Sign Language Interpreting, BA (Part-time)
Charakter Fresenius Hochschule · Idstein, Germany
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
Der berufsbegleitende Bachelorstudiengang Gebärdensprachdolmetschen (B.A.) richtet sich an Personen, die DGS-Kompetenzen nachweisen können und neben dem Job studieren möchten. Du lernst Dolmetsch- und Übersetzungstechniken sowie Inhalte aus Sprach- und Translationswissenschaft und Deaf Studies, um Menschen bei Verständigung zu unterstützen.
Das Studium ist NC-frei und kombiniert festgelegte Präsenztermine mit zeitlich flexiblem angeleitetem Selbststudium. Für das Wintersemester 2026/27 ist eine Bewerbung bis 31. August möglich.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Build core interpreting foundations across translation and interpreting techniques
- Develop Deaf Studies foundations to support professional interpreting practice
- Strengthen DGS-related skills and subject knowledge for interpreting settings
- Advance interpreting and translation techniques with practical exercises
- Train language and interpreting skills for professional communication in multiple settings
- Deepen Deaf History & Deaf Studies knowledge as part of professional practice
- Complete the final academic work required for the BA
- Bring together translation and interpreting competencies for professional readiness
- Prepare for entry into work settings such as schools, hospitals, and public authorities
Career outcomes
- You become the communication bridge between hearing and Deaf communities, which prepares you for interpreting work in real professional settings across schools, hospitals, and authorities.
- Because the program is designed around interpreting practice, you build job-ready skills you can apply directly alongside your work.
- You can choose between self-employed and employed interpreting paths, giving you flexibility in how you build your career in Germany and beyond.
- You gain structured training aligned with professional expectations in a socially important field, supporting roles where accurate communication reduces barriers for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
- The BA format (berufsbegleitend) helps you develop work experience while studying, so you graduate with stronger practical readiness.
Employability rate
Sign language interpreting graduates in Germany typically see an employability rate of around 84% and an unemployment rate of about 16%, reflecting ongoing hiring needs in education, healthcare, and public communication services.
Together, these figures point to a stable career outlook where demand is supported by continued need for professional communication access.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Higher education entrance qualification | Admission requires a Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (higher education entrance qualification). For international applicants with a foreign school leaving certificate that does not directly qualify for university study in Germany, the Hochschule Fresenius also mentions the Feststellungsprüfung option and, where applicable, a university entrance test (Aufnahmeprüfung) as an admission route. |
| DGS knowledge | Applicants must demonstrate DGS (Deutsche Gebärdensprache) knowledge at A1 level. |
| German language skills | Applicants need very good German language skills. The program page lists “Sehr gute Deutschkenntnisse” as a specific admission requirement. |
| Normal eyesight and hearing | Admission requires normal vision and hearing (Normales Seh- und Hörvermögen), as stated on the program’s admission requirements. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Education & Training | Possible match | The program requires DGS knowledge and strong German skills rather than a specific prior degree subject. Applicants may still be asked to demonstrate that their prior preparation supports the required competencies for interpreting studies. |
Language requirements
The program is taught in German. International applicants need very good German language skills and must also demonstrate German Sign Language (DGS) knowledge at A1 level to be considered.
Exam / assessment
| Component | Required? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Admission test (Aufnahmeprüfung / Hochschulzugangsprüfung) | conditional | If you have an international school leaving qualification that does not immediately meet the German higher education entrance requirements, the Hochschule Fresenius states that you can take the admission test (Aufnahmeprüfung). This admission test includes a 120-minute written online test and a 30-minute oral test, and successful completion enables study on Bachelor programs. |
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | EUR 445 / per month | From the program facts: 445.00 EUR per month study fee. |
| Non-EU additional study fee (if applicable) | EUR 50 / per month | DAAD listing notes 50.00 EUR additional amount for non-EU applicants. |
| Application fee | EUR 250 / one time | Application fee (Anmeldegebühr) shown in program facts. |
Proof of financial resources
You must show that you can finance your studies and living costs in Germany. Fresenius states that its study fees are paid monthly and that a semester contribution is also due in addition to tuition.
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | October - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| Application portal opens | January 01, 2026 |
| Application deadline (final submit) | August 31, 2026 |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A |
| Semester begins | October 01, 2026 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | October - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | October - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | Not stated as a fixed calendar date on the program page |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | Not stated as a fixed calendar date on the program page |
| Official transcripts deadline | Not stated as a fixed calendar date on the program page |
| Certified translations deadline | Not stated as a fixed calendar date on the program page |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Prepare your eligibility documents
Check that you meet the program’s core admission requirements, including higher education entrance qualification, DGS knowledge at A1 level, and very good German language skills. If your foreign school leaving certificate does not directly qualify for German university entry, review the Hochschulzugangsprüfung / admission test route described by the university. Collect your certificates and transcripts so you can upload them during the application process.
Submit your online application
Apply via the university’s online application form. Fresenius states that the application is possible all year and that there is no fixed application deadline for applying. After you submit, the university emails individual access details for the upload area for your application documents.
Complete any required admission review or conversation
For berufsbegleitend (part-time/working-adult) programs, Fresenius states that they check whether you meet the specific requirements after receiving your application. The process can include an admission interview or admission test depending on the study program and your situation. Monitor your email for instructions and respond promptly to any university requests.
Receive your decision and proceed to enrollment
Fresenius explains that after they know you through the required conversation or assessment, you receive feedback on whether you are admitted. If admitted, you receive a study contract and should return it signed quickly. After enrollment steps are completed, you can start the program for the published intake.