German preparatory college (Studienkolleg) - An overview

In this article, we'll give you a brief overview of Studienkollegs.

What is a Studienkolleg?

A Studienkolleg is an institution that prepares students for their university studies. Students whose university entrance qualification is not recognized in Germany will need, before starting their university studies, to attend a course at a Studienkolleg that could last two semesters. They complete this course with an assessment test (Feststellungsprüfung) before applying to a German university. German is mandatory in all Studienkolleg courses, even if you've already obtained a German language certificate qualifying you for university. The other subjects will depend on the specialization you choose at a German university. A complete overview of German universities is available in this article.

Your university will indicate which category of subjects you need to take to ensure you're well prepared for your future academic path.

Types of Studienkollegs

Just like universities, Studienkollegs are also divided into general Studienkollegs and applied sciences Studienkollegs, as preparatory courses for general universities and universities of applied sciences. The subject choices would, of course, be different between general Studienkollegs and applied sciences Studienkollegs.

What courses are taught at a Studienkolleg?

General Studienkollegs, in cooperation with universities, will offer the 5 categories below for preparatory classes:

• G Course (German, social studies, history, German literature): for degrees in humanities or German studies
• M Course (German, biology, chemistry, physics): for degrees in medicine, biology, and pharmacy
• T Course (German, mathematics, chemistry, physics): for degrees in mathematics, sciences, or technology
• W Course (German, mathematics, macroeconomics, English): for degrees in business, economics, and social sciences
• S Course (history, literature, social studies, German): for degrees in languages

On the other hand, there are 4 category choices for students at applied sciences Studienkollegs, as follows:

• TI Course (mathematics and computer science, natural sciences, German, technical drawing): for technical and engineering degrees
• WW Course (mathematics and computer science, economics, German, English): for degrees in economics and business
• GD Course (German, mathematics, design, physics): for degrees in design and art
• SW Course (mathematics, pedagogy, German): for degrees in social sciences

Fees for studying at a Studienkolleg

Most Studienkollegs linked to public universities offer preparatory classes without tuition fees. You simply need to pay administrative fees ranging from 100 to 400€ per semester. Some public Studienkollegs are available here.

If you study at a Studienkolleg at a private university, tuition fees may vary according to the institution's regulations. For example: Freshman Institute in Aachen 17,500€, Rheinland Privatschule in Duisburg and Düsseldorf 3,000€. You can also find information on private Studienkollegs by clicking here.

At the same time, you should also calculate your living expenses during your Studienkolleg period, which range between 700 and 800€/month.

For more information on how to apply for a Studienkolleg, check out this article.