Studienkolleg in Germany: what it is and whether you need it

What is Studienkolleg

Studienkolleg is a one- to two-semester preparatory programme for international students whose education isn't directly recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur. Most students from the CIS with an 11-year secondary diploma fall into this category.

After passing the final exam (Feststellungsprüfung), you earn the right to apply to a German university.

Who needs Studienkolleg

You need it if:

You hold a Russian, Kazakh or Ukrainian 11-year secondary diploma
You plan to apply to a German public university (TU, LMU, KIT)

You don't need it if:

You already hold a bachelor's degree (apply directly for a master)
You're applying to a private German university that accepts directly
You have an IB Diploma or A-Levels (some universities recognise them without Studienkolleg)

Cost and duration

Type	Duration	Cost
Public Studienkolleg	1–2 semesters	Almost free (semester fee €200–400)
Private (at a language school or uni)	1 year	€5,000–12,000

The public option is competitive: you need B2/C1 German. The private option is more expensive but easier to get into.

Studienkolleg courses

T-Kurs — for technical and natural sciences (maths, physics)
W-Kurs — economics, law, social sciences
M-Kurs — medicine, biology, pharmacy
G-Kurs — humanities, history
S-Kurs — linguistics, education

Numerus Clausus (NC)

Admission to popular programmes (medicine, psychology, law) is restricted via NC — a competitive grade cap. Studienkolleg graduates compete alongside German applicants.

Alternative: NC-free programmes — engineering, IT, applied sciences.

German: realistic requirements

For public Studienkolleg: DSH-1 / TestDaF 3 (B2). For admission to programmes: DSH-2 / TestDaF 4 (C1).

No German? Look at English-taught programmes in Germany (about 1,500) or Foundation routes in the Netherlands/Ireland.

Bottom line

Studienkolleg is a working route if you're ready for 1–2 years of preparation and know German. If you want to start faster or have no German — there are alternative routes.

Take the quiz to find out whether the German route fits your profile.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Studienkolleg to study in Germany?

You need Studienkolleg if you hold an 11-year CIS secondary diploma (Russian, Kazakh, Ukrainian) and plan to apply to a German public university such as TU, LMU or KIT — your school leaving certificate is not directly recognised as equivalent to the Abitur. You do not need it if you already hold a bachelor's degree (apply directly for a master), have an IB Diploma or A-Levels that some universities recognise, or apply to a private German university that admits directly.

How much does Studienkolleg cost?

A public Studienkolleg is almost free — you pay only a semester fee of about €200–400 — but admission is competitive and requires B2/C1 German. A private Studienkolleg at a language school or university costs about €5,000–12,000 for one year and is easier to get into. Figures are indicative for 2026-27; confirm at the institution before applying.

What level of German do I need for Studienkolleg?

Entry to a public Studienkolleg typically requires DSH-1 / TestDaF 3, around B2. Admission to the degree programme afterwards requires DSH-2 / TestDaF 4, around C1.

Can I study in Germany without German?

Yes — Germany offers roughly 1,500 English-taught degree programmes, so if you have no German you can target those instead of a Studienkolleg, or consider Foundation routes in the Netherlands or Ireland. Note that employability in Germany after graduation often still depends on German.

What is Numerus Clausus (NC) in Germany?

Numerus Clausus is a competitive grade cap that restricts admission to popular programmes such as medicine, psychology and law — Studienkolleg graduates compete for these places alongside German applicants. NC-free alternatives include engineering, IT and applied sciences.