If you’re an international student whose high school qualifications are not equivalent to the German Abitur, you’ll likely need to attend a Studienkolleg before starting your bachelor’s degree in Germany. But how do you actually apply?
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to apply for Studienkolleg in Germany — from eligibility to visa, entrance tests, deadlines, and more.
🧾 Step 1: Check if You Need Studienkolleg
Before applying, you need to determine whether you actually need to attend Studienkolleg. This depends on:
- Your home country’s education system
- The qualification (e.g., high school diploma, A-levels, IB)
- Your intended course of study in Germany
🔍 How to Check:
- Use the Anabin database (official recognition site)
- Use Uni-Assist to evaluate your documents
- Contact your target university’s international office
If your diploma is not equivalent, you will need to attend Studienkolleg.
🏫 Step 2: Choose the Right Studienkolleg
There are two main types of Studienkollegs:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| University Studienkolleg (Universität) | Prepares students for academic universities |
| University of Applied Sciences Studienkolleg (Fachhochschule) | Prepares students for practical/applied degrees |
You also need to choose your track/course based on your intended degree:
| Track | For Degree In |
|---|---|
| T-Kurs | Engineering, Technology, IT, Math |
| M-Kurs | Medicine, Biology, Pharmacy |
| W-Kurs | Business, Economics, Social Sciences |
| G-Kurs | Humanities, History, German Literature |
| S-Kurs | Language, Art, and Culture |
💡 Important: You must apply to a Studienkolleg that matches your future university program.
📄 Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
Most Studienkollegs (especially public ones) have strict documentation requirements. Prepare certified and translated versions of the following:
🗂️ Required Documents:
- Passport (valid for at least 1 year)
- High school diploma or school-leaving certificate
- Academic transcripts (marksheets)
- Proof of university application or conditional admission (if needed)
- Language certificate (usually B1/B2 level German)
- Motivation letter (optional in private Studienkollegs)
- CV (optional)
- Passport-size photographs
📝 All documents must usually be translated into German by a certified translator and notarized.
📝 Step 4: Apply via Uni-Assist or Directly
There are two main application methods for Studienkolleg:
1. Via Uni-Assist (for public Studienkollegs)
Many public Studienkollegs accept applications only through Uni-Assist, a centralized platform that checks and forwards your documents to universities.
Steps:
- Create an account on Uni-Assist
- Upload your documents
- Pay the processing fee (around €75 for the first university + €30 for each additional one)
- Submit your application
Uni-Assist will issue a Vorprüfungsdokumentation (VPD) – a pre-evaluation document – if your documents are accepted.
2. Direct Application (especially for private Studienkollegs)
Private Studienkollegs or some public ones with their own portal allow you to apply directly.
Steps:
- Go to the Studienkolleg’s official website
- Check deadlines and application instructions
- Submit documents via email or online portal
🧪 Step 5: Prepare for the Entrance Exam (Aufnahmetest)
Most Studienkollegs require students to pass an entrance test. This typically includes:
🔍 Common Subjects in the Entrance Test:
- German language (reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar)
- Mathematics (for T/W-Kurs)
- Basic science (for M-Kurs, sometimes)
- Logic or general knowledge (occasionally)
⏱️ Duration: Usually 90 to 180 minutes
📍 Location: Online or at the Studienkolleg campus
💡 Some Studienkollegs (especially private) may waive the test or offer a placement test instead.
📬 Step 6: Get Admission Offer
If you pass the entrance exam and meet all requirements:
- You’ll receive an admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid) to the Studienkolleg.
- In some cases, admission is tied to a specific university (so you must apply to the university first and get conditional admission).
With this admission letter, you can apply for your student visa.
🛂 Step 7: Apply for a German Student Visa
International (non-EU) students will need a student visa to attend Studienkolleg in Germany.
📑 Required Documents for Visa:
- Studienkolleg admission letter
- Valid passport
- Proof of financial means (blocked account with €11,208 or official sponsor)
- Health insurance
- Proof of German language skills (B1/B2)
- Visa application form and appointment
🎯 Apply for a national visa (type D) at the German embassy in your country. The processing time can take 6–12 weeks.
🎒 Step 8: Enroll and Start Studienkolleg
Once you receive your visa and arrive in Germany:
- Visit the Studienkolleg and submit original documents
- Pay semester fees (if applicable)
- Get your student ID and public transport card
- Register your address (Anmeldung) in your city
- Open a bank account and activate your health insurance
Congratulations! You’re officially a Studienkolleg student.
📆 Application Deadlines
⏰ Typical Application Deadlines:
| Semester | Apply By |
|---|---|
| Winter Semester (starts Oct) | April – July |
| Summer Semester (starts April) | November – January |
But each Studienkolleg may have its own deadlines. Always check the official site of the Studienkolleg or university.
💰 Cost of Studienkolleg
| Type | Approximate Fees |
|---|---|
| Public Studienkolleg | Free tuition, but semester contribution (€100–€400) |
| Private Studienkolleg | €3,000 – €6,000 per year |
Also consider:
- Health insurance: ~€120/month
- Rent: €250–€500/month
- Food, transport, other expenses: €300–€500/month
You may be allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year as a student.
✅ Summary: Application Checklist
✅ Check if you need Studienkolleg
✅ Choose the correct course (T/M/W/G/S-Kurs)
✅ Gather all documents (translated + certified)
✅ Apply via Uni-Assist or directly
✅ Prepare for and pass the entrance test
✅ Receive admission letter
✅ Apply for student visa
✅ Arrive, enroll, and start your Studienkolleg journey
📌 Final Tips
- Start early: Applying, getting admission, and getting a visa can take several months.
- Practice German daily: Strong language skills are critical to passing the entrance and final exams.
- Be organized: Missing documents or deadlines can delay your plans by 6 months or more.
- Plan finances: Opening a blocked account is mandatory for most visa applications.
If you want help finding a suitable Studienkolleg based on your target degree and country of origin, feel free to ask!