What is the refugee TestAS?

The Test for Academic Studies (TestAS) is an official standardized exam offered to high school graduates from non-European countries who wish to study at a German university. It is a voluntary, standardized test that examines a student’s cognitive and intellectual abilities for a chosen study field. It measures a student’s academic skills and not her/his knowledge before admission. 

The refugee TestAS is a version of the test specifically designed for refugees. It can help you increase your chances to successfully apply to university in many ways, including making up for lost school leaving certificates.

TestAS recognition varies from university to university - visit this website to find more information on which German universities recognize the TestAS. It is best to first check with the university you would like to apply to, to see if the TestAS is taken into consideration in the application process. In some cases, it can increase your chances of admission.

The TestAS for refugees is free of charge and can be taken in English, German or Arabic. Each person can take it only once. A no-show also counts as participation. You can find more information on the refugee TestAS, the registration process, and who may participate on this website.

The most important things to practice for the test is mental math and time management, which are the two factors that students have reported to have the most difficulties with. You can find sample questions in English and Arabic, as well as links to preparatory books that you can buy. We recommend preparing at least 6 weeks in advance of the actual TestAS date!