Studienkolleg programs in Germany are designed to prepare international students—whose secondary school diplomas aren’t equivalent to the German Abitur—for academic life at a German university. The curriculum is based on the track (Kurs) you choose, which aligns with your future field of study (e.g. medicine, engineering, business).
Let’s explore what subjects are taught in each Studienkolleg course.
📚 Overview: Studienkolleg Courses and Their Subjects
| Course (Kurs) | Focus Area | Key Subjects Taught |
|---|---|---|
| M-Kurs | Medical and biological sciences | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, German |
| T-Kurs | Technical and engineering studies | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry/Computer Science, German |
| W-Kurs | Economics and social sciences | Economics, Business Math, Social Studies, German |
| G-Kurs | Humanities and arts | History, Literature, German, Social Sciences |
| S-Kurs | Language and cultural studies | Literature, Philosophy, German, sometimes Latin or other languages |
| TI/WI/KY-Kurs (at Fachhochschule) | Applied technical, business, or artistic fields | Applied Math, Technical German, IT Basics, Project Work |
Each course prepares students for specific degree programs. Let’s break down the subjects in each track.
🔬 M-Kurs Subjects (Medicine & Biology)
For students aiming for degrees in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or biology.
Subjects:
- Biology: Human biology, genetics, cell biology
- Chemistry: Organic and inorganic chemistry relevant to life sciences
- Physics: Basic mechanics, thermodynamics, optics
- Mathematics: Focus on medical applications (e.g., statistics, functions)
- German Language: Academic German with focus on medical terminology
⚙️ T-Kurs Subjects (Technical & Engineering Fields)
For those planning to study engineering, computer science, physics, or mathematics.
Subjects:
- Mathematics: Algebra, calculus, trigonometry, linear algebra
- Physics: Mechanics, electricity, magnetism, waves
- Computer Science or Chemistry: Depending on the Studienkolleg
- German Language: Technical vocabulary, academic writing, grammar
💼 W-Kurs Subjects (Business & Economics)
For students interested in economics, business, finance, or management.
Subjects:
- Economics: Micro and macroeconomics, market structures
- Business Mathematics: Statistics, interest and growth calculations
- Social Studies: Political systems, economic theories
- German Language: Economic vocabulary, presentations, reports
📖 G-Kurs Subjects (Humanities & Social Sciences)
For degrees in literature, philosophy, history, or cultural studies.
Subjects:
- History: World history, European politics, historical sources
- German Literature: Reading and analyzing literary texts
- Philosophy/Social Studies: Basic concepts of society, ethics
- German Language: Advanced grammar, essay writing, oral presentation
🗣️ S-Kurs Subjects (Language & Philology)
Focused on language studies, linguistics, and translation studies.
Subjects:
- German Language: Deep linguistic focus, grammar, phonetics
- Literature: Literary history and analysis
- Linguistics or Other Languages: Latin, English, or another relevant language
- Cultural Studies: German and European traditions
🛠️ TI/WI/KY-Kurs Subjects (Fachhochschule Tracks)
These are offered for students entering universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Depending on the specialization:
Subjects May Include:
- Technical Mathematics
- IT/Computer Basics
- Project-based learning
- Technical German or Business German
- Scientific Methodology
🗣️ German Language Instruction (Common to All Courses)
No matter the track, all Studienkolleg students receive intensive German instruction, which focuses on:
- Academic vocabulary
- Listening and speaking
- Reading comprehension
- Essay writing
- Subject-specific terminology
The goal is to bring students to C1 level by the time they take the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP).
🧪 Final Exam Subjects: Feststellungsprüfung
At the end of Studienkolleg, students take the FSP, which tests:
- Subject-specific knowledge from your track
- German language proficiency (written and oral)
You must pass this exam to qualify for university admission.
📌 Conclusion
The subjects taught at Studienkolleg are tailored to the university program you plan to enter. Whether you’re going into medicine, engineering, economics, or the arts, the Studienkolleg curriculum ensures you’re fully prepared for academic life in Germany — both linguistically and academically.