LMU Preparatory Program for Refugees

The qualifications required can vary widely, depending on the subject you intend to study, the country you come from, and the level of your general and academic education. However, for enrolment in all full-time degree courses (exceptions are noted below), the following documentation is required:

• Certificate of proficiency (C1 level at least) in German (not required for Master’s programs taught in English or doctoral programs)
• Proof of eligibility for admission to university or original academic transcripts
• Health insurance card

To study at LMU, you must be able to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the language. Specifically, scores equivalent to Grade C1 at least, are required.

Before applying for a place at LMU, please ensure that your migrational status allows you to matriculate at university and to take up residence in Munich. In case of doubt, please contact the local authority (in Munich, the Kreisverwaltungsreferat der Stadt München).

Attendance at Bavarian universities is generally free, but a semester fee is payable for each term. The semester fee at LMU currently amounts to 85,00 euros. This fee covers the cost of extramural student services (Studierendenwerk) and the basic cost of public transportation to and from LMU (Semesterticket). You must have sufficient funds to be able to support yourself while you are a student.

Note here that admission to a degree course may result in the reduction of state benefits for asylum-seekers; for further information, please make inquiries at the local Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit).

Prospective students from certain countries who wish to study at a German university may, subject to specific conditions, obtain the qualifications necessary for admission after their arrival in Germany by attending a one-year preparatory course. In Munich this course is given by the Studienkolleg München. Since the number of places allocated to the State of Bavaria is limited, applicants must undergo and successfully complete an entrance examination. Applications cannot be sent directly to the Studienkolleg München. Instead, candidates must first apply for admission to LMU, which in justified cases forwards the application to the Studienkolleg. To be considered for admission to the Studienkolleg München, you must be able to demonstrate a standard of proficiency in German equivalent to level B2

The Studienkolleg (preparatory course) or the German langauge courses will help you prepare for the admission.

Application forms for admission to a course of study at LMU are available on the International Office Website. Closing dates for the receipt of applications are 15 July (for the winter semester) and 15 January (for the summer semester).

Here, you can find more information about our degree programs at LMU. In the International Student Guide you can also lay your hands on important details for international students — ranging from studying to living in Munich.

For advice offered to refugees and asylum-seekers please reach out to Monique Esnouf. Unfortunately, the International Office cannot help at all with questions concerning the process of asylum and the financing of asylum applications.

General information regarding the financing of your studies can be found here finance your studies.

This Program is primarily intended to cater for refugees (residence for temporary protection, e.g. Ukraine) and asylum-seekers who have attended university in their home countries. The Program may also be suitable for individuals who have no previous experience of third-level education but would have been eligible for admission to university at home. All applicants must be at least 18 years old and must submit:

• Residence permit
• Certificate of competence in German (B1 level)
• Proof of eligibility for admission to university or original academic transcripts
• Informal application to the project coordinator at the International Office
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Personal letter indicating what subjects you would like to study and why

Applicants who came now to Germany having studied in Ukraine with citizenship of other Non-EU-countries should contact the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees or the local foreigner’s authority to find out, if and how long they can stay in Germany. LMU can unfortunately not offer a certain program for these applicants. LMU offers the preparatory program for refugees, who are asylum seekers.

Yes. As in the case of exchange students, each participant in the program will be registered as an LMU student. This registration is valid for a maximum period of 1 year, after which successful participants can begin a regular course of study at LMU.

ECTS credits are awarded for the successful completion of course modules and will serve as a record of your performance: They will be indicated in your academic transcript.

No. The sole purpose of the program is to prepare participants for a regular course of study at LMU. University degrees are awarded only to those who complete such a course.

This Program covers only those subjects to which no local or nationwide restrictions on admission apply. Degree courses in Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, for example, are subject to such restrictions, and are excluded from the Program.

Just like exchange students at LMU, you can assemble your own individual study program. This is then incorporated into a so-called learning agreement, which is approved and endorsed by the relevant Faculty. Your contacts in the International Office and the different Faculties will be glad to assist you in putting together a suitable curriculum.

The Program includes a number of language courses at levels B2 and C1. These courses are organized by Deutschkurse bei der Universität München. The International Office takes care of enrollment for these courses.

Please submit your application to the guidance counsellor Monique-Claudine Esnouf at the International Office. The application deadlines are: 15 January for the following summer semester and 15 July for the subsequent winter semester.

You are welcome to get in touch with our guidance counselor Monique-Claudine Esnouf in the International Office, who will be glad to discuss your particular case with you in the course of an orientation interview. Note that the International Office cannot provide any advice on matters relating to asylum procedures or student finance.

This Program is primarily intended to cater for refugees (residence for temporary protection, e.g. Ukraine) and asylum-seekers who have attended university in their home countries. The Program may also be suitable for individuals who have no previous experience of third-level education but would have been eligible for admission to university at home. All applicants must be at least 18 years old and must submit:

• Residence permit
• Certificate of competence in German (B1 level)
• Proof of eligibility for admission to university or original academic transcripts
• Informal application to the project coordinator at the International Office
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Personal letter indicating what subjects you would like to study and why

Applicants who came now to Germany having studied in Ukraine with citizenship of other Non-EU-countries should contact the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees or the local foreigner’s authority to find out, if and how long they can stay in Germany. LMU can unfortunately not offer a certain program for these applicants. LMU offers the preparatory program for refugees, who are asylum seekers.