Final Examination (FSP): Everything You Need to Know

Short Summary

The Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) is the final exam at the end of a state Studienkolleg program that qualifies international students for university studies in Germany. At BIC, our students take the Final Examination which is equivalent to the FSP and allows our students to study at the partner university of their choice.

The exam consists of written exams in all subjects studied during the program. Students who do not reach enough points in the written examination may qualify for an oral re-examination. Often times German state Studienkollegs do not offer students the chance to retake the exam, or they must wait an entire year for the retake.

At Berlin International College, the exams usually take place in July at the end of the program. This year the exams will take place from July 6th until July 31st. 

Depending on the start date of the BIC program the final exam month may vary slightly.

BIC prepares students throughout the program with subject-specific classes and exams that ensure they are ready to pass the final assessment.

What is the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) / BIC Final Examination?

The Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) / BIC Final Examination is the final examination taken at the end of a Studienkolleg program in Germany.

It confirms that international students possess the academic knowledge required to study at a German university.

After passing the exam, students receive a qualification that allows them to apply for undergraduate degree programs in Germany, provided they meet all other admission requirements. At BIC, students are then offered unconditional admission to the partner university of their choice.

How do I prepare for the FSP / BIC Final Examination?

Students prepare for the Feststellungsprüfung by participating in a Studienkolleg program. During the program, they study the subjects that correspond to their future university field. At Berlin International College (BIC), students benefit from structured preparation that includes:

• Subject-specific academic courses aligned with the final examination
• Regular tests and assessments throughout the program
• Experienced instructors who guide students through the academic expectations of German universities

To take part in the exams, students must successfully pass and meet the academic requirements of their courses.

How is the exam structured?

At BIC, the final examination is based on all subjects students studied during their Studienkolleg program. In total, students must complete five exams, one for each subject.

The exam process consists of two possible stages:

1. Written Examinations
Students first complete written exams in each subject. These exams test the knowledge and skills gained during the program. Subjects depend on the course track but correspond to the academic preparation required for university study. If the student passes the written examination with enough points, they pass the Studienkolleg program and continue on to the partner university of their choice.

2. Oral Re-Examination (if required)
Students who do not reach the required number of points in the written exams may qualify for a second attempt in the form of an oral exam. 

Students who do not qualify for the oral re-examination or fail the oral exam do not pass the final examination and cannot study in Germany.

When does the exam take place?

The Feststellungsprüfung takes place at the end of the Studienkolleg program.

At BIC in Berlin, the exams typically take place in July. For example, in 2026 the written examinations take place from July 6th to July 31st.

Students who qualify for the oral re-examination complete it between the July 24th and July 28th.

All exams are conducted on site at Berlin International College in Berlin.
Therefore it is required that students are on campus in Berlin by the communicated deadline.

How and when will I find out if I passed the exam?

At BIC, students will receive the results of the written examinations on July 20th.The test results are always published quickly in case a student must retake the examination.

• Students who must retake part of the exam will be informed and scheduled for the oral re-examination.
• Students who take the oral exam receive their results the same day or by the following day at the latest.

What happens if you do not pass the exams?

Students who do not achieve enough points in the written exam may still have the opportunity to take an oral re-examination if they meet the required criteria.

If the oral exam is not passed or the student does not qualify for the re-examination, the BIC Studienkolleg program is considered failed. This gives BIC students two opportunities to pass the final examination.

Students who must repeat the exam should focus on:

• Reviewing weak subject areas
• Practicing past exam questions

At BIC, instructors provide feedback and guidance during the program so students understand which areas require improvement.

Feststellungsprüfung at BIC in Berlin – All You Need to Know

At Berlin International College we offer our students the chance to complete the BIC final examination, which allows them guaranteed admission to one of our partner universities. This is not the same as the FSP, which is only conducted in German.

At Berlin International College, the final examination reflects the subjects studied during the entire program.

Students complete written exams in each subject, and passing these exams confirms that they have successfully completed the academic preparation equivalent to the Feststellungsprüfung.

Because the exams are directly based on the coursework taught during the program, students benefit from targeted preparation and continuous evaluation throughout the semester.