If the school leaving certificate from your home country does not directly entitle you to university admission in Germany, attends the Studienkolleg – a one-year preparatory institution that ends with the assessment test. If you don't plan for this from the start, you will lose an entire round of applications.
Basics
The preparatory course is not a setback or a punishment for a poor degree. It is a structured recognition path for qualifications that have a different status in German recognition.
The Studienkolleg is a state or university-owned institution that prepares international students for the German university system in two semesters. At the end there is this Assessment test (FSP) – the equivalent of the German university entrance qualification for graduates with a qualification that is not directly recognized.
Anyone who passes the assessment test can then apply regularly to German universities - with the same rights as applicants with a German Abitur. In some federal states, the FSP grades are included in the admission average.
There are two types: State preparatory colleges (assigned to a federal state) and university-owned preparatory colleges (affiliated to a specific university). In the case of university-owned colleges, admission according to the FSP is usually tied to this university. State colleges entitle you to apply to all universities in the respective federal state.
Course selection
The preparatory college is divided into focus courses - depending on the desired field of study. The choice of course determines the subjects of the assessment test. Choose the right course based on your study goals, not your personal strengths.
Which course suits your study goals?
Engineering, computer science, natural sciences
Medicine, pharmacy, biology, dentistry
Business studies, economics, law, social affairs
Languages, history, philosophy, pedagogy
German studies, translation, cultural studies
Recording
The preparatory college has its own application deadlines, its own entrance exams and its own language requirements – regardless of the university application deadlines.
Requirements, deadlines and entrance examination
For admission to the preparatory college, proof of German at at least B2 level is required. Some colleges require C1. This also applies if the preparatory college itself offers German courses - proof is an admission requirement, not a goal of the college.
In addition to proof of language skills, most preparatory colleges also take an entrance exam. This tests mathematics and/or German, depending on the course type. Anyone who does not pass the entrance exam will be noted for the next appointment or rejected. The exam content is public - targeted preparation is possible and recommended.
| semester | Recording | Application deadline (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Winter semester | October | March – May |
| Summer semester | April | September – November |
Final exam
The assessment test is the conclusion of the preparatory college – and at the same time the admission ticket for the university application. Anyone who passes it has acquired the equivalent of the German university entrance qualification.
Process, subjects and what happens if you fail
The FSP consists of written and oral examinations in the subjects of the respective course. German is a compulsory subject in all course types. The examination results are summarized in an overall grade, which serves as the basis for admission.
| Course | Written examination subjects |
|---|---|
| T course | German, mathematics, physics or chemistry |
| M course | German, biology, chemistry or physics |
| W course | German, mathematics, economics |
| G course | German, history or social studies, English |
| S course | German (intensive), English, regional studies |
The FSP can be repeated once. Anyone who fails twice will no longer be able to complete the preparatory course in Germany. A repetition means: another six to twelve months of waiting time. Targeted exam preparation from the first day of the course is therefore not an option, but a requirement.
Schedule
This is what a realistic schedule for the preparatory college for the winter semester looks like - from the application to the first university semester.
Application to the preparatory college
Submit documents, provide proof of language skills. Apply early – Places are limited.
Entrance exam and acceptance
Entrance test (German + subject test depending on the course). If accepted: apply for a visa.
Start of preparatory college – 1st semester
Subject preparation in the course topics. Parallel: Research the university and course of study.
2nd semester – exam preparation
Focus on assessment test. Parallel: Prepare your university application (Deadline July 15).
Assessment test (FSP)
Written and oral examinations in the course subjects. The result determines university admission.
Submit a university application
Apply with FSP result and acceptance letter. Deadline: July 15th for winter semester.
First university semester
Total time from application to start of studies: approx. 18 months.
Costs
State preparatory colleges are generally free of charge. However, living expenses for one year must be proven and financed.
| Post | Amount (approx.) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| College fees | 0 – 2,500 €/semester | State colleges: mostly free of charge; private: chargeable |
| Registration fee | 50 – 200 € | Once upon admission |
| Semester fee | 150 – 380 € | Incl. semester ticket, student union |
| Accommodation | 350 – 900 €/month | Strongly city dependent; Dormitory cheaper |
| attitude to life | 500 – 800 €/month | Food, transport, communication |
| Blocked account (visa) | €934/month × duration | For visa application – released monthly |
A blocked account must also be provided for the language course or preparatory college visa. The minimum amount is €934 per month the planned length of stay. For twelve months of preparatory college: at least €11,208 in the blocked account.
What comes next
You now know what the Studienkolleg means.
Let us clarify whether and which course applies to you.
Free · No obligation · 30-45 minutes
As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.