German as a Second Language / German as a Foreign Language (DaZ/DaF) University of Hildesheim

Institut für deutsche Sprache und Literatur

Courses are held in German. 

The Master's degree programme in German as a Second Language / German as a Foreign Language combines the study of German as a second and foreign language with a specialisation in one of the subject areas during the course of study.

The Master's degree programme has an interdisciplinary focus with linguistic, linguistic-didactic and intercultural topics. The intercultural perspective is applied to both foreign and second language acquisition. Graduates are authorised to teach both integration courses and, as a special feature of this degree programme, literacy courses run by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). Authorisation to do so is granted by the BAMF upon application.

The Master's degree can be studied in the German as a Second Language specialisation in a double degree while also earning a Master of Education degree, with the teaching option with German as a subject. This gives you the opportunity to have courses credited for both degree programmes and to gain excellent specialist training for teaching in German schools in Germany and abroad and many other professional fields. The double degree programme leads to two Master's degrees.

15 January
15 June

The degree programme has an orientation module in which the basics are taught. This is followed by two specialisation modules, which focus separately on German as a second language and German as a foreign language. They include courses on teaching materials, didactics and intercultural communication. A practical phase is integrated into the degree programme, which should generally be completed after the specialisation modules. The degree programme concludes with the Master's thesis and an oral examination in the final module.

PDF Download

The integrated internship can be completed abroad.

No tuition fees

You will pay a contribution of approx. 370 EUR per semester. This is a contribution to student services, a culture ticket, university administration and the student council. You can use local public transport in Hildesheim and Lower Saxony free of charge. You benefit from discounts for meals at the university cafeteria and much more.

You will need around 934 EUR per month to cover your living expenses:

• Rent, approx. 350 to 700 EUR
• Health insurance, approx. 130 EUR
• Books and stationery, approx. 50 EUR
• Meals, approx. 200 EUR
• Other expenses, approx. 100 EUR

Bachelor's or equivalent degree in German / German studies or related degree programme

German C1

DSH 2

15 January
15 June

The university offers Lore-Auerbach scholarships supporting especially capable and socially committed students. Students in acute financial emergencies can apply for a scholarship from the Social Fund. The university is also in charge of scholarship programmes like the Deutschlandstipendium (the German public-private scholarship) and the Landesstipendium Niedersachsen (scholarship of the State of Lower Saxony).
See: University of Hildesheim scholarships

Additionally, the International Office offers scholarships that support international students with graduation grants, grants for commitment, the DAAD Prize (funded by the DAAD / Federal Foreign Office, AA), and Rotary Club scholarships.
See: International Office

There are many job opportunities for students on campus (in the different departments, the central administration, etc.) and off campus. You can find part-time jobs here:

• career service
• student and research assistant positions

International students are only permitted to work in Germany with a work permit. The student visa allows a maximum of 120 full days (or 240 half days) of work per year. If you earn more than 538 EUR a month, you will be subject to higher health insurance premiums.

Make sure your study workload and working hours remain balanced.

Whether you live in a shared apartment, a dormitory or a single apartment – in Hildesheim, everyone will find a suitable place to stay. And at comparatively low rents.

Accommodation is available through the "Studentenwerk OstNiedersachsen" (student services) or on the private market. The "Studentenwerk" provides rooms in halls of residence, most of which are single rooms with shared kitchens and showers/WCs. Learn more.

You can also contact the team of our International Office for advice on housing.

The career service is aimed at students and recent graduates of all degree programmes at the University of Hildesheim in all phases of the transition from study to work. Contact us — we will be happy to support you! During career week, you can take part in workshops specially designed for international students, for example, in application workshops or career talks.

Our International Office team will help you even prior to you studies. How can you apply, and for which programme? From visa matters to finding accommodation, we are there for you.

For all international students who are new to Hildesheim, we organise a Welcome Week at the beginning of the semester. This programme is an excellent opportunity for you to get to know the university and make new friends. It includes an official welcome event, campus tours, information events on study-related topics, practical workshops, orientation events and much more.

Our Welcome to Lower Saxony-(WIN) tutors and buddies will help you with the transition into your studies and your new start in a country that may be unfamiliar to you. They organise events and answer your individual questions at the beginning of your studies.

During your stay, we continue with individual counselling on all current matters, intercultural training, German courses and alumni service.