Studienkolleg – Preparatory Course for Studies in Germany

What Is a Studienkolleg in Germany?

A Studienkolleg is a state-recognised preparatory course for international students whose secondary school qualifications do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry into a German university. These programmes typically last one year (two semesters) and are tailored to the type of university course the student wishes to pursue.

Purpose and Preparation for German Universities

The primary goal of a Studienkolleg is to close the gap between your existing qualifications and the academic level expected in Germany. Additionally, the aim is to equip students with general and specialist competences as well as language proficiency essential for successfully completing a (German) degree programme.

You'll study subjects related to your intended degree (like Maths, Sciences, or Social Studies), improve your academic German, and learn how the German education system works. It's also a great way to adjust to life in Germany before diving into university life.

Studienkolleg typically ends with a university qualification exam, the so-called "Feststellungsprüfung" – short for: "Prüfung zur Feststellung der Eignung internationaler Studienbewerber für die Aufnahme eines Studiums an Hochschulen in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland". This translates to "exam to assess the qualification of international student applicants for entering studies at universities in the Federal Republic of Germany". Passing this exam grants the student access to the German university system.

Who Needs a Studienkolleg in Germany?

Not all international students in Germany need a Studienkolleg, it depends on the educational system in your home country and whether your diploma is recognised in Germany.

Studienkolleg Eligibility for International Students

You'll likely need to attend a Studienkolleg if:

• Your secondary school education is shorter than the German standard (usually 12–13 years).
• Your final school certificate is not considered equivalent to the Abitur according to the official German recognition system.
• You come from a country whose qualifications are recognised only if combined with one or more years of university study in your home country.
• The university you are applying to specifically requires it based on their admission criteria.

To confirm whether you fall into this category, you can check the Anabin database or the DAAD's admission requirements pages or contact the admissions office of your chosen university.

Recognition of Foreign Diplomas in Germany

Germany uses official recognition systems to compare foreign school-leaving certificates to the Abitur. The two main tools are:

• Anabin database – Maintained by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education, this database lists recognised qualifications from around the world and specifies whether they are equivalent, partially equivalent, or not equivalent to the Abitur. This website is only available in German.
• DAAD admission requirements page – This page provides an easy overview of entry requirements for students from different countries and is available in English.

If your diploma is listed as equivalent, you can apply directly to a German university. If it's listed as partially equivalent, you may still be able to enter directly if you've already completed some higher education in your home country. If it's not equivalent, you will need to complete a Studienkolleg and pass the final assessment exam (Feststellungsprüfung).

Always confirm the recognition status with your chosen university, as some institutions may interpret the requirements more strictly than others.

What Courses Are Offered in Studienkollegs?

Studienkollegs offer subject-specific courses based on your future field of study. This courses also differ between preparatory classes for universities and universities of applied sciences.

For Study Programmes at Universities

• M-course – for prospective students of dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biology and other medicine, biology or pharmacy degree programmes
• W-course – for prospective students of business administration and economics (BWL and VWL) and other economics and social science degree programmes
• G-course – for prospective students of all humanities and foreign language degree programmes
• T-course – for prospective students of all natural science degree programmes, except biochemistry and biology, and other mathematical, scientific or technical degree programmes
• S-course – for language studies

For Study Programmes at Universities of Applied Sciences

• TI-course – for prospective students of technical and engineering degree programmes
• WW-course – for prospective students of economics degree programmes
• GD-course – for prospective students of creative and artistic degree programmes
• SW-course – for prospective students of social science degree programmes

Studienkolleg Entrance Exam

To get into a Studienkolleg, you'll need to pass an entrance exam known as the Aufnahmetest. This exam tests your German language proficiency and sometimes includes subject-specific tests. In most cases, you will need to take this exam in person

Exam Format and Structure

While formats can vary by Studienkolleg, the entrance exam usually includes:

• A German language test (B1 or B2 level minimum).
• Subject-specific assessments depending on the course (e.g. maths for T-Kurs)

Some Studienkollegs also include logic or general knowledge questions to assess academic readiness.

Preparation Tips

• Start studying German as early as possible – aim for at least B2 level.
• Use free online resources or purchase entrance exam prep books.
• Take mock exams to get familiar with the format. This portal offers examples of the entrance exam from different Studienkollegs across Germany.
• Consider a German language school or online course if you need to brush up on your language skills.

Application Process for Studienkolleg

Applying to a Studienkolleg can vary depending on the institution, but the process is generally straightforward once you know what's required.

Required Documents and Deadlines

Here are the most common documents required when applying for a Studienkolleg

• Copy of your school-leaving certificate (translated into German or English)
• Proof of German language proficiency (usually B1–B2)
• Application form (if provided)
• Copy of your passport
• Biometric passport picture
• Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation letter (sometimes)

Deadlines for the Studienkolleg application may vary, but applications usually open:

• Around November to January for the summer intake (starting March/April)
• Around March to July for the winter intake (starting September/October)

Applying via UniAssist

Many public Studienkollegs handle applications through uni-assist.de, a central portal that evaluates international certificates and helps international students when applying to German universities. Not all Studienkollegs use it, but for those that do, you'll need to:

• Create an account
• Submit your documents
• Pay a processing fee
• Wait for your preliminary review (Vorprüfungsdokumentation or VPD)

How To Choose the Right Studienkolleg

We've talked about the different types of Studienkollegs, private and public, as well as the difference in courses offered for various fields of study at universities and universities of applied sciences. So how do you now select the right Studienkolleg for you? Consider the following:

• Whether it offers the course type (M, T, W, etc.) you need for your desired study programme in Germany
• If you have a preferred university or university of applied sciences in mind, and if they have their own Studienkolleg
• Its location and living costs in that city
• Whether you have the budget for a private institution or prefer to attend a public Studienkolleg

Final Assessment Exam

After completing your Studienkolleg, you'll take the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP). This is the final assessment exam that determines whether you can get admitted to a German university. It's designed to test whether you've acquired the academic knowledge, subject-specific skills, and German language proficiency needed to succeed in your chosen degree programme. The exam is usually taken at the end of your one-year Studienkolleg.

Exam Overview and University Application

Each Studienkolleg sets its own exact dates for the Feststellungsprüfung, but you'll usually receive a detailed schedule weeks in advance so you can prepare. The FSP usually consists of:

• A written exam in your core subjects to test your knowledge in these areas.
• An oral exam in at least one subject to assess your ability to discuss what you've learned, as well as your spoken German skills.
• A written German language assessment.

Once you pass, you'll receive your FSP certificate (Zeugnis der Feststellungsprüfung), which specifies both your overall grade and the subject area you are qualified to study. This certificate is your golden ticket to apply for degree programmes in Germany, but only in fields related to your course type.