What is a Studienkolleg?
In Germany, a Studienkolleg is a preparing college for foreign students whose college diplomas do not immediately fulfil the requirements for admission to German universities. The programme helps in bridging the academic requirements of German university institutions with your previous education.
Key Aspects of Studienkolleg
1). Purpose
- Preparation for University: The Studienkolleg prepares students for the academic demands of German universities by offering courses in subjects relevant to their intended field of study. It also helps students improve their German language skills, which are important for success in university programs taught in German.
2). Who Needs to Attend
- Eligibility: Before applying to a German university, you must enroll in a Studienkolleg if your high school certificate is not accepted as being equal to the German Abitur, which is the requirement for admission to universities in Germany. This is frequently the case for students from nations where the educational systems are very different from those in Germany.
3). Types of Studienkolleg Courses
Studienkollegs offer different types of courses depending on the academic discipline you plan to study at the university level:
- M-Kurs: For students planning to study Medicine, Biology, Pharmacy, or related fields.
- T-Kurs: For students interested in Technical subjects like Engineering, Mathematics, or Natural Sciences.
- W-Kurs: For those who wish to pursue studies in Economics, Business, or Social Sciences.
- G-Kurs: For Humanities subjects, including German Studies, History, and Philosophy.
- S-Kurs: For Language studies, particularly those focusing on modern languages and linguistics.
4). Course Structure and Duration
- Duration: The Studienkolleg is usually one year long and consists of two semesters. However, students who perform exceptionally well may be able to complete the course in one semester.
- Curriculum: The curriculum includes subject-specific courses and German language classes. The aim is to equip students with the knowledge and language proficiency needed to succeed in their university studies.
5). Assessment: The FeststellungsprüfungS (FSP)
- Final Exam: At the end of the Studienkolleg program, students must pass the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP), a final assessment that evaluates their readiness for university studies. The FSP includes exams in the subjects studied during the year, as well as a German language test.
- University Admission: Passing the FSP allows students to apply to German universities in the field related to their Studienkolleg course.
6). Language Requirements
- German Proficiency: Most Studienkollegs require a minimum level of German proficiency, usually around the B1 or B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Some Studienkollegs offer preparatory language courses for students who need to improve their German before starting the program.
Exam Section of Studienkolleg :
| Course Type | Test Part I | Test Part II |
|---|---|---|
| G course | Language analysis: Students are given 3
short factual texts over different topics. These texts will contain 75 missing or incomplete words. This task must be completed in 30 minutes or less. |
Chart evaluation: Students are provided a number of
statements which relate to one or more charts. Students must judge if these statements are correct or incorrect or are not relevant at all to the chart. This task must be completed in 30 minutes or less. |
| M, T, and W courses | Language analysis: Students are given 3
short factual texts over different topics. These texts will contain 75 missing or incomplete words. This task must bev completed in 30 minutes or less. |
Math test: The duration of the math test is about 90
minutes including breaks. This test portion can only be repeated once. The contents of the math test can be typically viewed in sample tests from the Studienkolleg. |
How to Apply for Studienkolleg?
First, make sure your educational qualifications match the standards for direct admission to a German
university. Attending a Studienkolleg will be necessary if your qualifications are not accepted as being
comparable to the German Abitur, which is the requirement for admission to universities. Making sure
that you fulfil the language proficiency standards is another thing. Most Studienkollegs require at least
an intermediate level of German, typically B1 or B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference
for Languages (CEFR).
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to choose the appropriate Studienkolleg and the
course that aligns with your intended field of study at the university level. There are different types of
courses offered at Studienkollegs, such as M-Kurs for medical studies, T-Kurs for technical and
engineering fields, W-Kurs for economics and business, G-Kurs for humanities, and S-Kurs for language
studies. Select the course that best matches your academic goals.
Prepare all the required documents for your application. This typically includes your secondary school
diploma and transcripts, proof of German language proficiency, a copy of your passport, and possibly a
motivation letter. It's important to have these documents translated into German by a certified
translator if they are not already in German or English.
Applications to Studienkollegs are often processed through Uni-Assist, A centralised agency that reviews
international student applications on behalf of German universities. The Uni-Assist portal is where you
must submit your application and supporting documents. The relevant Studienkolleg will then receive
your application. In some cases, you may need to apply directly to the university associated with the
Studienkolleg you wish to attend. Check the specific requirements of the Studienkolleg or university
where you are applying.
After submitting your application, you will likely be required to pass an entrance examination, known as
the Aufnahmetest. This test assesses your knowledge in subjects relevant to your chosen Studienkolleg
course (such as mathematics, sciences, or languages) and your German language proficiency. The exam
format and content vary depending on the type of course you are applying for. It is important to prepare
thoroughly for this test, as passing it is a prerequisite for admission to the Studienkolleg.