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To study in Germany, your previous education should be equivalent to the German Higher Education Entrance Qualification (HZB).

If you’ve found out that your qualifications are not sufficient, you might have come across Studienkollegs. They’re essentially preparatory classes that help you get ready for university studies in Germany.

Before we explain all about Studienkollegs, check if you’re eligible to study in Germany in this or the if you haven’t already done so.

If you don’t meet all the requirements, you may be eligible for Studienkolleg and the university qualification exam (Feststellungsprüfung-FSP) as alternatives.

What is Studienkolleg (Preparatory Course)?

In Germany, Studienkolleg refers to both the institution (preparatory school) and the courses they offer (preparatory courses).

This one-year preparatory program helps international students qualify for bachelor’s studies at a university in Germany.

Studienkollegs consist of subject-specific and language training courses to bridge any gaps from previous education and prepare you for the University Qualification Exam (Feststellungsprüfung). If you pass this exam, you are eligible to apply to a German university!

Who Should Attend a Studienkolleg?

These are two of the most common situations when you have to consider a Studienkolleg:

• Your qualifications don’t grant you direct access to a German university but you are eligible to supplement them with a Studienkolleg.
• Your qualifications grant you direct access to a German university but your language skills and subject-specific knowledge are not sufficient to qualify for a specific program.

The best way to figure this out is through . Simply select your country and answer questions about your previous education.��

You need to pursue a preparatory course if you get one of these answers:

Studienkolleg Types

There are two main types of Studienkollegs for two distinct academic pathways:

• Studienkollegs affiliated with a University (Universität)
• Studienkollegs affiliated with a University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule)

A Studienkolleg affiliated with a university prepares its students for university studies, and graduates can apply to all types of higher education institutions. Graduates of Studienkollegs that are affiliated with universities of applied sciences are generally only eligible for admission to this type of institution.

Focus Courses at Studienkollegs

The two main types of Studienkollegs offer different focus courses (Schwerpunkt-Kurse) to prepare students with subject-specific knowledge in their field of studies.

Studienkollegs affiliated with universities offer these focus courses:

Whereas, Studienkollegs at universities of applied sciences offer the following focus courses:

Public vs Private Studienkolleg

Studienkollegs in Germany can also be public or private, depending on what institution hosts them.

Public ones are funded by the government or federal states and are usually directly associated with public universities. They don’t charge tuition fees, except for a modest registration fee and fees for textbooks and preparatory materials. When you complete a public Studienkolleg, you’ll receive a certificate that is state-recognized.

As for private Studienkollegs, they are less competitive and will not be as strict with their admission requirements—hence why they’re often a second option for students who are not admitted to public Studienkollegs.

They do charge tuition fees, though, and the certificates they issue are not always reliable. If you have a specific university in sight, you should confirm if a certificate from a private Studienkolleg is sufficient.��

Check out this for more information (in German).

Who Decides Which Type of Preparatory Course I Must Take?

Usually, the university you apply to will recommend which type of preparatory course you must take. You can also consult their international office to assist you with finding an appropriate Studienkolleg course that is tailored toward the degree you plan to pursue.

How Much Does Studienkolleg Cost?

Studienkollegs can cost anywhere between €100 to thousands of euros, depending on whether you attend a public or private one.��

• Public Studienkollegs don’t charge tuition. You only have to pay registration or semester fees, which often amounts to between €100 to €400 per semester.
• Private Studienkollegs charge tuition and they are free to decide on the amount. They usually range between €5,000 to €8,000.

Let’s look at the costs of some public and private Studienkollegs for comparison:

How to Apply for a Studienkolleg in Germany?

Let’s go over the process of applying to a Studienkolleg step-by-step:

Check if Your Previous Qualification Is Recognized in Germany

As the first step to finding out if you need to attend Studienkolleg in the first place, you need to check if your previous education is recognized and equivalent to that in Germany. The and are the best resources to do this.

If your education certificates don’t qualify you for direct admission to a German university but make you eligible for Studienkolleg, then you can proceed with the process.

Shortlist Universities You Want to Apply To

Next, you need to shortlist the universities you want to apply to. You can, of course, apply to multiple universities, but you need to narrow down your choices to find the appropriate Studienkolleg.

Some universities have their own preparatory programs and will forward your application if needed, while others only accept students from specific Studienkollegs. For example, the University of Stuttgart redirects its applicants to Studienkollegs at KIT or Heidelberg University.

Review the Application Method

There are three ways to directly or indirectly apply to a Studienkolleg, depending on its hosting institution:

Directly Applying to a Study Program at a University

Many public universities require you to apply to a study program first to be considered for the Studienkolleg. An example is the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). To be considered, you need to apply to one of their programs .��

If you’re accepted to the university, you’ll get an invitation to the preparatory course examination at Studienkolleg Munich. If you’re successful, you can enroll in the one-year Studienkolleg at either Technical University of Munich (TUM) or LMU.

Applying Through Uni-assist

handle their applications through uni-assist—a centralized organization helping international students apply to German universities.

If the university you want to apply to states that you need to apply with uni-assist, you should use the portal. During the application process,  you will be asked if you’re applying for admission to a Studienkolleg. If you’re not asked, uni-assist will handle your application for the Studienkolleg automatically if you need to attend it.

Directly Applying to the Studienkolleg

Some Studienkollegs—mostly private ones—accept direct applications. For example, Studienkolleg Mettingen requires applicants to fill out an application form and email it together with other required documents.

