What is a Studienkolleg?

Essential Takeaways

• Public Studienkollegs are free; private Studienkollegs charge tuition.
• Private Studienkollegs offer smaller classes, extra support, a guaranteed place at a partner university upon successful completion of the Studienkolleg program.
• Common courses include G (Humanities), W (Economics), T (Technical), M (Medical), and S (Language).
• Requirements include school certificates, German language proficiency, and sometimes entrance exams.
• Studienkolleg is needed if the school-leaving certificate is not equivalent to the German Abitur; eligibility can be checked via Anabin or university assessment.

Costs and Fees

Public Studienkollegs are usually state-funded without tuition and require a small semester fee. They, however, have very limited space and conduct classes only in German. Private Studienkollegs have approx. €12,000 in tuition fees, but offer a much wider range of student services, smaller clases, courses in English, and guarenteed admission to a partner university.

What are the requirements?

For admission to a public Studienkolleg an entrance exam is required, typically testing German and mathematics. Only those who pass the test with a high score may enroll.

Private preparatory college requirements may vary. At BIC we review the following:

• Final grade and background in high school leaving certificate
• English language skills (IELTS, Cambrige, TOEFL)
• Admission possibility according to Anabin, the information portal for foreign educational credentials
• Any requirements demanded by the partner university the applicant has chosen

Note that BIC does not conduct an entrance exam. Only the above mentioned requirements are checked to grant an applicant admission.

Studienkolleg Course Types

Depending on what you want to study, there are various preparatory courses available at public and private preparatory colleges:

• T-Course (Technical/Engineering) – for engineering, IT, or natural sciences
• M-Course (Medical/Pharmacy/Biology) – for medicine, pharmacy, biology, or related subjects
• W-Course (Economics/Business) – for business, economics, and social sciences
• G-Course (Humanities) – for arts, languages, and cultural studies
• S-Course (Language) – for language studies or teaching-related degrees

For example, if you want to become an engineer, you must take the technical course (T-Course); if you are interested in studying medicine, you must take the medical course (M-Course) and so on. Your school-leaving qualifications also determine which course you can take as well: if you have not studied mathematics for a minimum number of years at school, you will not be able to take the T-course.

It is not common to switch between courses, and most preparatory colleges only allow one application.

BIC’s partner universities offer a wide range of bachelor's degree programs in engineering, IT, and business. Therefore BIC offers W- and T- courses.

Duration

Studienkolleg in Germany usually lasts two semesters and generally begins in August or September, February or March. At BIC, our upcoming intake will start on November 16th, 2026.

At Studienkollegs there are intermediate exams in order to pass the courses. Those who fail the midterm exams can retake them only once. To do so, the preparatory college is usually extended by one semester (3 semesters in total), or students can register for exam preparation only. If the test is failed twice, it is usually not possible to continue the program.

A private preparatory college may offer additional options and more flexible structures. BIC always starts in November or December, and is finished within 8 months time. This is to guarantee our students a smooth transition to one of our partner universities in the following October.

Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) and Diploma

The Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) is the final examination taken at the end of the Studienkolleg and serves as proof that an international student is academically prepared for university studies in Germany.

It usually consists of written exams in subjects relevant to the students chosen bachelors program, along with an oral exam that allows students to demonstrate deeper understanding and communication skills. Throughout the preparatory course, students complete regular tests, presentations, and mid-term assessments that help them track their progress and determine whether they are ready to take the FSP (final examination).

There are two ways to take the exam: the internal and the external FSP. The internal version is completed at the same Studienkolleg where the student has been studying, offering a structured learning environment and generally higher passing rates. The external FSP, by contrast, is taken by students who prepare independently, giving them more flexibility but also requiring a great deal of self-discipline.

BIC has its own final exam, which is recognized by its partner universities. If the exam is passed, students can proceed directly to the partner university and into the program of their choice. If the exam is not passed, the BIC program can be repeated to allow for another attempt at the exam. During the program, students take regular assessment tests at BIC. These help them to be aware of their current level of knowledge, and prepare for the final exam.

Who has to take the Studienkolleg program? Can I skip it?

Studienkolleg is required for applicants whose high school leaving certificates are not considered equivalent to the German Abitur (German High School). Whether this requirement applies to you can be determined through the Anabin database or by having a university admissions office review your documents.

In certain cases, Studienkolleg can be skipped, for example when you have already studied a certain amount of time at a university in your home country, or if your high school qualification is recognized as sufficient in Germany The decision always depends on a students individual educational background.

How difficult is Studienkolleg?

Students whose school-leaving certificate is not recognized as equivalent to a German high school diploma must generally attend a Studienkolleg.

Studienkolleg can feel quite demanding in comparison to many foreign school curricula. It replaces the final years of German secondary school and combines intensive subject classes.

