What is the programme „Mathematics for Refugees“ about?

The University of Cologne would like to enable refugees to have a successful start to their studies. One of the many offers is the project „Mathematics for Refugees“. It was founded in 2016 by Martin Kühn, who was doctoral candidate at the Mathematical Institute at that time.

In this context we are offering a weekly course in mathematics. It aims to teach the elementary knowledge necessary for different study programmes (see below). Furthermore, we are offering a course in programming which gives an introduction to Java.

How can these courses help me?

With these courses we help refugees with the aim to study to:

• prepare for potential acceptance or aptitude tests (such as TestAs)
• remember and enhance mathematical relevant facts, that were lost because of a longer interruption of studies or because schooling took place years ago
• learn the background knowledge that is helpful for successfully passing the first semester

Why is it useful to attend the mathematics course before studying?

In many study programmes, elementary mathematical knowledge is required, i.e.:

• business administration (BWL, VWL)
• biology
• chemistry
• geoscience
• computer science
• engineering sciences
• mechanical engineering
• electrical engineering
• mathematics
• physics
• programmes based on statistics such as psychology, sociology, and others.

For whom are we offering these courses?

The courses aim to help refugees who would like to study and

• who obtained a qualification for university studies in their native country
• who already studied in their native country and would like to recommence their studies or another subject