Studienkolleg Preparatory Courses
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Studienkolleg Preparatory Courses
Germany mandates a 10+2+1 year of pre-university education for students who want to pursue an undergraduate course in Germany. The additional 1 year can be completed in a related program in India however Germany also has a system in place called Studienkolleg that allows students to complete the aforementioned 1 year in Germany itself.
In simplest terms, Studienkolleg is a preparatory course for bachelors study that is specific to Germany (and Austria and Switzerland). It is an additional step that allows those students, application opportunities to study their bachelor’s course in Germany, whose Indian educational certificates do carry enough weightage to transfer them to Germany. (Please check the Anabin Database to confirm the same). Alternatively, Studienkolleg is also advisable for those students who wish to pursue academic programs that are delivered in German.
Studienkolleg is essentially a link that connects international students to academic courses specific to Germany. Studienkolleg has two semesters and it culminates with a final exam called Feststellungsprüfung or FSP. If your performance is not satisfactory, as a rule, each semester can be repeated once. After international students have cleared their FSP, they can secure admission to a bachelor’s course in a German university.
The comprehensive curriculum of Studienkolleg is devised to align international students with the academic expectations of German universities. It may seem a bit difficult for one student, but may also come across as less intense for another; the difficulty level is thus very subjective. Studienkolleg is a compulsory requirement for students who do not possess appropriate academic qualifications, however, students with fitting academic backgrounds may also choose to attend the preparatory course only to become comfortable with the German education system.
There are two types of studienkolleg in Germany. One can opt for either or based on the preferences of language and level of pro efficiency in that language.
Most Studienkollegs offer courses for students in Germany to prepare them for their higher education at German universities. The German-taught Studienkollegs allow international students to learn the basics of German and then go to improve their language and technical skills. However, a minimum of B1 proficiency in German is required.
Some Studienkollegs are also delivered in English. To study a Studienkolleg that is taught in English, students need to possess an IELTS Overall Band Score of 6 and above.
The type of Studienkolleg that you pursue has to be aligned with the bachelor’s course that you are planning to take up. University and Applied Science are the two types of Studienkolleg available. Your future academic path is decided based on the type you select. If you clear the exams for a “University” Studienkolleg, then you can study either at a University or a University of Applied Sciences (UAS). However, if you choose an Applied Sciences Studienkolleg then you can only study at a UAS.
G, W, T, M, and S refer to the fields of studies
GD, TI, WW, and SW refer to the fields of studies
Private universities are also known to offer Studienkollegs in varied combinations. For example, the combined M+T course offered by Studienkolleg Düsseldorf is perfect for a student who is interested in medicine and technology and hasn’t made a decision yet.
Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) is the final exam that a student enrolled in a Studienkolleg has to appear for at the end of their Studienkolleg. Some Studienkollegs offer the FSPs separate from courses and others have it incorporated as a part of their curriculum. To avoid confusion, students have to check these details on the course websites of their preferred Studienkollegs beforehand. The successful clearance of this exam means that a student is ready to apply for his/her degree programme at a German university. The FSP includes German language and specialised questions from each module that was duly covered in your Studienkolleg.
Questions related to a student’s competency profile and preferred subjects are also included in the FSP. Once you have cleared Feststellungsprüfung you can apply to study at the university or university of applied sciences of your choice.
Studienkolleg is a one-year-long preparatory course and it is a very productive academic investment that has a proven record of shaping the academic bent of international students studying in Germany. There is a high chance that you will be successful in your German education if you have completed Studienkolleg. This is because the curriculum of Studienkolleg is curated to instil varied academic competencies and language proficiency in students which are quite important to university education in Germany.
Students can choose to either directly to the Studienkolleg (not available for all Studienkollegs) or choose to go via uni-assist. Directly applying to Studienkolleg is not a common approach and is generally a complicated process. Hence it is always better to apply through a university to a Studienkolleg. The university’s International Office takes up the responsibility of assisting students through the programme.
Once your visa comes through, you can come to Germany and enrol in the Studienkolleg that you have applied and tested for.
Studienkollegs can be attended at public or private universities in Germany. The Studienkollegs offered at public universities are free except for a contribution €100 – €400 per semester which students are required to pay to cover aspects like public transport tickets, administrative expenses, and campus-related services. The course curriculum in a public university is generic as compared to the ones offered at private universities.
Private Studienkollegs have a tuition fee €4,000 up to €14,000 and are generally recommended for those students who need specific university courses.
When you begin your application process it is pertinent to have a checklist of documents as mentioned below:
1. Your photo identity proof
2. National identification card
3. Letters of reference or recommendations
4. Language proficiency test & Certifications (not more than 2 years old)
5. Passport copy
6. Birth Certificate
7. Copies of degree/diploma certificates
8. Academic transcripts
9. A Statement of purpose
10. Other essays
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