Overview
A Studienkolleg is a preparatory programme in Germany for international students whose school-leaving certificate is not directly recognised as a German university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung). It is not itself a university degree programme; it is a bridging course that ends in an exam, the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP), which, once passed, qualifies the student to apply to study at German universities and universities of applied sciences.
Who can take it
International students whose foreign secondary school qualification is not accepted on its own for direct university admission in Germany need to attend a Studienkolleg before applying to a degree programme.
Structure or exam pattern
| Track type | For studies at |
|---|---|
| M, W, G, T, S | Universities (medicine/pharmacy, economics/social sciences, humanities, technical/scientific, language-related fields respectively) |
| TI, WW, GD, SW | Universities of applied sciences (technical, economics, creative/artistic, social sciences respectively) |
Students choose the track (Schwerpunktkurs) that matches their intended degree subject, attend coursework over the programme, and then sit the Feststellungsprüfung in their subject courses plus German.
What it covers
Coursework builds the general, subject-specific and German-language skills needed for German-medium university study. The Feststellungsprüfung tests the subjects taken in the chosen track together with German.
Scoring and results
The Feststellungsprüfung can be repeated once if not passed the first time.
Recognition
A passed Feststellungsprüfung allows the student to apply for admission to degree programmes at German universities and universities of applied sciences, matched to the track taken.
Dates and fees
A Studienkolleg programme typically runs one academic year across two semesters; students with strong results may sometimes finish in one semester, while others may need to repeat a semester. Public Studienkollegs are generally free of tuition, aside from the standard semester contribution charged by German higher-education institutions; private Studienkollegs charge tuition.
How to register
Applicants apply directly to a Studienkolleg, or in some cases through uni-assist, depending on the institution; a language requirement (commonly A2 to B1 level German at application) usually applies before enrolment.
Preparation tips
Confirm which track (Schwerpunktkurs) matches your intended degree subject before applying, since the track determines which university subjects you can later study.
Build German to the level required before the Feststellungsprüfung, since the exam includes a German-language component alongside subject exams.
Is Studienkolleg required for every international student in Germany?
No. It is required only for students whose foreign school-leaving certificate is not directly recognised as a German university entrance qualification.
What happens if a student fails the Feststellungsprüfung?
The exam can be repeated once. If it is not passed on the second attempt, the student cannot continue on that Studienkolleg pathway at that institution.
Does passing the Feststellungsprüfung guarantee a university place?
It qualifies the student to apply to degree programmes matched to their track; admission to a specific programme still depends on that programme's own application process.