51ÁÔÆæ

Academic Welcome Program (AWP)


Latest information


The application phase for the summer semester 2025 has ended. Please refrain from queries as this will slow down the process.

After review of all applications, we will revert by mid-february with further information.




About the Academic Welcome Program (AWP) for highly qualified refugees

As a public university, the 51ÁÔÆæ contributes to the solution of social, political, economic and cultural problems. With the Academic Welcome Program (AWP) for highly qualified refugees, the university creates a framework that supports the integration of highly qualified refugees of all nationalities in Germany. Through access to German language courses and university education as well as networks and university infrastructure, Goethe-University provides perspectives for refugees and enables exchange and participation.

The AWP started in the 2015/ 2016 winter semester and has been grown steadily ever since. Every semester, around 100 refugees take part in the German and specialist courses as well as further offers the AWP provides.

The program elements are documents in the respective site.

Application period: The AWP starts every semester (summer semester: mid-April/ winter semester: mid-October).  Applications can be submitted from mid-November or mid-May and the application period closes on 15 January for the summer semester and on 15 July for the winter semester.

Target group: The following groups of people are eligible to apply: asylum seekers, applicants and persons entitled to asylum (recognized refugees) who have a university entrance qualification (HZB) recognized in Germany or who have already studied in their home country and would like to (further) study in Germany and already have B1.1. german language proficiency.

Costs: The costs for the semester ticket, the fees for German exams (B2/C1/DSH) and for the necessary German books must be paid by oneself. All other offers (especially German lessons) are free of charge.

Duration: Up to three semesters, depending on individual learning progress. At the end, an official certificate of participation in the program will be issued.

Note: Participants in the AWP do not receive student status and can therefore not claim the services that are only subsidized for students (BAföG, places in dorms, university sports, etc.).