FAQ
Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
General Questions
What do I need to consider before registering for a course?
Before registering for a course, please read the information on placement and, if required, take a placement test so that we can counsel you on your course selection. Applications for our courses can only be made online on our website. You will find the registration deadlines in the course announcements.
Please note that your application is binding.
Do I also have to register for the language course in Online Services?
No, the language courses of the Language Center cannot be registered for in Online Services.
Can I use the voucher for free German courses offered by the Canton of Basel-Stadt at the Language Center?
No, the vouchers for free German courses from the Canton of Basel-Stadt are not valid at the Language Center.
Can I deregister from a course?
Yes, deregistering is possible.
The following expenses are incurred for
- Deregistration up to five working days before course start dates: CHF 50.00
- Deregistration from the fourth working day before course start dates: full course fee
Deregistration must be made in writing to info-sprachenzentrum@unibas.ch. Verbal and/or written deregistration to the course instructions is not sufficient.
Re-registration for another course in the same semester is free of charge.
The registration deadline has already expired. Can I still register for a course?
Late registrations are generally possible up to two weeks after the course start date and must be made in person, by telephone or by e-mail. In the case of late registration, you accept that missed sessions count as absences and that the full course fees must be paid in the event of deregistration.
Is a change of course possible?
Yes, you can change your registration free of charge to a parallel course or another suitable course provided these exist and there are still free places. Please inform us to which course you would like to change via info-sprachenzentrum@unibas.ch.
When will I know if my course is taking place?
Course confirmations/cancellations are sent by e-mail at least 5 working days before the course start date. You will find all the information about your course in the course confirmation.
What course material is used and do the course fees include the material?
If a course book is used in your course, the expenses for this are not included in the course fees. The course books used in our courses are pre-ordered from the Ganzoni bookshop and can be purchased there at a 10% discount. The course books can also be purchased at any other bookstore of your choice. Please do not buy the course book until you have received your course confirmation and bring it with you to the first session.
When will I receive the invoice for the course?
An invoice for the course will be sent after the start of the course (with a payment deadline of 30 days).
Installment payments are possible upon request. Please contact us in advance at info-sprachenzentrum@unibas.ch.
I do not have a bank account in Switzerland. How can I pay the invoice?
Payments cannot be made directly at the Language Center. You have the following options:
- Bank transfer: For transfers from a foreign account, please use the details on the invoice for payments from foreign banking institutions.
- Cash or card payment: Course fees can be paid in cash or by card at the Swiss Post counter. You will need a paper invoice for this. Please contact us at info-sprachenzentrum@clutterunibas.ch.
Can I receive a confirmation of payment?
Yes, please contact info-sprachenzentrum@clutterunibas.ch to request a confirmation of payment.
I have attended a course at the Language Center. Will I always receive a certificate of attendance?
No. A certificate of attendance requires that the attendance requirements have been met, i.e. the maximum number of absences defined in the respective course announcement must not have been exceeded. If this requirement is met, the certificate of attendance will be sent automatically by e-mail 2-3 weeks after the end of the course.
Questions about the placement
Do I have to complete the placement test before the registration deadline?
Yes, we recommend that you complete the placement test before the registration deadline and before registering for the course.
The course level xy is specified for a course. What does that mean?
The level given in the course description corresponds to the level at the beginning of the course. This level must be proven in the placement test so that you can attend the course.
In which languages can I complete the placement test online?
In the languages German as a foreign language, English, French, Italian, Spanish and Russian, the placement test is taken online.
For placement in the other languages, please e-mail the respective course instructor.
The course description says that I have to take an oral placement test. How can I do that?
Please make an appointment for the oral assessment on PhilApp with the course instructions or the relevant department head. If the course instruction is not listed, please send an e-mail to info-sprachenzentrum@clutterunibas.ch.
I have already obtained an official language certificate. Do I have to take the placement test?
Please send us a copy/photo of your certificate to info-sprachenzentrum@clutterunibas.ch. We will inform you whether you have to take the complete or only part of the placement test, or whether your certificate suffices for placement purposes.
I have already attended a language course at another language school. Do I still have to take the placement test?
Please send us a copy/photo of your course confirmation including the number of lessons and the course level to info-sprachenzentrum@unibas.ch. We will inform you whether you have to take the complete or only part of the placement test, or whether your certificate suffices for placement purposes.
I have taken the placement test and would like to register for the recommended course. How do I register?
Please go to the recommended course on our website and register online. Enter your placement results in the registration form. Please note our registration deadlines and that your registration is binding.
I learned an additional language in school but have not used it since then, do I have to take the placement test?
Yes, in this case the placement test is compulsory to determine your current level in this additional language.
Questions about credit points
Can I receive credit points for courses offered by the Language Center?
Yes, you can. The number of ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits and the requirements for their acquisition can be found in the course descriptions. Information on required coursework can be found here.
To receive credit points, candidates will not exceed the maximum number of absences and complete the required coursework.
When a participant fails a course, this result is not transferred to their faculty.
Can I earn credit points again for a Language Center course that I have already attended once and received credit points for?
No, according to the student regulations of the University of Basel (§4, para. 3), credit points can only be earned once for “the same and similar academic achievements [...]”.
In order to receive credit points or a certificate of attendance for my course, «active participation» is assumed. What does this mean?
Active participation in a course means that participants
- actively participate during the lessons,
- prepare and follow up the lessons,
- inform the lecturer about absences and find out how they can catch up on the missed material.
I study at another higher education institution in Switzerland and would like to receive credit points. What must I do?
Students from other higher education institutions in Switzerland can also receive credit points. Please request a confirmation regarding the awarded credit points no later than the end of the semester (info-sprachenzentrum@unibas.ch). Towards the end of January or July, we will provide such a confirmation, which you can submit to your student administration services for recognition.
I am studying at the Faculty of Medicine and would like to get credit points. What must I do?
Master's students in the Faculty of Medicine qualify for a maximum of two credit points for specialized medical language courses.
Post us your Testatkarte at the end of the semester (Sprachenzentrum Universität Basel, Totentanz 17, 4051 Basel) or drop it in our mailbox. We will return your completed Testatkarte by mail. Please provide your current address.
The course description states that more than two absences are not allowed. Can I still receive credit points if I am absent more than twice but can present a sick note or provide proof that I have to attend a university event?
No, if the maximum number of absences defined in the course announcement is exceeded, no credit points can be earned. No distinction is made between different categories of absences (e.g. with or without a sick note).