Student LifeCycle: Starting your studies
Target group: Students, international students
University: Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen
The Bilingual Engineering Study Program is an innovative study model offered by various departments at the Technical University of Central Hesse (THM). It is specifically designed for international students who wish to pursue engineering studies in Germany without having to demonstrate extensive German language skills (level B1) beforehand. It represents a variant of the GettING Started study program, which was introduced as part of the QuiS collaborative project SaG – Studying at an Adapted Pace.
What makes this program special is that students begin their studies directly in English and systematically acquire German language skills at the same time. In this way, the study model combines a rapid start to university studies with sustainable linguistic and academic integration in Germany.
During the first four semesters, all courses are taught entirely in English. At the same time, participants attend accompanying German language courses at the university's language center, specifically tailored to the requirements of a technical degree program. Supplementary add-ons provide practical technical vocabulary and prepare students step by step for the later transition to the German-language degree program.
A key advantage of the program lies in its structured and streamlined study design. A reduced number of modules per semester gives students more time to develop both their subject knowledge and language skills. The clear separation of subject-specific and language components creates transparent parameters and supports sustainable learning success.
The program aims to facilitate a seamless transition into the regular German-language degree program from the fifth semester onwards. During their studies, participants acquire German language skills up to level C1 – a crucial qualification for successfully completing their studies and for later entering the workforce in Germany.
The Bilingual Engineering Study Program thus opens up excellent career and retention prospects. Graduates not only earn a state-recognized German university degree, but also possess the linguistic and intercultural skills that are highly sought after in the German job market. This significantly improves their chances of securing qualified employment and long-term career prospects in Germany.
The Bilingual Engineering Study Program combines academic quality, language support, and international perspectives into a future-oriented course of study. It specifically supports international talents on their path to university studies, careers, and society in Germany, while simultaneously contributing to the further internationalization of THM.
Robbin Clarissa Bastian (Course Coordinator & Advisor) / Fabian Mink (Program Director) | info-be@iem.thm.de
Maxime Musterfrau
