:prime — Foundation Programme University of Bremen

Are you planning your academic career in Germany and need to attend a "Studienkolleg"? The HERE AHEAD Academy in Bremen offers the necessary language and foundation course :prime. By choosing :prime, you'll receive a full-service package. You will come to Bremen, pass your foundation course and your exam, and choose one of the universities in Bremen — the city in which you already feel at home!

Due to the close collaboration between the University of Bremen and the Universities of Applied Sciences in Bremen and Bremerhaven, our programme :prime offers language courses from B1+.2 up to level C1. Courses on special training in technical and study-relevant terminology are included. Furthermore, it will introduce you to the academic learning skills you will need when studying at a German university.

When registering for :prime, you can choose from a large variety of future study programmes in the field of STEM as well as in arts and humanities, social sciences, economics, or cultural sciences. After successfully completing :prime by passing the university entrance exam, you will have guaranteed admission to one of the Bachelor's programmes at the Bremen universities. The :prime programme is designed to prepare you for the university entrance qualification examination (the Bremen equivalent to „Feststellungsprüfung“).

You will start the programme in October/March and take the exam the following July/January; therefore, you will be able to apply at one of the universities in Bremen within the given time frame.

The degree programmes are assigned to four clusters matching the TestAS clusters:

Cluster ING: Engineering Sciences
Cluster MIN: Mathematics, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences
Cluster GKG: Arts and Humanities, Cultural Sciences, and Social Sciences
Cluster WiWi: Economics

Besides introductory courses at the academy, you will participate in university lectures, tutorials, courses and seminars during your subject-based semester. Together with further seminars like study skills and critical thinking, all courses form a profound preparation for both your entrance exam and you future studies. Our well-experienced lecturers and staff will support you in managing everyday life as well as organising your studies.

:prime students are fully enrolled and receive a semester ticket for free public transportation. With your student ID you will benefit from many advantages on and off campus. Well-equipped, multi-media learning areas support independent student learning activities in groups as well as project work.

After successfully completing our programme by passing the examination, you will have guaranteed admission to one of the :prime Bachelor's programmes in the field of STEM as well as in arts and humanities, social sciences, economics, or cultural sciences at one of our universities in Bremen.

• Register online: www.primebremen.de
  For :prime B1 — until 31 May 2026 or 30 November 2026
  For :prime C1 — until 15 July 2026 or 15 January 2027
• :prime B1
  September to March or March to September*: language courses, coaching, and mentoring
  March to July or September to January*: subject-based foundation courses and preparation for the university entrance exam
  University entrance exam in July or January*
  Start university in October or April*

• :prime C1
  March to July or September to January*: subject-based foundation courses and preparation for the university entrance exam
  University entrance exam in July or January*
  Start university in October or April*

*The :prime intake winter semester only for selected degree programmes at the University of Bremen

For detailed information on the B1 and C1 tracks, please visit our website: www.primebremen.de.

2,500 EUR

This is the minimum price. Costs may increase due to additional factors (e.g. test fees, accommodation, insurance, etc.). For a detailed breakdown of costs, please consult the programme website.

The Foundation Programme :prime B1 starts with the German level of B1+.2. Students whose German proficiency is below this level will need to finance the language courses leading to this level separately.

We can help you find an internship if you need it as a requirement for your degree programme.

The HERE AHEAD Academy is a cooperation of the University of Bremen, the Hochschule Bremen — City University of Applied Sciences and the University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven.

• TestAS with a score of 190 (paperbased) or 150 (digital) 
• TestAS cluster according to your future degree programme
• VPD with the result "Studienkolleg"
• :prime B1 track: German B1 certificate
  :prime C1 track: German B2 certificate plus booking confirmation for C1 course or C1 certificate

On-campus cafeterias offer breakfast, lunch, and an early dinner. By using the "MensaCard", you can buy meals at lower, student-friendly prices.

As a :prime student, you are part of a vivid and open-minded international community on campus. Besides meeting other internationals students — maybe even from your home country — there is a wide range of sports facilities and different theatre groups. You might even join the university's choir or orchestra.

The University of Bremen, the Hochschule Bremen — City University of Applied Science, and the University of Applied Sciences in Bremerhaven closely cooperate and form the HERE AHEAD Academy. The :prime programme offers international students an outstanding programme to prepare them for the demands of university life in Bremen and Bremerhaven. The German university system may be very different from the system in your home country — with regard to study techniques, self-organised learning, or the way that scientific work is performed. The HERE AHEAD Academy provides excellent preparation and orientation as well as guidance and counselling.

The Federal State of Bremen is located in the north-west of Germany — it is the smallest federal state and is quite unique. It is formed by two cities, Bremen and Bremerhaven, which are 60 kilometres apart. While Bremen is located on the Weser River, Bremerhaven is located by the shore of the North Sea. No matter which city you choose to study in, you'll always be close to the water, beaches, and shores. With around 590,000 inhabitants, the city of Bremen offers everything that a large city has to offer. At the same time, Bremen is small enough to enjoy quiet and safe neighbourhoods and green parks. Additionally, for weekend trips, Hamburg, the Netherlands, and Berlin are just a few hours away.

Bremerhaven, with more than 118,600 inhabitants, provides everything that a modern seaside town has to offer.

You will find that our universities in Bremen and Bremerhaven are close to the city centres. Bremen and Bremerhaven are very green, bicycle-friendly, safe, and open-minded cities. We are proud of our diversity and traditions, our festivals, and our football club — Werder Bremen.

International guests are always welcome, and we will be happy to show you the uniqueness and beauty of Bremen and Bremerhaven.

Bremen researchers and students come from all over the world. They are internationally renowned for their work. Whether onshore, offshore, in space, or in society, innovative ways and interdisciplinary thinking create an excellent basis for responsible research and studies.

Close collaborations with our partners in industry and in the economy facilitate an excellent network and great opportunities for internships and future jobs.