The iStudy program for international students at bachelor’s and state examination level
iStudy helps students achieve success in their studies, improve their language skills and become integrated into Bonn society. It is intended for international students on bachelor’s and state examination degree programs.
About the program
The iStudy program provides a wide range of study-related services designed specifically for international students enrolled in bachelor's and state examination programs. Most participants pursue German-language degree programs at the University of Bonn. To support them in achieving both academic success and social integration, the program also places a strong emphasis on improving German language skills. Familiarity with Germany’s academic teaching and learning culture serves as an essential foundation for developing effective study methods and strategies for personal success.
Beyond these study-related services, the program also offers workshops for international applicants enrolled in DSH preparation courses. These workshops are tailored to the pre-study phase and help establish key foundations for a successful academic journey at the University of Bonn—even before formal studies begin.
The iStudy program is part of the DAAD funding line “FIT – Promotion of international talent for integration into studies and the labour market.”
Our workshops for international students: Study Skills for academic success
An important component in supporting academic success is our free “Study Skills” workshop offer for international students.
The aim of these workshops is to provide participants with essential competencies for successful studies at the University of Bonn. International students gain fundamental knowledge about key aspects of the German higher education system, which often differ from those in their home countries.
The following topics are a selection of topics from our previous workshop offerings, which take place both during the semester and the lecture-free period. Our full program, along with registration details, can be found in the program flyer below:
- Communication and Conversation at a German University
- Career Strategies for International Bachelor Students
- Thesis Workshops: From Writing to What’s Next
- Workshop for Chinese Students: Understanding the Academic Teaching and Learning Culture in Germany
- Academic Writing I: Developing, Researching and Structuring the Topic for Academic Papers
- Academic Writing II: Citing, Paraphrasing and Copyright
- AI for University Presentations: Performing with Impact and Confidence
- Finance Your Studies: Cash Compass Workshop for International Students
iStudy Family and Friends – The mentoring program for international students
Our “Family and Friends” program arranges volunteer mentorships between international students at the University of Bonn and Bonn citizens. The aim is to make it easier for students to get started in academic and social life in Bonn, to promote their integration beyond everyday student life, and at the same time to facilitate intercultural exchange. Participating citizens have the opportunity to experience their city from a new perspective and deepen cultural connections. The arrangements for the mentorships are flexible and determined individually by both sides.
At our regular networking events, all participants (mentors and students) get to know each other, exchange ideas, and take part in themed workshops. Become part of “Family and Friends,” sign up, and answer a few questions about yourself and your interests! Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us—we look forward to getting to know you!
Our Activities
The course series “iStudy Lab – Service Learning feat. International Students” provides a dynamic space for the perspectives of international students. Participants are supported in developing their own projects to support international students, enabling them to actively shape and further develop the iStudy program.
The course series is offered in cooperation with the Coordination Office for “Service Learning”.
Registration for the course in the winter semester 2025/26 is possible here.
The semester-long German courses are designed for international students enrolled in German-language degree programs. These modules are primarily intended for undergraduate students in their first semesters.
The course “German as a Foreign Language for Students of Natural Sciences” is aimed at students enrolled in German-language degree programs in the natural sciences (including medicine, mathematics and computer science) or in programs with natural science components (geography, psychology).
The course “German as a Foreign Language for Students of Humanities and Social Sciences” is aimed at students enrolled in programs in the humanities and/or social sciences.
The German courses are offered in cooperation with the Language Learning Center (SLZ).
This practice-oriented course helps international students improve their language and communication skills for both academic and career contexts. Students learn to express themselves confidently in conversations, seminars, and application situations and to network professionally. They also practice applying linguistic conventions in the German academic and career context.
The one-month course is open to all international students with a B2.2/C1 language level and takes place during the lecture-free period.
The language course is offered in cooperation with the Department of German as a Foreign Language.
The two-week intensive training is aimed at prospective students who have registered for the DSH examination at the University of Bonn. It provides targeted preparation for the specific requirements of the exam immediately before the exam date.
The training is offered in cooperation with the Department of German as a Foreign Language.
The offer is aimed at international applicants in the DSH preparation courses. In addition to the course, participants can choose from a range of accompanying workshops, held on Fridays. The workshops cover topics such as study orientation, living and studying in Germany and Bonn, teaching and learning culture, as well as career and residence perspectives.
The workshops are offered in cooperation with the Department of German as a Foreign Language.
We offer international students in bachelor’s and state examination programs the opportunity to receive personal guidance on, among other things, the following questions:
- Which services and workshops can help me improve my personal academic success
- Who are the right contacts for my individual questions about studying and settling in Bonn?
- How can I get to know other students in my field of study?
- What social activities are available to me in Bonn, both within and outside the university?
To encourage students to get to know the city of Bonn and and its tradition of local associations, students invite their international fellow students to take part in cultural, sports, and volunteer activities.
Deborah Schwarz
0.003
Poppelsdorfer Allee 102
53115 Bonn (Germany)
Katrin Limani
0.003
Poppelsdorfer Allee 102
53115 Bonn (Germany)
The University of Bonn’s iStudy program is financed by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) from funds made available by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).