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The Studienkolleg route

If your school-leaving certificate does not give you direct access to studies in Germany, a Studienkolleg prepares you for the Feststellungsprüfung — the exam that opens access to studies.

Do you need a Studienkolleg?

You need a higher-education entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung, HZB) to start a degree in Germany. The ZAB's anabin database (opens in a new tab) shows how foreign school certificates are assessed. If your certificate does not give direct access, you can apply for a place at a Studienkolleg. Depending on the university, you apply directly or through uni-assist.

Course types

Each course prepares for a group of subjects.

CoursePrepares forOffered at
T-KursMathematics, natural sciences and technical subjectsUniversities
M-KursMedicine, biology and pharmacyUniversities
W-KursEconomics and social sciencesUniversities
G-KursHumanities and German studiesUniversities
S-KursLanguage studiesUniversities
TI-KursTechnical and engineering subjectsUniversities of applied sciences
WW-KursEconomicsUniversities of applied sciences
GD-KursDesign and artUniversities of applied sciences
SW-KursSocial sciencesUniversities of applied sciences

Duration, language and costs

  • The course usually lasts two semesters; with very good results it can be shortened to one semester.
  • Most Studienkollegs teach in German and develop your German up to level C1.
  • State Studienkollegs usually charge no tuition apart from the semester fee; private Studienkollegs often charge fees.
  • Admission, including any entrance test, its level and its content, is decided by each Studienkolleg. Check the Studienkolleg's own website before you prepare.

The Feststellungsprüfung

The course ends with the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP). Passing it opens access to studies throughout Germany in the subjects that match your course type. The German part of the FSP also counts as proof of German proficiency for all degree programmes (RO-DT 2020 § 5 (2)).

You can also prepare on your own and take the FSP as an external candidate, but external places are often limited.

Prepare with German Prep

There is no national entrance test for Studienkollegs, so German Prep does not simulate one. Practise general German at B1, C-tests and reading instead — results here are practice percentages only.
C-test practiceB1 lessonsPlacement test

Official sources