Launch of the EU Project “Academic Bridge Program (ABP) for Highly Qualified Refugees”
The co-financed project “Academic Bridge Program” (ABP), which includes funding from the European Union (EU), was launched at Goethe University Frankfurt on July 1. The project supports highly qualified refugees in gaining access to undergraduate or postgraduate studies at Goethe University, offering people-centered and needs-oriented support for this particularly vulnerable target group with its special background and circumstances.
The project will run for three years (July 2025 to June 2028) and has a total budget of €1.65 million. The EU provides 90% or almost €1.5 million of the funding. The ABP continues the established collaboration between Goethe University’s Global Affairs Study and Teaching (SLI) division and the International Study Center (ISZ).
Over the course of the project, 210 refugees are expected to take part in preparatory measures for their studies. The most important aspect of this preparation is learning the German language. The ISZ offers intensive language courses from levels B1 to C1, as well as the DSH specialized German language courses, a mandatory university entrance exam in Germany for individuals with a direct higher education entrance qualification. Every language level consists of two to three courses, each lasting five weeks. These courses optimally prepare participants for studying in Germany, where the language of teaching and instruction is German.
The language courses are supplemented by tutorials offering support for homework and language acquisition using artificial intelligence (AI). The “Study Buddy Program” is another way to ensure good social integration: the program pairs student partners from Goethe University with ABP course participants. Several preparatory workshops offer participants the possibility of familiarizing themselves with the learning and teaching culture at a comprehensive university in Germany.
The ABP also offers participants free access to the auditor program (starting from level B2), enabling prospective students to begin subject-related preparation and orientation even before enrolling in a regular degree program or attending the Studienkolleg. The Program builds on the successes of Goethe University’s previous initiatives for refugee study preparation, in particular the Academic Welcome Program (AWP), which has been continuously developed in a needs-oriented manner since the 2015/16 winter semester. The new ABP also indirectly contributes to meeting demand for skilled labor in both Germany and the Rhine-Main region and strengthens the integration of those who seek and receive humanitarian protection in Germany by fostering their potential and opening up reliable future prospects.
Paul Scherer
Questions about the program can be directed to the Academic Bridge Program team: abp@uni-frankfurt.de
Tel: +49 (0)69 798 17296
