The International Language School (German) will take place from August 10 to August 28, 2026 on the campus of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.
The International Language School (German) at Johannes Gutenberg University is open to beginners and advanced learners. It is therefore not necessary to have any knowledge of German to take part in the International Language School (German). In this case, however, a basic knowledge of English is helpful.
To enable all participants to improve their language proficiency, we offer intensive courses at different levels, from level A1 (elementary language use) to level C1 (competent language use). The designations A1 and C1 refer to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
In order to participate in the International Language School (German), the following requirements must be met:
- You must be at least 18 years old at the start of the summer school.
- You must be officially enrolled at a higher education institution (we will ask for proof during the registration process).
- 60 teaching units
- Action-oriented
- Networked teaching and learning
- Interactive
- Intercultural training
- Field trips
- Units on German history, politics and literature
- Leisure program
| Preliminary online language test: The date for the placement test will be announced after the registration deadline. German language course times: The German language course takes place Mon.-Fri. from 09:00 to 12:30. Field trips: Field trips take place in the afternoon or at the weekend. Participation fees: 990 EUR (further information on page “Fees and financing options“). Recognition: Active participation is rewarded with 4 European Credit Transfer System credits and a certificate of attendance. Registration deadline: May 03, 2026 |
Here you have the opportunity to log in to the International Language School (German).
After your registration has been processed, you will receive a confirmation of registration by e-mail.
You can cancel your registration free of charge until the registration deadline, May 03, 2026. After this date, 50% of the participation fee will be charged.
You must declare your withdrawal in writing (letter, fax, e-mail).
Further information on our conditions of participation can be found here.
To enable all participants to improve their language proficiency, we offer intensive courses at different levels, from level A1 (elementary language use) to level C1 (competent language use). The designations A1 and C1 refer to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Accommodation is not included in the participation fees, so you are free to choose the type of accommodation according to your budget. On this page we present various options.
You can expect to pay around €700 for your accommodation.
The modern Rhine-Main Youth Hostel Mainz is located directly on the grounds of the Volkspark, which offers many leisure activities for all ages. History, modernity and Mainz cheerfulness characterize the image of the state capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, making visitors feel right at home.
Mainz Youth Hostel has 176 beds in rooms for 1-, 2-, 4- and multi-bed occupancy. All rooms are equipped with shower/WC.
Free WLAN throughout the house.
You can check prices and availability at www.diejugendherbergen.de/jugendherbergen/mainz.
If you would like to live with locals or other students, a shared apartment may be an option for you. You can search for apartments or rooms in shared apartments on Europe’s largest platform www.wg-gesucht.de.
Studierendenwerk Mainz has several dormitories nearby and offers apartments or rooms in shared apartments for 2 – 4 people.
- A room in the dormitory costs around EUR 700.
You will also have to pay a deposit equivalent to one month’s rent (around EUR 400), which will be refunded to you after your stay. - Your rent includes the Basic Pack. You can find more information at: https: //www.studierendenwerk-mainz.de/internationales/wohnen-international/grundausstattung-fuers-zimmer
- To use the W-LAN in the dormitory you need a router.
You can apply for a room on the Studierendenwerk website.
Important: There is an optional field “Instructions and information for the housing team”: Please enter the following sentence there: I am taking part in the ZWW Summer School 2026 in August.
Please note that a room in a dormitory cannot be guaranteed.
Have you logged in for the Summer School? We are very pleased! To help you prepare, we have put together a list of the most important information:
Please check whether you need a visa for your stay in Germany. If you are not sure about this, you can ask your university’s International Office. The German Academic Exchange Service ( DAAD ) also provides general information on visa requirements.
If you need a visa, Johannes Gutenberg University will issue you with an invitation. Please note that the invitation will only be sent to you once.
Our Summer School program includes field trips, city trips and medium-length hikes. Therefore, please bring appropriate clothing and footwear.
July and August are the hottest months in Germany, so you should bring appropriate clothing. A rain jacket may also be useful.
