Academic German Year
The preparatory year at the University of Passau!
You are planning to embark on a degree course at the University of Passau but only have very little or no knowledge of the Geman language? The Academic German Year (AGY) aims to provide international students with an affordable opportunity to learn German and fulfil the German language requirements in as little as one year. Apply!
This intensive German course is a joint project between the Language Centre and the International Office of the University of Passau and another building block of the University’s strong international and multi-cultural orientation.
The Academic German Year (AGY) starts with level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in October. Those completing the course will be given ample preparation to pass an official German language proficiency test, a prerequisite for foreign students wishing to enrol at a German tertiary education institution.
Study German together with highly motivated international students! The course participants will take intensive German classes five days a week (24 units each 45min) and will be taught by experienced lecturers.
Extracurricular activities will be guided by students who are also available to help the course participants with any questions or problems that might arise.
The International Office has an accommodation service to support international students who are searching for accommodation in Passau.
| Course start | | October (winter semester) |
| Application start | | March |
| Course duration | | 1 academic year |
| Number of places | | 20 (max.) |
| Programme fee | | €3,990.00 (24 teaching units of 45 minutes/week)
No scholarships/funding available |
| Programme content | | Module I (A1-B1 CEFR)
Module II (B2+C1 CEFR) available as Academic German Semester
Module III (Preparation course for the digital TestDaF) |
Ali (30 years old from Teheran)
studies German law for foreign graduates (LL.M.)
I really enjoyed my time in the Academic German Year. In class, I not only learned the language but also got to know German culture.
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I really enjoyed my time in the Academic German Year. In class, I not only learned the language but also got to know German culture. I come from a very big city, and Passau is small, clean, and quiet. The people are very friendly and genuine. I like the short distances to different places. You’re also right in nature, like at my favorite spot — the lake in Hals. Today, I study and work in Passau. I’ll soon finish my law degree and want to start working as a lawyer.
Diego (19 years old from Marseille)
returned to Germany for an ERASMUS semester
During my time in the Academic German Year, I learned the German language.
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During my time in the Academic German Year, I learned the German language. Today, I’m studying in my home country, France, and will soon return to Germany for an Erasmus semester in Munich. In Passau, I was able to integrate very well thanks to the many opportunities to join music and sports clubs. The nature is amazing, and in the summer, there are many things to do outdoors.
Cho (25 years old from Bangkok)
studies Information Systems
I came to Germany to learn the language and then start studying.
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I came to Germany to learn the language and then start studying. German is difficult for me, but the Academic German Year covers all topics and prepares you both in speaking and writing. The teachers make the lessons very interactive and fun. I like Passau because it’s close to nature, the people are very friendly, and it’s not as chaotic as big cities like Munich or Berlin. In the future, I want to study and live in Germany.
Kenya (22 years old from the US)
successfully participated in the AGS in 2025
I really liked the German courses I took in Passau. The teachers are well prepared and very helpful with learning the language.
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I really liked the German courses I took in Passau. The teachers are well prepared and very helpful with learning the language. Besides the city is peaceful, close to nature and offers lots of outside activities. Also the closeness to major cities like Munich, Vienna or Prague is really cool to explore your surroundings. After the Academic German Year I plan to continue studying in Passau.
Luca (23 years old from Brazil)
wants to apply for a Master's Degree
I expected to learn less than I actually did in the end.
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I highly recommend the course if you want to learn German. I expected to learn less than I actually did in the end. The course is really perfect, the teachers are well prepared and bound with the class. Passau as a city is very welcoming, people are friendly. For my masters degree I’ll continue studying in Germany.
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