FAQs for interested international students

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What is SelfAssessment international?

SelfAssessment international is a service of Student Services of the nine Technical Universities in Germany (TU9). It supports interested international students in their decision to study technical subjects in Germany. SelfAssessment means to evaluate oneself. As a result, SelfAssessment international offers interested international students the chance to find out through the Internet about the requirements for undertaking technical studies in Germany, and to receive personal feedback about their strengths and weaknesses in the context of such studies.

Who can participate in SelfAssessment international?

Anyone who is considering studying or already has concrete plans to study a technical subject at a German University can participate cost-free in SelfAssessment international.

What exercises comprise SelfAssessment international?

The exercises in SelfAssessment international represent what is required at the beginning of studies. The SelfAssessment exercises include mathematical knowledge and logical problem-solving, as well as motivation for studying and willingness to perform. A German test from the TestDaF-Institute makes it possible to obtain a first impression of your language competence. Prior knowledge that can be easily obtained during the studies is not included in SelfAssessment because it is not prerequisite to the success of your studies.

How long does SelfAssessment international take?

Completion of SelfAssessment international takes a total of about 90 to 120 minutes. At first glance, this may seem like a lot of time. But the decision to study will have a serious impact on the next 3 to 5 years of one's life. In comparison, the completion time of the SelfAssessment is a good investment. However, participants have the possibility to take a break during the SelfAssessment and continue later.

What does the Results Feedback look like?

After completing all of the exercises in SelfAssessment international you will receive feedback about your results. All of the exercises are explained and their relevance to the studies clarified. The detailed feedback on your results should be helpful in taking your decision and gives you options in the further preparation for your studies.

How do I participate in SelfAssessment international?

To participate in SelfAssessment international, you must register a username and password. You will receive an E-mail containing a personal confirmation for the consultation process. With this confirmation you can log in later to continue with the exercises or to read your Results Feedback.

Can SelfAssessment international also be completed offline?

SelfAssessment can only be completed online. Your answers will be saved directly online so that at the end of the SelfAssessment you can read your feedback immediately. You have the possibility to take a break during the SelfAssessment and continue later.

How will my data be saved?

The results of all participants will be saved within the framework of a research project of the Institut für Psychologie (Institute of Psychology) of RWTH Aachen University and for use in the evaluation and optimization of SelfAssessment. The results will be rendered anonymous for statistical and other purposes. However, apart from you no one will have access to your personal results and details.

Does SelfAssessment replace the application to universities?

Participation in SelfAssessment international does not replace the application to universities in Germany. Your results do not influence your acceptance to study at a German university. They are only for Student Services and are intended to help you with your decision. Participation does not replace either the certification of your German language skills by a registered testing center or the selection processes of universities.

Who developed SelfAssessment international?

SelfAssessment international was developed at RWTH Aachen by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Lutz F. Hornke, Dipl.-Psych. Verena Heukamp, Dipl.-Psych. Annika Milbradt and former Dipl.-Psych. Alexander Zimmerhofer at the Department of Industrial and Organizational Psychology as part of the PROFIS projects of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for the TU9 Universities. The German test was provided by the TestDaF-Institute.

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