The currency in Germany is the euro, and although many museums, stores and restaurants accept credit cards, there are always exceptions. Accordingly, you should have some euros in cash available. You can find exchange rates for the euro here.
Most stores in Germany are closed on Sundays. Exceptions are stores in petrol stations, train stations and airports. Restaurants and museums, on the other hand, are open.
You can drink tap water in Germany without hesitation! The quality of German tap water is strictly regulated by the government, making it one of the cleanest tap waters in the world.
Please note that the plugs and sockets in Germany may be different from those in your home country. If this is the case, you will not be able to use your electronic devices (cell phone, electric shaver, etc.) without an adapter.
Find out in advance to what extent you are covered for liability and accident issues and, if in doubt, take out appropriate insurance. Passing private accident and liability insurance policies do not usually cover damage and accidents during a stay abroad.
Health insurance is generally no longer a problem in other European countries since the European health card was introduced. However, you should ask your health insurance provider about the exact modalities depending on your destination country. However, the cover provided by the European Health Insurance Card may not be sufficient, especially if repatriation or special medical procedures are required.
You will need travel abroad health insurance (to be taken out in Germany or directly in the destination country), which also covers pandemic cases. The DAAD offers combined health, accident and personal liability insurance.
Once you have landed, follow the regional station signs. Please do NOT go to the long-distance station. You can buy a ticket to Mainz Hbf (main station) from the ticket machines there.
The easiest way is to take the S8 in the direction of Wiesbaden Hbf. The S8 also stops at Mainz Hbf (main station). The S8 departs twice an hour from platform 3 and the journey to Mainz Hbf (Hauptbahnhof) takes around 26 minutes.
Please do NOT take a train in the direction of Mainz-Kastel, as these trains will not take you to Mainz Hbf (main station).
You will have many questions about attending the International Language School (German) and about your stay. We have compiled a FAQ for you to find initial answers to your questions. If your questions have not yet been answered sufficiently, you are welcome to contact us by e-mail(summer@uni-mainz.de).
I am interested in your program and would like to find out more! How do I get the latest information?
If you would like to be informed about news from the International Language School (German), you can log in to our newsletter:
https://sommerkurse.uni-mainz.de/extras/#newsletter-und-social-media
Information about the dates of this year’s International Language School (German) and the registration procedure can be found here:
https://summer.uni-mainz.de/german-language-school/registration/
Can I participate in the International Language School (German) if I am not studying at a partner university of JGU Mainz?
Of course, students from all universities can participate in the International Language School (German) at JGU Mainz.
In which language are the courses held?
The course language depends on the respective level. Courses A1-A2 are taught in English, while all courses from B1 onwards are mainly taught in German.
How long do the courses last?
You can find all information about the duration, costs and the European Credit Transfer Systems to be achieved for the courses here:
https://sommerkurse.uni-mainz.de/international-german-language-school/#allgemeine-informationen.
How are the language courses organized?
Language lessons take place in the mornings from Monday to Friday. After a lunch break, seminars or field trips take place in the afternoons. The evenings are usually free.
You can find a sample course schedule here:
https://sommerkurse.uni-mainz.de/extras/#beispielhafter-stundenplan
Do you offer fellowships or discounts?
Yes, there is a Santander Open Academy fellowship.
You can find all relevant information on requirements, application, amount and conditions here:
https://app.santanderopenacademy.com/de/program/summer-school-international-german-language-school-2026.
Am I automatically insured if I fall ill during the Summer School?
Unfortunately, you are not automatically insured, but must take out insurance for the duration of your stay. Further information and suggestions on insurance can be found here:
https://sommerkurse.uni-mainz.de/international-german-language-school/#praktische-informationen.
How much money should students budget for meals during the International Language School (German)?
You have the option of eating in the JGU Mainz cafeteria and must expect to pay EUR 10 – 20 per day for your meals, depending on your needs.
When is the best time to arrive and depart?
You should arrive at least one day before the start of the International Language School (German).
If you decide to rent a room in one of dormitories, you can rent from August 1st and also arrive on this day.
