Studienkolleg in Germany: who needs it and how the entrance exam works

Who has to attend a Studienkolleg?

Your school-leaving certificate decides whether you can start a degree directly or first attend a Studienkolleg. For each country it is set out whether a certificate gives direct access, access to certain subjects only, or only access to the Studienkolleg. This assessment is in the anabin database of the Standing Conference of Education Ministers. The university or uni-assist checks it when you apply.

Which German level do you need to apply?

Studienkollegs usually ask for German at least at level B1 when you apply. Some ask for more. A B1 certificate such as the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 or telc Deutsch B1 is the usual proof. Check your Kolleg's website for the certificates it accepts.

How does the entrance exam work?

Each Studienkolleg sets its own entrance exam, and they vary a lot. Some have a German test and a maths test, others only a German test. Many Kollegs publish sample tasks on their website, which show exactly what is tested.

Which courses are there?

At the Studienkolleg you spend one year in a focus course that matches the degree you want to study:

Studienkollegs at universities of applied sciences have their own courses (TI, WW, GD, SW). Important: after a Fachhochschule Kolleg you can usually not study at a university, only at a university of applied sciences. A university Kolleg opens both.

What does the Feststellungsprüfung give you?

The Studienkolleg normally lasts one year, or two semesters, and ends with the Feststellungsprüfung. If you pass, it is your university entrance qualification: you can apply at German universities for all programmes that match your focus course.

What does a Studienkolleg cost?

State Studienkollegs usually charge no tuition fees, only the semester contribution. Private Kollegs charge fees. With a private provider, check that it leads to a state-recognised qualification.

And then: which German certificate for your degree?

For a degree taught in German, most universities ask for C1, for example DSH-2 or TestDaF. See German language test for university admission and TestDaF or DSH.