Provisions for Supporting Refugees Interested in Studying at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences

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1 Provisions for Supporting Refugees Interested in Studying at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences (HSM) positions itself explicitly against xenophobia and hatred. The HSM welcomes all foreign students with a valid residency permit and legal status according to the specified asylum and residency rights outlined in Annex 1. The HSM assists refugees interested in studying with the following provisions. 1 Support for Beginning Studies To begin studies at the HSM, the only factor that determines a student s eligibility to be admitted for studies is the legally regulated University Entrance Qualifications (HZB). By providing HZB documents issued by a foreign institution that allow for direct admission and by proving sufficient knowledge of the German language (at least a B2 level according to the common European framework of reference), one can immediately begin studies. If the prospective student does not have a sufficient level of German, but they have an adequate level of English, they can enter the international student program at the HSM. The applicant will then be admitted to study for one or two semesters (if a proof of health insurance is provided) and they can attend any courses taught in English (and German). Before they enter the international student program, an individual counselling session will be conducted within the respective faculty to recommend and agree upon in which courses the student should enroll (learning agreement). They can also register for examinations and simultaneously attend a German language course in order to acquire and/or further their German language skills. Once a level of B2 German is reached, the student can then enroll in regular courses taught in German. The participation in these courses is free of charge apart from a semester fee. The student can also opt for a voluntary preparatory language course (DSH exam). If the student successfully passes the exam, they can begin regular studies. 1

2 If HZB documents from a foreign institution are provided, but they do not allow for direct admission 1, then documents offering conditional admission to a preparatory college (Studienkolleg Nordhausen is recommended) will be issued to the student, with the goal of successfully passing the university qualification assessment examination. If the exam is passed, the student can begin their studies at the HSM. If the applicant s foreign HZB documents are missing, a three step process will be used to assess eligibility: 2 1. Assessment of the personal requirements on the basis of the legal asylum and residency categories according to Annex Verifying the Plausibility of the obtained HZB in the home country: Instead of original documents, students can submit at least one other original document or a certified copy that can indirectly indicate or prove the university entrance qualification. This document could be a student ID, an examination certificate, or study books. The documents indirectly proving the HZB must be submitted as original documents or certified copies. If these documents provide sufficient proof of plausibility and the HZB can be decided upon, then any further examination of the student s qualifications does not need to be conducted. 3. Verifying the claimed HZB with a quality assessment procedure If the claimed HZB from abroad does not allow direct admission to study at the HSM, and the secondary school certificate contains sufficient qualifications, conditional admission can be granted to the State Preparatory College in Nordhausen with the goal of passing the higher education entrance examination. After passing the exam, along with proving sufficient knowledge of German, the student can begin studies at the HSM. If the claimed HZB from abroad allows for direct admission for studies at the HSM (according to anabin.kmk.org) or if the student already started studying in the country of origin, then an individual eligibility interview should be conducted by a qualified expert in the respective subject area to reconstruct the student s educational biography. 3 For this purpose an application with a file about the student s professional history including information about the country of origin and a reconstruction of the academic achievements (according to the aforementioned points 1 and 2) is required. Thereafter an evaluation confirming the accuracy of the student s professional and academic history will be conducted. If necessary, additional proof 1 According to the KMK (German Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs Conference) information portal on recognition of foreign degrees: anabin.kmk.org 2 who have lost documents/diplomas from their home country as a result of fleeing 3 See also the European Recognition Manual for Higher Education Institutions: _Kapitel_21_-_deutsch.pdf 2

3 of academic achievements must be presented. The information must be confirmed by an affidavit. If the assessment of the student s academic qualifications is not passed and the student is not eligible for admission to the HSM, then the student will only be granted admission to the Preparatory College. If the assessment of the student s academic history and existing knowledge is successful, then the student is qualified for admission, as long as the student has a sufficient knowledge of German. If the knowledge of German is not sufficient, the student can take part in the international student program at the HSM, which includes attending a German course. 2 Individual Course Guidance The International Office at the HSM offers individual course counselling to prospective international students, as well as guidance when applying for student accommodation, questions about residency permits, insurance, language courses, and financial help in emergency situations. Assistance is also provided to students when dealing with German administrative authorities. 3 Offers for Integration The students have the opportunity to take part in various cultural and social offers at the HSM that allow for integration, e.g., the Buddy Program, university sport courses, and the sport and free time activities offered by the International Office. They can also take part in the intensive course German Language and Culture which takes place every summer. 4 Financial Help in Emergency Situations In order to support international students in emergency situations, the university has allocated 800 EUR per year for this purpose. 3

4 Annex who have lost documents/diplomas from their home country as a result of fleeing, Annex 1, page 1 4

5 Numbers 10 to 15 of the KMK resolution are not included in the Annex 5 : 5 who have lost documents/diplomas from their home country as a result of fleeing, Annex 1, page 2 5