Gather Documents and Send Your Application

Here are the most common documents that are required when you apply to a Studienkolleg:

• Application form as from the university, uni-assist, or Studienkolleg (depending on application type)
• Certified copy of the university entrance qualification (school-leaving certificate), including transcripts of grades
• Proof of German language proficiency at minimum B2 level (CEFR). Some Studienkollegs may accept B1 level or proof of 500-800 hours of instruction. Here are some exams and qualifications accepted to prove B2 level German:
  • DSH-1
  • TestDaF TDN 3
  • Telc German B2
  • Goethe B2 Certificate
  • DSD II

• Copy of your passport or national ID
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• APS certificate (For Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants)

All documents should be in the original language. If this language is not English or German, you should include certified copies in one of these two languages.

Application Deadlines

Don’t forget to write down the application deadline—many students get so caught up in the process of gathering documents that they miss it. Usually, the deadline to apply for a spot in a Studienkolleg is earlier than applying directly to degree programs at a university.

Each Studienkolleg has its own deadline, so we recommend checking directly for specific information. As a general timeline, summer semester deadlines can be anywhere from the middle of November to January. Winter semester deadlines are usually from March to mid-July.

Take the Entrance Examination (Aufnahmeprüfung)

The last step to admission to a Studienkolleg is the entrance exam (Aufnahmeprüfung). You will receive an invitation and have to attend it in person (in some rare instances, Studienkollegs may offer it online).

The exam is entirely in German, but its contents vary slightly from one Studienkolleg to another and depending on the course you’re applying to. It usually includes a German language proficiency test and mathematics, alongside subject-specific questions such as in economics, physics, etc. You can find many example exams .

Studienkolleg Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Let’s answer some more questions you may have about the Studienkolleg:

How Long Does a Studienkolleg Program Last?

The standard duration of a Studienkolleg is two academic semesters, which means one academic year. On some rarer occasions, you can also find Studienkollegs that offer to shorten the program to one semester (six months) for students who showcase very good performance.

Are There Any Studienkollegs That Offer Courses Taught in English?

Unfortunately, all Studienkollegs are in German. They are meant to prepare students for bachelor’s programs, which the majority of the time are in German.

Even if you want to pursue a degree that is taught fully in English, you still have to meet German language proficiency requirements if your previous education doesn’t qualify you for direct entry to a university.

Does Completing a Studienkolleg Guarantee Admission to a German University?

The goal of the Studienkolleg is to prepare you for the university qualification exam (Feststellungsprüfung). In completing the Studienkolleg, you will definitely be more prepared for university studies, however, admission is not always guaranteed.

Admission criteria vary depending on the university and the specific program. Students are usually evaluated and shortlisted based on several factors, including exam performance, availability of spots (if the admission is restricted), and other program-specific requirements.

What Does the Curriculum of a Studienkolleg Include?

The curriculum of a Studienkolleg is planned around these three pillar competencies:

• General competencies. Focus on social and intercultural skills, teaching and learning culture in German universities, including time management, independent learning, teamwork, etc.��
• Linguistic competencies. Intensive language training to achieve proficiency up to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. You will be covering reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills in German.
• Subject-specific competencies. Specialized knowledge in subjects relevant to your chosen academic field. You will focus on foundational knowledge, learning methods, and problem-solving abilities.

You will cover subject competencies in the focus course in one of these different academic fields:

Is There Any Way I Can Skip the Studienkolleg?

You have two options if you don’t want to attend the Studienkolleg:

1. Taking the University Qualification Exam (Feststellungsprüfung) as an External Candidate

Some Studienkollegs let you take the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) independently as an external candidate, but this means you have to prepare for the exam by yourself, which can be tough.

It also involves meeting prerequisites such as:

• Conditional admission to the university
• Demonstrated inability to attend the preparatory course (for example employment, children, etc.)
• Above average grades in previous education
• Very good command of the German language (demonstrated through test scores such as TestDaf (level 4 on each section) or DSH 2
• Attendance of at least one or two consultations at the Studienkolleg
• Permission granted by the head of the Studienkolleg

Each Studienkolleg sets its own requirements for external FSP candidates, so conditions may vary.

2. Completing One Year of College/University Studies in Your Home Country

Students from some countries can qualify for direct admission or direct subject-specific admission to a German university if they successfully complete one academic year at a higher education institution in their home country. This will allow you to skip Studienkolleg, however, you may still need to prove your German language skills (among other university requirements).

If you have the opportunity to attend it, we ultimately advise against skipping the Studienkolleg. It is designed precisely to prepare you for university studies, so any chance you get for guidance and a smooth transition is better than going blindly into the process.

What Type of Visa Do I Need for Studienkolleg in Germany?

If you need a visa to study in Germany, you can apply for one of these visas for the Studienkolleg, depending on your circumstances:

• Student applicant visa. If you don’t have a confirmation of admission to a Studienkolleg, you need this visa. It allows you to remain in Germany for a period of up to three months, with the possibility to extend it for up to six months. If you’re admitted to the Studienkolleg, you have to then apply for a student residence permit.
• Student visa. If you have a confirmation that you were accepted to the preparatory course, you need to apply for a student visa. The duration of this visa depends, but you should apply for a residence permit at the local Foreigner’s Office in Germany before it expires.

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