Changing Studienkolleg in Germany: Do You Need a New Visa?
- Author: Bram K.
- Last updated: 9/23/2026
- Topic: About Studienkolleg
No, you don't have to say goodbye to Germany if you did not complete Studienkolleg.
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TLDR. Steps for switching to BIC: check your documents, talk to the immigration office, apply to BIC, receive your conditional offer letter, update your residence permit.
Private and public Studienkollegs
BIC, an English- and German-taught Studienkolleg, can help you get back on track toward a German university. There are lots of cases when international students are rejected by public Studienkollegs (preparatory colleges) across Germany because they do not meet language requirements or do not pass the entrance exam.
It is well known that public Studienkollegs are really hard to get into. They are free or nearly free but with huge competition, complex entrance exams and long lists of required documents. Students also need to know German, usually at B1-B2 level.
As for private Studienkollegs, there are small classes, more flexible entrance qualifications, classes often held in English, personal support from student advisors. In return, higher tuition fees are charged. Sometimes they can be up to €12,000. BIC currently charges €10,860 which is about €1,360 per month.
Switching to BIC
What you might not know is that you can join BIC even if you have already applied to a public preparatory college in Germany, did not pass the entrance exam at a public Studienkolleg, if you had to leave a Studienkolleg and even if you are simply not fully satisfied with your current classes at another preparatory college or if you want to change your course because you plan to study something different.
No matter where you came from, you can apply to BIC's preparatory programs as long as you meet our admission requirements such as your passport, school leaving certificate, APS Certificate, if available, uni-assist result (VPD), and proof of language level.
Then all you have to do is try to get or renew your visa in your local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) and continue with your educational journey. Currently we offer over 10 partner universities both public and private with over one hundred bachelor programs.
So, yes, you do not have to leave Germany and go back to your home country for this period. You can stay in Germany with your valid residence permit, apply to BIC and with the conditional offer letter from our partner universities you can then apply for an extension or a new residence permit.
BIC doesn't have an entrance exam like public Studienkollegs do. So, as long as the admission requirements are fulfilled, students are accepted. BIC also offers a guaranteed admission to one of the partner universities once BIC is completed. Our students don't have to apply to universities hoping to get in. We take it upon ourselves!
Tips from us
Please note that usually residence permits often name a specific school, so before switching Studienkollegs students should always discuss it with the immigration office or an immigration lawyer beforehand in order to be compliant with German laws. We do not offer legal consultations but can help you with general questions about the visa application process.
If a student is expelled or exmatriculated from another preparatory college, by law they should either leave the country as their legal reason to stay in Germany is no longer valid or make an appointment with the immigration office in order to apply for another residence permit.
BIC's student advisors will guide you through the process. This support comes at no extra cost; it is included in your tuition fee payment. The final decision on any visa or residence permit is always made by the authorities.
This article is guidance, not legal advice.