Access² Preparation Year

What´s it about?

Starting your studies abroad means changes. From learning a new language, settling into a new city, to achieving success in your academic courses - ACCESS² offers you the complete preparation for your start in Heilbronn.

The main component consists of an intensive German language course that leads you to the required level for starting your studies. In addition, you can attend your first academic subjects in engineering or business at the university. These courses are offered in English and include content from the Bachelor curriculum. Upon successful completion of the exams, you acquire your first ECTS credit points. These can then be recognised for your basic studies if you apply for one of the participating Bachelor programmes after the preparation year.

Furthermore, ACCESS² offers you additional services such as individual consultation sessions, company visits, mentoring with experienced students and modules for upgrading your academic and presentation skills.

Overview

Degree:

Certificate

2 Semester:

10 to 50 ECTS

Language:

German/English

Tuition fee:

none

Start:

Winter

Deadline:

June 1

Course Structure

Language Preparation

Learning German is a core element of the ACCESS² preparation year. Participants attend a tailor-made language course at our academic partner AIM (Academy for Innovative Education and Management):

Target level: B2

(required language level of the Bachelor programmes "Mechatronics and Robotics" and "Electrical Systems Engineering" at HHN)

In this language course, participants learn 11 hours/week during the semester period and have intensive language classes of 40 hours/week during the semester breaks.

Besides their language course, participants can flexibly choose technical classes in English at HHN. This can amount to a maximum of 25 credit points/semester in technical subjects.

PLEASE NOTE:

The language course is free of charge. Participants will be matriculated as students of the ACCESS² preparation year at HHN. Attendance is mandatory in the language course.

Academic Preparation

In addition to the language course, ACCESS² students can attend classes in English in the Faculty of Mechanics and Electronics or in the Faculty of International Business. This gives them the opportunity to get familiar with German academic culture, interact with professors and students and take their first steps towards their future career. Depending on their schedule and individual preferences, ACCESS² students can join academic courses to the extent of 5 to 25 credit points/semester.

Engineering Profile

Possible Modules:

  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Engineering Design
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

Business Profile

Possible Modules:

  • Business Administration
  • Accounting
  • Economics
  • Statistics
  • Intercultural Management

Informatics Profile (Start WS2025/26)

Possible Modules:

  • Working techniques
  • Design Thinking
  • Programming 1 / Interactive programs
  • Basics of computer science
  • Computer networks
  • Digital media
  • Fundamentals of Software Engineering 1 & 2
  • IT and society
  • Fundamentals of HMI
  • Complex Programs / Programming 2
  • Linear algebra and computer graphics
  • Signal Processing 1 / Computer Engineering
  • Operating systems

ACCESS² Preparation Year - Full of opportunities!

  • ACCESS² offers you a comprehensive combination of knowledge and support to settle in to your new place of study.
  • After reaching the German language level of B2, you can then apply for several of our Bachelor programmes in Engineering or Business (see Checklist of Application Documents). The subject-specific courses you have passed during the preparation year can be recognised upon request. This will allow you to finish your studies in less time!
  • Furthermore, engineering students who complete the preparation year succcessfully have the opportunity to connect with companies in the region that offer the study model "Studies with extended practice". In this study model, students work gain practical experience in a company in the semester breaks and in return are sponsored financially throughout their studies.