Studienkolleg in Germany: Everything You Need to Know

International students aspiring to pursue higher education in Germany might encounter obstacles when their education certificates from their home countries don’t directly align with the German higher education system. However, fret not! Despite this discrepancy, it’s still feasible to pursue studies in Germany. If uncertain about this process, it’s advisable to thoroughly research the application procedures for bachelor’s and master’s programs in Germany.

Alternatively, for students aiming to enroll in German-language programs and enhance their language proficiency, Studienkolleg presents an excellent opportunity for preparation. While many international students opt for English-taught programs, the option to study in German remains available. Studienkolleg equips students with the necessary skills for success in German universities, be it language proficiency or academic readiness. In this article, we provide insights into Studienkolleg, its relevance, and the application process, ensuring a smooth transition to studying in Germany.

What is Studienkolleg?

Studienkolleg is an educational institute that prepares international students to meet the criteria of the German education system for admissions. This allows the student to get some skills and knowledge about the particular subject. This also helps students to gain a university entrance certificate helping them to get admission to a German university.

Who Requires Studying Studienkolleg in Germany?

German universities do not directly accept 12th-grade higher secondary school certificates as the German education system has 13 years of school education setting. The student willing to get admission to a German university with 12 years of school education requires studying this preparatory course. The foundation or route programs are analogous to Studienkolleg in English-speaking countries.

Studienkolleg Entry requirements

• • 12th pass with specific subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics).
  • German B1 or B2.
  • TesAS might be required in some universities, Minimum of 70% of the Score required in TestAs.

Courses at Studienkolleg

Depending on the student’s future study interests, the classes are separated into 5 portions, each of which covers a distinct subject.

T Course:

With international students, some universities for engineering and IT courses show some conditions. Generally, they ask for a T Course in a studienkolleg. There are 5 subjects in these sources: Physics, chemistry, mathematics, German and technical subjects. At the end of the course, you need to perform a written and oral test.

M Course:

If you want to study medicine, biology, health science, and pharmacy then this M course is for you. Subjects like biology, physics, and pharmacy are generally taught under this. Likewise, in a T Course, you need to perform the test in the M course also. The oral test is only for chemistry whereas in other subjects you need to perform a written exam.

G Course:

Students willing to pursue humanities or social science programs can go for this G course. In this course, you study subjects like History, German Literature, Sociology, and Statistics. In this course, you need to study for 10 months 32 hours a week. You need to perform a written and oral test at the end of this course.

S Course:

For students who want to attend college for specialized language courses then this S course is for you. This S course along with the language includes papers in German, literature, history, and social science. With this course, you can pursue the options like philosophy, law, or translation to a foreign language.

W Course:

This W Course is specialized for the students willing to study economics, business administration, or social sciences at a German university. Under this course subjects like economy, mathematics and English are taught. This course lasts for about 38 weeks and 32 hours per week are required.

For Students Willing to Pursue Course at Technical University of Applied Science

TI Course

For the courses in technical science, engineering, and IT then you can pursue the TI course. The subjects in the TI course include Mathematics and IT, Natural Sciences, German, and Drawing.

WW Course

For the course in Business Studies, you can attend the WW course. The subjects in a WW course include Mathematics and IT, Economics, German, and English.

SW Course

If you are looking to pursue a course in social science and economics, then the SW course is for you. While you study subjects like Mathematics, Pedagogy, and German.

GD Course

For attending a reputed college in Arts and Design you need to choose this GD course. As a part of Studienkolleg, you study the subjects like German, Mathematics, Physics, and Design.

Types of Studienkolleg

In Germany, there are two types of studienkolleg. These are

• • State-run Studienkolleg

Every state in Germany has a state-run institution providing these foundation courses free of cost. Most of these institutions are affiliated with recognized universities providing you with a state-recognized degree.

• • Private Studienkolleg

Private institutions are also similar to state-run institutions. The key difference is that the private one charges a fee whereas in the state-run institutions there is no tuition fee.

Duration of Studienkolleg

Generally, studienkolleg take two semesters or can say a year. Still, the duration depends on the courses. At the end of these courses, you need to appear in an exam called Feststellungsprüfung (FSP).

Cost of Studienkolleg

As mentioned above the state-run institutions charges no tuition fee whereas private institutions charge around 4,000-6,000 Euros.

