Detailed instructions for applying can be found here.
If you have any questions about your application, please book an appointment during our consultation hours for applicants or come to our office during our open consultation hours.
Experience has shown that applying for and participating in the ABP program only makes sense if you live in the immediate vicinity of Frankfurt (maximum 60 minutes by bus and train). If you live further away, please do not apply. Please take note of this information and feel free to make an appointment with us if you have any questions regarding your living situation.
About the Academic Bridge Program (ABP)
As a public university, the Goethe University contributes to the solution of social, political, economic and cultural problems. With the Academic Bridge Program (ABP) 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 ABP started in this form July 2025 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 ABP provides.
The program elements are documents in the respective site.
Application period: The ABP begins each semester (summer semester: mid-April / winter semester: mid-October). Applications can be submitted from mid-November / early December or mid-May / early June and close in January for the summer semester and July for the winter semester. We will announce the exact application periods in good time under “Latest information” on our website.
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 ABP 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.).
