Onboarding course for international students

The Onboarding course is aimed at newly admitted international students on all English-language Master's degree programs. It accompanies and supports international students right at the beginning of the introductory phase of their studies.

The onboarding course takes place alongside your studies during the winter semester and is offered in cooperation with selected faculties of the university.

The onboarding course consists of several parts or phases:

International Welcome (early October 2025)
Kick-Off Event (early October 2025)
Peer-to-Peer Consultations (mid October - mid November 2025)
Weekly In-Person Events (from November onwards)
German and/or English Language Courses as block sessions during the lecture-free period (from February 2026)
Special Events such as excursions on weekends or evenings

The course content is designed to enhance integration into university life and the study program. Communication both within and outside the university, academic integration, social exchange, and intercultural competencies will be strengthened. The onboarding course, including the language courses, is free of charge for participants!

The information about the course content is provisional and will be updated regularly. Further details can be found in the Moodle course.

Time Commitment

Participation in the mandatory welcome events
Attending the individual peer-to-peer consultation
Participation in the weekly on-site classes
- 2 semester hours per week (SWS)
- Wednesdays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Participation in special events, such as group excursions
- on weekends or in the evenings
Regular attendance at language courses during the lecture-free period

The following content will be offered:

Language

In this section, an intensive German course at level A1 and a block course in English starting from level B2 are offered. Both courses will take place during the lecture-free period in February and March 2026.

Study-related skills

You will acquire and improve skills such as literature research and study-access-specific courses. These skills are particularly relevant to your own degree program. In addition, study-related tutorials are offered on a regular basis.

Intercultural skills

You will take part in an intercultural training, where you will engage with topics such as cultural sensitivity. In addition, at the Coaching Studio of the Psychological Counseling Service you will acquire important soft skills such as presentation, communication, time management, and stress management – all essential for a successful study experience!

Furthermore, there will also be an event organized by the Anti-Discrimination Office.

Information, counseling, orientation

At the International Welcome organized by the International Office, you can expect a diverse program of online and in-person events designed to make the start of your studies at RUB easier. In addition, you will receive program-specific support from your degree program at the beginning of the semester, as well as individual assistance through peer-to-peer counseling.

Culture and networking

Through excursions to culturally relevant institutions, you can expand your knowledge and become more familiar with the university’s surroundings. In addition, socializing events provide opportunities to network and build social connections.

Certificate and accreditation

Active participation in more than 80% of the onboarding course sessions entitles you, upon request, to receive a certificate confirming the knowledge and skills you have acquired.

In the future, it may also be possible to have the course credited toward selected degree programs. For more information on whether credit points (CP) can be recognized in your specific program, please contact your academic advisor. For successfully completed language courses, you will receive 2.5 CP and a separate certificate after passing the exam. Depending on your degree program and examination regulations, up to 5 CP may be recognized in total.