Document Requirements to get Admission

To get admission to a course at studienkolleg you need to have the documents listed below

• • School leaving certificate
  • A1 certificate in German (depending on the requirement it may vary)
  • Motivation Letter
  • Copy of Passport
  • Biometric Picture
  • Resume
  • Transcripts for grades 9, 10, 11, 12
  • Application form as specified by your desired university or Studienkolleg.
  • Proof of German proficiency at B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (some Studienkollegs accept level B1) or 500‒800 hours of instruction. Some commonly accepted qualifications for B2 level German are:
    • DSH-1
    • TestDaF level 3
    • Graded B2 certificate
    • Certificate of participation for a C1 course (in progress or completed)
  • APS certificate (For Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants.

Additional Admission Requirements

Along with the documents you need to meet some of the requirements to get admitted to a studienkolleg. These are

• • Entrance Exam:

    The “Aufnahmeprüfung,” also known as the entrance examination, plays a pivotal role in securing admission to a Studienkolleg. Upon receiving an invitation, you’ll need to sit for this exam, which is exclusively administered in German. In-person attendance is typically mandatory for most Studienkollegs during the examination.

    While the content and structure of the entrance exam may slightly differ based on the Studienkolleg and the particular course of study, it commonly comprises assessments in German language proficiency and mathematics. Additionally, subject-specific tests are often included, covering areas like economics, physics, or other pertinent subjects.

How to apply for a Studienkolleg

1. Ensure that your previous educational qualification is recognized in Germany

Ensure that your previous educational credentials are acknowledged in Germany before considering enrollment in a Studienkolleg. Utilize resources such as the DAAD entrance qualification database or Anabin to ascertain the recognition status of your foreign secondary school diplomas. If your qualifications don’t meet the criteria for direct admission to a German university but are deemed suitable for Studienkolleg, you can proceed with the application process

2. Review the Application Method

• You can directly apply to University program

Applying directly to a university program, such as Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), entails submitting an application for the desired study program via a designated form. Only after this application process will you be considered for admission to the Studienkolleg.

Upon acceptance to the university, you will be invited to take the entrance examination for the preparatory course at Studienkolleg München. Successful completion of this examination will enable you to enroll in a one-year preparatory course at either of the two Munich universities.

• You can apply for university assist:

Submitting applications through Uni-assist, a centralized organization in Germany aiding international students with university admissions, streamlines the process. Prior to application, it’s crucial to verify whether your desired university accepts applications through Uni-assist.

Should your university of choice utilize Uni-assist, utilize the My Assist platform to submit your course application. Throughout this process, you’ll be prompted to indicate if you’re seeking admission to a Studienkolleg. In the absence of such inquiry, Uni-assist will automatically handle your application for the Studienkolleg.

• You can directly for Studienkollegs

Alternatively, certain Studienkollegs, typically privately operated, permit direct applications. For example, Studienkolleg Mettingen mandates completion of an application form and submission via email, along with requisite documentation.

List of Universities

Sr. No	University	City
1	Studienkolleg bei den Universitäten des Landes Baden-Württemberg – Tübingen	Tübingen
2	Studienkolleg Halle	Halle
3	Studienkolleg Nordhausen	Nordhausen
4	Studienkolleg München	Munich
5	Studienkolleg an der Universität Hamburg	Hamburg
6	Studienkolleg an der Technischen Universität Dortmund	Dortmund
7	Studienkolleg Sachsen – Staatliche Studienkollegs Sachsen	Leipzig
8	Studienkolleg NRW – Bochum	Bochum
9	Studienkolleg Frankfurt am Main	Frankfurt
10	Studienkolleg an der Technischen Universität Berlin	Berlin

Note:- After completing the Studienkolleg minimum of 75% is required and 80% and above in the Biology part will be required in FSP.

Is Studienkolleg compulsory?

Studienkolleg is not mandatory to get admission to a German university. Also, this is not the only means to become eligible for entrance to a German university. There are many alternative courses that you can choose to become eligible for.

Studienkolleg provides you with a foundation course that makes you eligible for admission to a German university. This course provides you with a strong foundation to help you throughout the degree. This course also teaches you the German language which also helps you to communicate.

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