Junger Mann in einer Bankreihe im Hörsaal
© Universität des Saarlandes

The international foundation programme 'VSI Business Science and Economics' at Saarland University offers international students whose school-leaving qualifications do not meet the requirements for direct entry to an undergraduate programme the opportunity to study for one of the following Bachelor's degrees:

During the initial preparatory phase, students on the foundation programme will receive language tuition as well as training to prepare them for academic study at Saarland University. After completing the preparatory phase, they can progress to the higher education access phase of the foundation programme during which they can begin a trial period studying one of the three degree programmes on offer. After successfully completing the access phase, students can continue studying their selected programme.

Programme requirements and the application process

Preparatory phase

The preparatory phase of the 'VSI Business Science and Economics' comprises:

  • an introductory German language course
  • a German for academic purposes course
  • preparatory modules and teaching activities (academic study skills)
  • a language module 'English'
  • an orientation semester that includes student-tutor feedback sessions and modules/courses from the study plan for the chosen degree programme.

Students do not need to take the German language course if they can prove that they already have the required level of proficiency in German.

Access phase

After the initial preparatory stage, students progress to the access phase of the VSI programme, which lasts no more than four semesters. During the access phase, students are required to meet the requirements set out in the study regulations and study plan of their chosen undergraduate degree programme and to complete the VSI-specific modules 'Organizing your Studies for Success' and the student-tutor feedback sessions.

To successfully complete the access phase of the VSI foundation programme, students must earn 40 ECTS credits in accordance with the study regulations for their selected degree programme. They have a maximum of four semesters in which to achieve this target. Students who meet this target will be deemed to have met the subject-specific entrance qualification for undergraduate study at Saarland University and may continue studying in the selected Bachelor's programme.

Fragen?

Dr. Michael Aulbach
Internationales Studienzentrum Saar
Tel.: +49 681 302-2850
michael.aulbach(at)isz.uni-saarland.de