Studienkolleg in Germany (Prep Course)

If you are an international student from a non-EU country and wish to study in Germany, you must first determine whether German colleges would accept your prior education. Every school diploma obtained in your nation must be compared against and translated into German qualification terms in order to be accepted. There is a small number of foreign degrees that have been determined to be comparable to German degrees.

Many international students who have no prior knowledge of the German educational system flee in fear that their goal of studying in Germany is over. However, the Studienkolleg program at German universities offers you a remedy.

Although many students view the Studienkolleg course as a waste of time, it has been found that international students who take it before beginning their normal studies tend to fare better than those who don't.

Studienkolleg courses

Depending on study field you want to study in Germany you’ll be required to attend one of the following Studienkolleg courses:

• T-Kurs: German, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Informatics
• M-Kurs: German, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology
• W-Kurs: German, Mathematics, Economics, Business and Sociology
• G-Kurs: German, History, German Literature, Sociology and Statistics

As you can see, German language classes are a top priority in a Studienkolleg because regardless of the type of the course you will learn the German language. If your regular course is taught in English which is more likely at the postgraduate level, you will be taught the English language.

In fact, equipping you with a solid level of knowledge in a language is one of the most fundamental goals of Studienkolleg. Furthermore, language courses will count for the highest number of classes during a Studienkolleg course.

By the time you enter this preparatory course you have to possess a minimum level of knowledge in German or English, depending on which language you’re university course is taught. Typically, a B1 or B2 level language is required from German universities to attend a Studienkolleg.

During the one-year foundation course, you’re going to use English or German language in different contexts related to your study fields, like science, business or economics, and this will significantly improve your level of language which is a vital factor to succeed in your regular studies in Germany.

Find a Studienkolleg and a course

Now that you know you have to undertake a foundation degree course before being admitted you must find a proper Studienkolleg and a suitable course.

At this point you might be asking yourself (quite reasonable indeed): Is my chosen university where I will attend my Studienkolleg?

Well, it depends. Though a majority of universities run these courses on their own there are several which don’t. Some universities like the University of Stuttgart requires their incoming foreign students to attend a preparatory course at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) or at the Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg. Moreover, there are private organizations that organize Studienkolleg courses separated from any university.

Apply for a place at the Studienkolleg

Once you have gathered all the necessary paperwork, you can submit your application. Your application can be submitted online or by mail. Note that unless it is a private university, you cannot apply directly to the Studienkolleg. You must submit an application through your university if the Studienkolleg is overseen by it.

The online application can be submitted through Uni-Assiste.de, the application platform for German universities. There aren't many institutions that use their own online application platforms rather than taking part in this platform.

Pay extra attention to application deadlines as late applications are not admitted. Commonly, application deadlines for a Studienkolleg are:

• Before January 15 for the summer semester
• Before July 15 for the Winter semester

Take the entrance exam

In order to enrol in a Studienkolleg course in Germany, you must meet a minimum level of proficiency in the fundamental disciplines relevant to the chosen regular course. By taking an entrance exam that gauges your general knowledge and proficiency in those topics, you are expected to demonstrate this.

The entrance test shouldn't be that challenging. It primarily aims to pinpoint your biggest language and other significant subject challenges. You'll take a test to gauge your progress during the Studienkolleg course at the conclusion of the preparation course. You won't be admitted to the university if you don't demonstrate good improvement.