What is the Pre-Semester?
The Pre-Semester is an eight-week preparatory course in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English. 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).
We highly recommend everyone that has been given direct admission to take part in the Pre-Semester since it covers essential topics for studying Mechanical Engineering.
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!
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:
Important Facts*
Move-In Days: August 2nd - 3rd, 2021
Start of Lectures: August 4th, 2021
End of Lectures: September 10th, 2021
Dates Entrance Exams:
- Entrance Exam English on September 13th, 2021
- Entrance Exam Math on September 14th, 2021
- Entrance Exam Physics on September 15th, 2021
- Entrance Exam Chemistry on September 16th, 2021
Location: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, International Department (ID) Campus
Costs: Early Bird 4,200 EUR (until June 30th, 2021) | Regular 4,700 EUR
The costs include:
- lectures
- extra tutorials
- teaching materials
- exam fees
- events & excursions
- acccommodation on the ID campus or in the KIT Guest House (depending on availability).
In the case that there are no vacancies at the ID or the KIT Guest House, hotel accommodation will be offered and an additional fee will be charged. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible.
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 bring you to Heidelberg, Germany's oldest and most famous university town with its renowned baroque old town. 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: Please start the visa application process as soon as you have received the letter of admission.
*Please note that the dates might be subject to change.
>> Take a look at our academic calendar for 2021/2022 here.
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
Carl Benz School offers more than just university education. It offers a safe and supportive environment to support the students throughout their studies. Learn more about our Costs and Fees.
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