What is Studienkolleg?
In simple words, Studienkolleg is a school for 13th class, which every non-European student must visit before he could apply for UG courses in a German university. It is a form of preparatory courses for the bachelor courses at German universities and usually lasts for one year, which is equivalent to two semesters, with the possibility of repeating only one semester.
Type of Studienkolleg:
- T Course for engineering, maths, and sciences, e.g., for bioinformatics, chemistry, geography, geology, computer science, maths, mineralogy, physics, business informatics;
- M Course for medical/biological degree programs, e.g., for biochemistry, bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, geoecology, medicine, molecular bioengineering, pharmacy, psychology, veterinary medicine, dentistry.
- W Course for business science & social science degree programs, e.g., for business studies, European economics, financial and business mathematics, law, social sciences, sociology, economics, economic geography, business informatics, business education, economic science;
- G Course for humanities, arts, languages, and social science degree programs and for psychology and law.
Requirements for Studienkolleg
- B2 level in the German language from Telc or Goethe or TestDaF or any other exam body, which is accepted in Germany
- Passing certificate of Aufnahmeprüng (entrance exam).
- 12 years of school education
Documents required to apply for Studienkolleg
- Duly filled application University form
- Passing certificate of Aufnahmeprüng
- Certified copy of academic certificates
- school-leaving certificate
- An updated CV without gaps
- Name change certificate (if applicable)
- If the student is below 18, then the consent form of the parents
- Proof of German language proficiency
Application deadlines:
- Before January 15 for the summer semester.
- Before July 15 for the Winter semester.
How to apply:
- Check with the Universities, whether you can apply directly to the Studienkolleg of your choice, or whether you need to apply via uni-assist. It is possible to apply directly to some Studienkollegs, while others require that you apply via uni-assist.
- You will receive the invitation letter for Aunnahmeprüfung (entrance exam) from the University.
- Apply for a visa at the German embassy in your home country.
- Prepare for the entrance Aunnahmeprüfung (entrance exam). The individual Studienkollegs have different entrance exams, so it is important to look for information and mock exams on the Studienkollegs’ websites. Some will have a mathematics exam and a German exam, while others will only have a German exam.
- Take the entrance exam
If you pass the entrance exam, you will be admitted to a one-year specialized course at the respective Studienkolleg. This course will prepare you well for the demands of a course of studies in Germany, and you will be able to subsequently apply at a university or a university of applied sciences.
German knowledge
When you apply to study at a Studienkolleg you must already have a knowledge of German at least at the B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Please ask the Studienkolleg where you wish to study about specific language requirements.
Aufnahmeprüfung (the entrance exam)
Since there are more applicants than places at the Studienkollegs, the available spaces are usually awarded via a ranking. In order to do this, most Studienkollegs have an entrance exam which tests you in German language and mathematics. Whether you qualify to study at a Studienkolleg depends on your results in this exam. Many Studienkollegs have mock exams on their websites. It pays to be well prepared for the entrance exam as this increases your chances of getting a place at a Studienkolleg.
Duration of the Studienkolleg and final exams
The Studienkolleg usually lasts one year and is divided into two semesters. It is possible to shorten your attendance to one semester for excellent achievement. If your performance is not satisfactory, as a rule, each semester can be repeated once. Normally the Studienkolleg ends after one year with a final assessment exam (Feststellungsprüfung).
To which University should I apply for Studienkolleg?
Click here to see the list of public Studienkollegs in Germany.
Here we have given some direct links to the universities. You can read the information and apply accordingly.