Here are a few tips for mastering Studienkolleg:

• Attend all classes and stay disciplined. Regular presence helps you keep up with pace.
• Prepare early for the final exam, don’t leave studying to the last minute.
• Use study groups: working with fellow students can clarify difficult topics and improve motivation.

Are there alternatives to Studienkolleg?

Alternatives to Studienkolleg are very limited if a school-leaving certificate is not recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur.

Some students may complete a foundation or preparatory year at private universities, which combine language and subject preparation. Others might gain admission through an internationally recognized qualification, such as the IB Diploma, or by completing university studies in another country and transferring to Germany afterwards. In rare cases, certain universities allow special entry programs for applicants with relevant experience or partial qualifications.

Every student's academic background is different, therefore the possibility of taking an alternative program is individualized.

What are the differences between private and public Studienkollegs?

Public Studienkollegs are low in cost and follow a fixed curriculum, but classes are large and conducted only in German, and support is limited. Passing the public final examination is required, and preparation is mostly self-directed.

Private Studienkollegs, such as BIC charge tuition, but offer small class sizes and more individual guidance and personal services. While private Studienkollegs cost more, they give students a well-structured, supportive environmen, often offer pathways to partner universities, and increase the chances that a student will succeed in their higher studies.

Why is Studienkolleg important?

Studienkollegs help students who do not have a German high school diploma prepare for German university. They provides subject-relevant knowledge and the academic skills needed for studying in Germany. They also give insight into life and culture in Germany, helping students to settle in. Overall, they combine professional preparation, language practice, and cultural understanding, making the transition to university and daily life in Germany much smoother.

Entrance Exams

Public Studienkollegs usually have an entrance exam to check if students have the right knowledge and German skills for the course. The exam often includes math, science, and German, depending on the desired course of study. It can be difficult for those not used to the German school system or language. 

Private Studienkollegs like BIC usually do not require an entrance exam, making it easier to start. Students can join based solely on their previous qualifications, while still receiving personalized support to improve language and academic skills during the program.

How do I apply for a Studienkolleg?

There are two main ways to apply for a Studienkolleg: directly to the Studienkolleg itself or via Uni-Assist.

Applying directly means sending the required documents, such as school certificates, passport copy, and language certificates, straight to the Studienkolleg. The institution reviews the application and informs the student if they are accepted or invited to an entrance exam, if applicable.

The second method is through Uni-Assist, a centralized service that evaluates foreign school certificates for many German universities and Studienkollegs. Applicants submit their documents to Uni-Assist, which checks them for equivalency with the German Abitur. Once approved, the application is forwarded to the chosen Studienkolleg or university, which then handles admission.

Private Studienkollegs like BIC offer a more streamlined process. Applications are submitted online, and staff provide guidance on required documents and deadlines. BIC reviews the application and supports in the next steps. Entrance exams are usually not required, making it easier for students to start quickly. Personalized advice and guidance help ensure that all necessary steps, including visa and accommodation arrangements, are completed smoothly.

Next Steps

Whether Studienkolleg is mandatory depends on the recognition of your school-leaving certificate. If your certificate is not considered equivalent to the German high school diploma, attending Studienkolleg is usually required before starting a university degree in Germany. Students from certain countries or with specific qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or university studies abroad, may be exempt. The Anabin database or the university’s admissions office can confirm whether Studienkolleg is necessary for your individual case. Some private Studienkollegs may offer flexible entry options depending on prior qualifications.

Choosing the right Studienkolleg depends on your intended field of study at a German university. Studienkollegs are organized into different course tracks:

• T-Course (Technical/Engineering) – for engineering, IT, or natural sciences
• M-Course (Medical/Pharmacy/Biology) – for medicine, pharmacy, biology, or related subjects
• W-Course (Economics/Business) – for business, economics, and social sciences
• G-Course (Humanities) – for arts, languages, and cultural studies
• S-Course (Language) – for language studies or teaching-related degrees

The choice also depends on personal preferences such as class size, support, language preparation, and location. Private Studienkollegs like BIC offer smaller classes and individual guidance and guarenteed admission to a partner university.

To decide, check which track matches your intended university program and review the Studienkolleg’s structure, support services, 

Before starting Studienkolleg, international students need to complete several important steps. Non-EU students must apply for a German student visa, providing documents such as the admission letter, passport, health insurance, and proof of language skills. Proof of financial resources is required, usually through a blocked account (Sperrkonto), which holds funds and releases a monthly allowance of about €11,904 per year or €992 per month. Health insurance is also mandatory, either through German student plans or valid EU coverage.

Accommodation should be arranged in advance. After arrival, registration at the local Einwohnermeldeamt and applying for a residence permit at the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) are required. Completing these steps early ensures a smooth start and allows students to focus on academic and language preparation.

You can find detailed information on all of the above subjects in other BIC guides.