Otto Beneke Stiftung e.V. — non-profit organisation helping migrants to integrate in Germany. To date, the foundation’s main programme is University guarantee fund, which helps to obtain a higher education entrance qualification in Germany or to start or continue studies at a university.
The Foundation cooperates with ministries, educational institutions, migrant associations and universities in the country and abroad. The aim is to give programme participants the opportunity to realise their potential.
University guarantee fund — a network of offices throughout Germany under the auspices of the Otto Benecke Foundation. The unit supports migrants who want to obtain qualifications for university entrance in Germany (Abitur), continue a course of study at a higher education institution started in their country of origin, or begin a course of study. The foundation provides B2-C1 language courses from carefully selected language schools, as well as preparatory courses in mathematics, computer science, medicine, and MINT subjects.
If you wish to study in Germany, you must demonstrate that you have the required language skills. The Foundation offers language courses throughout the country at various language schools.
Before training, an entrance test for the B1 level is conducted. During the training, you will be paid a non-repayable scholarship in the amount of 482 € and the housing benefit up to 350 € (for 2024).
- German language courses up to C1 level
- Requirement: knowledge of German at B1 level.
- Location: nationwide
- Duration: 5 to 8 months
- Goal: German language proficiency level C1 (for study purposes)
- Language courses to help you pass exams
- Requirement: C1 level proficiency in German.
- Location: nationwide
- Duration: 1 to 2 months
- Purpose: TestDaF, Telc C1 Hochschule or DSH (for applying to study)
- English language courses up to B2 level
- Requirement: C1 level of German; A2 level of English; required for the course
- Location: nationwide
- Duration: 5 to 8 months
- Objective: B2 level of English.
It doesn’t matter which programme you choose Specialised Course, Studienkolleg or HZB Course To help you obtain your Abitur, the foundation will continue to pay your scholarship, cover your semester fees (upon request) and advise you on your studies. BAföG is deducted from the amount of your scholarship.
The Higher Education Guarantee Fund helps young migrants up to 30 years old, which belong to the following groups:
- Late settlers (§ 4 BVFG), their spouses and children (§ 7( 2 of the BVFG), as well as other family members (§ 8(2) of the BVFG) and reunited partners (§ 28(1), first sentence, No. 1 of the AufenthG)
- Recognised asylum seekers (Section 25(1) of the Residence Act), their partners and children (Sections 29(2) and (3), 30, 32, 34 and 36a of the Residence Act)
- Refugees (Section 25(2) of the Residence Act) or persons granted subsidiary protection (Sections 3(1) or 4(1) of the Asylum Act), as well as their spouses and children (Section 29( 2 and (3), 30, 32, 34 and 36a of the Residence Act)
- Persons holding a residence permit under Sections 22, 23 and 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), as well as their spouses and children (Section 29(2) and (3), 30, 32, 34 and 36a of the Residence Act (AufenthG))
The Otto Beneke Foundation not only offers language and preparatory courses for admission to universities in Germany, but also provides advice on educational matters, including vocational training (Ausbildung). On their website you will find a complete list of current support programmes both in Germany and in the countries of origin.
The Otto Benecke Foundation will guide you towards achieving a high level of professional qualification and support you in the early stages of your career.
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