You can start your return or onward journey after the official certificate handover.
Can I arrive later or earlier than the official arrival date of the program?
Yes, you can arrive earlier than the official arrival day of the program, but if you wish to arrive before August 1, you will need to arrange additional accommodation as the rental period in the dormitories not start until the 1st of the respective month.
If you plan to earn ECTS credits with the International Language School (German) program, you should avoid arriving after the official arrival day of the program. Absences may prevent ECTS credits from being awarded.
Do I have to buy the textbooks in advance?
No, all textbooks are purchased in advance by our team and distributed on the day of the first language course.
Do I need specific equipment for the courses?
You only need conventional learning materials for the lessons. No technical equipment is required for participation.
Are there sports courses or offers that I can take part in as part of the International Language School (German)?
As a participant of the International Language School (German), you are entitled to take part in courses offered by JGU Mainz’s General University Sports (AHS). You can find an overview of the courses on offer here:
https://www.ahs.uni-mainz.de/sportprogramm/
(Please note, however, that the number of courses offered may be limited as the International Language School (German) takes place during JGU Mainz’s semester break).
What can I expect from the weather in August?
Here are some instructions on what to expect from the weather in Germany and what you should prepare for:
While summer days can be very hot and sunny, the evenings and nights in summer in Germany can be chilly. You should pack a light jacket or sweater.
Although we hope for a sunny three weeks during your stay, it can rain heavily in Germany in summer. As some of our field trips take place outdoors, you should bring a raincoat and/or umbrella for your stay.
What do I need to know about living in Mainz?
General information about the city of Mainz and an app for exploring Mainz can be found here:
https://sommerkurse.uni-mainz.de/mainz-und-umgebung/.
Can I travel at the weekends?
Of course, you may also travel at weekends. As field trips may take place on some of the weekends, you should check the dates in your course schedule if you are planning a trip.
The International Language School (German) course schedules are handed out on the first day of classes.
Where can I find more information about the program of study in Germany/Mainz?
Further information on the program of study in Germany/Mainz can be found here:
https://www.international.uni-mainz.de/.
Do I have to pay for transportation within Mainz?
The course fee does not include a ticket for public transportation.
You can purchase a Deutschland-Ticket, which allows you to use most public transportation during your stay.
You can find information on the costs and options for purchasing the Deutschland-Ticket here:
https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/deutschland-ticket.
Is Internet access available or do I have to buy a device?
Whether internet access is available in your room depends on the hall of residence you choose. You should enquire about this when applying for a room.
To be on the safe side, you should bring a LAN cable with you so that you can connect your notebook.
What do I need to bring with me?
You should prepare the following items for your stay in Germany:
– Passport, health insurance and the confirmation letter from the International Summer School Mainz
– Prescription medication/prescriptions (only if applicable)
– Clothes (summer clothes, walking shoes, raincoat/umbrella, warm clothes for the evening)
– I.T. devices (if needed personally)
– Adapter for sockets (The electricity in Germany is 230V and the sockets are different than in American, African or Asian countries. You can quickly find information on what kind of adapter is required for your country on the Internet)
– Hand and bath towels
How can I submit an application?
You can log in here:
https://sommerkurse.uni-mainz.de/international-german-language-school/.
What are the admission requirements?
In order to participate in the International Language School (German), you must:
– be at least 18 years old at the start of the Summer School
– be officially enrolled at a university (proof must be provided during the application process)
How can I pay for the course?
After the registration deadline, you will receive a notification of fees in the amount of the course fee.
The notification of fees must be paid by bank transfer within 2 weeks.
I need a letter of invitation. How do I get one?
When registering, you must indicate whether you require a visa to enter the country.
If you need a visa, you will receive a letter of invitation from JGU Mainz after paying the course fee.
What happens if I decide to cancel the course after I have already paid for it?
Information on the consequences of withdrawal can be found here under Withdrawal from seminar registration:
https://sommerkurse.uni-mainz.de/extras/#teilnahmebedingungen.
