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

• G: Geisteswissenschaften ( humanities or German studies)
• W: Wirtschaft (business, economics, & social sciences)
• T: Technik (mathematics, science, & technical)
• M: Medizin (medical, biology, & pharmaceutical)
• S: Sprachen (languages).

GD, TI, WW, and SW refer to the fields of studies

• GD: Gestaltung/Design (design & art).
• TI: Technik/Ingenieurwissenschaften (tech/engineering).
• WW: Wirtschaftswissenschaften (business/economics).
• SW: Sozialwissenschaften (social sciences).

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. 

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.

1. Once you have determined that your previous academic certificates do not feature on the Anabin Database, you can begin your application for Studienkolleg
2. The next step is to inquire and research about the Studienkollegs that are best suited to your academic needs
3. You can then determine if you can apply directly to the Studienkolleg or if you need to apply via uni-assist
4. You will then have to collate the mandatory documents needed for the Studienkolleg of your choice
5. An application form, Resume or CV, Academic Certificates/degree/diploma, and German language certificate of B1 proficiency (from institutes like Geothe, Telck, and Testdaf ) are general application requirements
6. The Studienkolleg review’s a student’s document and then allows the student to appear for an entrance exam (a private Studienkolleg does not have an entrance exam)
7. Students are then intimated about their performance in the said exam and those successful are given a letter of acceptance from the Studienkolleg
8. The letter of acceptance can then be used to apply for a student visa
9. A student can then apply for a visa at their German Mission abroad to understand the requirements of the student visa application process and proceed

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