What is the Pre-Semester?
The course aims to provide you with the knowledge to successfully start your studies in Mechanical Engineering (International). In addition, the various excursions, team building events and social events ensure that you settle in well in Germany and are in contact with your fellow students right from the start.
The Pre-Semester is mandatory for everyone who is not qualified for direct admission to reach the level required to meet the higher education entrance qualification in Germany. At the end of Pre-Semester, candidates who have not been admitted directly must pass the assessment of eligibility (entrance examination) in order to gain enrollment in the B.Sc. Program in Mechanical Engineering (International).
At the Carl Benz School of Engineering, the preparatory course is called the Pre-Semester, after which students take their Eligibility Examination and after passing that exam, can start their regular studies in the same year for which they have applied.
Why you should take part in the Pre-Semester
- To refresh your knowledge in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry
- To attain the level of proficiency in Academic English required for Mechanical Engineering studies
- To get to know the academic standards and demands of a German university
- To settle in Karlsruhe before the semester start
- To explore the region around Karlsruhe through the various excursions that are offered
- To get to know your future fellow students through e.g. team building and social events
Find more information about direct and indirect admission in our FAQs!
Direct Admission
Students generally qualify for direct admission if they have completed a secondary education program equivalent to the German “Abitur,” which is Germany's high school leaving certificate. Typically, this applies to students from countries with educational systems recognized as equivalent to the German system, or those who have completed certain international qualifications. Examples:
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High school qualifications from EU countries with reciprocal recognition agreements.
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European Baccalaureate (EB) holders.
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An IB diploma with scores, subject combinations, and HLs meeting German standards.
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A US High School Diploma with at least 4 AP Examinations in certain subjects
Indirect Admission
Indirect admission usually applies to students from countries where the secondary education system is not considered equivalent to Germany’s, but can be bridged by an additional preparatory course and a Feststellungsprüfung (Eligibility Examination), after which students will be allowed to enroll at university.
Examples:
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US High School Diplomas without at least 4 AP examinations.
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High School Leaving certificates from countries where students typically graduate at 17 years of age.
About 1/3 of all admitted students are admitted with indirect admission each year.
Decisions on direct, indirect, and no admission are made by the German Education Ministry, not by individual universities, and cannot be changed or appealed by the universities.
Pre-Semester 2025
Move-In Days: tba
Start of Lectures: July 31st, 2025
End of Lectures: September 5th, 2025
End of Exam Period: September 26th, 2025
Dates Entrance Exams: tba
Dates Oral Exams: tba
Dates Retake Exams: tba
Costs:
- Early Bird with housing: 5,390€
- Early Bird without housing: 4,590€
To guarantee the Early Bird Price payment must be received by June 20th, 2025
- Regular Price with housing: 5,775€
- Regular Price without housing: 4,975€
Location: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, International Department (ID) Campus
Pre-Semester Accommodation: Rooms are available in the International Department dormitory on a first-come, first-served basis.
In order to guarantee a room, students must pay for the Pre-Semester and sign and return their rental contract for Housing.
Once rooms are fully booked, students are placed on a waiting list. Although more rooms may become available after the initial allocation, there is no guarantee.
Students may still register for Pre-Semester without accommodation and recommendations can be made for alternative accommodation in Karlsruhe including a list of local hotels. However, assistance in securing off-campus accommodation cannot be provided.
Students are encouraged to contact the office as soon as possible for further information.
Excursions: During the Pre-Semester we will organize several exciting excursions for you. For example, you will be building your own raft from scratch in cooperation with your fellow students as well as go tree climbing. We will also visit the world famous Mercedes Benz Museum in Stuttgart. On top of this, we will take you to the exciting high ropes activity and enjoy the beautiful outdoor activities we have planned for you. Our student association is also involved in the Pre-Semester and will organize a scavenger hunt around the KIT campus so that you get to know all the relevant locations on campus.
Important information: If you need a visa for Germany, please start the application process as soon as possible. We can provide you with supporting documentation asking for a speedier approval of your application if you require.
Please note that the dates might be subject to change.
Impressions from the 2021 Pre-Semester Class
Some of our students of the 2021 batch shared their experience during the Pre-Semester with us.
Check below to watch the video on YouTube:
Our preparatory courses
Read more on our preparatory courses in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and English.
Pre-Semester Course: Mathematics
The Pre-Semester course in Mathematics covers the following topics:
Part I: Calculus
Basic Concepts, Functions, Differential Calculus, Limits, de L'Hôpital's rule, Integral Calculus
Part II: Vector Algebra
Vectors, Matrices, Linear Systems, Gaußian Elimination and Determinants, Decomposition of Vectors, Vector Product in R³, Applications of Vector Algebra in R³
Pre-Semester Course: Physics
Pre-Semester Course: Chemistry
The Pre-Semester course in Chemistry covers the following topics:
I. Atoms, Elements and the Periodic Table
II. Ionic Bonding
III. Covalent Bonding
IV. Bonding in Metals
V. Solutions
VI. Chemical Kinetics
VII. Equilibria
VIII. Acids and Bases
IX. Redox Reactions
X. Electrochemistry
XI. Organic Chemistry
Pre-Semester Course: English
The aim of the English courses during the Pre-Semester is to prepare students for the use of Academic English. Even during secondary education using English as the medium of instruction, some of the basic tools needed for succeeding successfully in academic studies are neither refreshed nor the principles taught. Therefore, the English courses in the Pre-Semester offer such for students who at their entry point do not complete the placement test with results that would allow them to officially enroll in the study program. Only those elements are stressed that will be needed in multiple situations of their study program and of their professional life, including internships.
The CBS College Program is a core part of the student experience at Carl Benz School of Engineering. See how we can shape your student experience with our services included in our College Program.
Why the College Program is the right choice
You are interested in studying B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering (International) at Carl Benz School in Karlsruhe? Here you find all information on the admission requirements and the admission process.
View our Admission Requirements
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