form on the student dormitory’s website. 

You’ll receive more information about housing after your admission during our onboarding meetings (online).

Yes, once you've been admitted, we'll provide detailed information to help you find a place to live. We cannot individually look for rooms.