Studienkolleg: Requirements & Application process
Everything you need to know to successfully apply to the Studienkolleg Prep4University in Germany — from eligibility and documents to deadlines and visa support.
Your steps to the Studienkolleg Prep4university in Germany
Do you want to study in Germany? Do you have to complete a preparatory course (Studienkolleg) before studying? Which requirements do you have to fulfill? When is the Studienkolleg application deadline? How does the application process at the Studienkolleg Prep4University work? Here, you will find all the valuable information you need to start your Studienkolleg Prep4University application process.
The best part: The application process at Prep4University is straightforward – with no entrance exam. You may even be able to apply today!
The requirements for the Studienkolleg Prep4University - Your school certificate
Your current or expected diploma must qualify you to attend a university in the country where you obtained your secondary school certificate (exception: IB Diploma). Here at the Studienkolleg Prep4University, we make the process easier for you. You don’t have to check whether your qualification is recognized in Germany – our team does that. Simply get in touch with us.
There are two possible outcomes:
- Your Secondary School Certificate is recognised in Germany as equivalent to the Abitur or Fachabitur. This means that you can apply directly for a place at a university in Germany and do not have to attend a preparatory course. Attention: The recognition does not mean that your knowledge is sufficient for the desired study. Keep in mind that the study contents in Germany require the knowledge of the German Abitur. It is always worth considering attending a Studienkolleg in order to improve your chances of success in your subsequent bachelor’s degree course.
- Your Secondary School Certificate is not recognised in Germany as equivalent to the Abitur or Fachabitur. This means you usually must take an assessment test, for which you should study for a year at a Studienkolleg – like Prep4University.
Additional requirements for the Studienkolleg Prep4University
To take part at the Studienkolleg, you need good language skills in either German or English. At most Studienkollegs in Germany, courses and exams are taught entirely in German, which requires a minimum B2 level. Prep4University also offers a German Track of this kind.
Since Prep4University is based in the federal state North Rhine-Westphalia, we also have permission to run an English Track – offered at our campus in Cologne. Here, classes are taught in English, supported by intensive German lessons. Graduating from the English Track qualifies you to apply for English-taught degree programmes in North Rhine-Westphalia as well as universities in other federal states which accept the English Feststellungsprüfung.
- Proof of health insurance
- (Our Prep4University team will guide you through all these steps.)
- A recognised higher education entrance certificate from your home country
- A valid student visa (not a tourist visa)
- Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover one year in Germany
- Proof of English proficiency:
- IELTS: Band 6.0
- TOEFL (iBT): 72 points
- DUOLINGO: 105 points
- If English was your school’s language of instruction, a school certificate may be sufficient. Other certificates may also be accepted – we will clarify this with you. The fastest option is the Duolingo test: it takes only one hour, is affordable, and you can send us the result directly.
- No German skills are required. During your two semesters you will reach at least B1, often B2 (roughly equivalent to DSH 1–2 or TestDaF TDN 3–4).
- No English skills are required. During your two semesters you will reach at least B1, possibly B2.
- German language skills at B2 CEFR level. Other certificates may be accepted case by case.
- If German was the language of instruction at your school, a school certificate may suffice.
Plan your timing carefully: Studienkolleg Deadlines
Don’t underestimate the time needed for preparation and start planning you’re and keep the Studienkolleg application deadline in mind. Therefore, go ahead and apply today at Prep4University, even if you don’t have all the documents at hand yet.
If you need a visa for Germany, keep in mind that the process could take a couple of months – and the confirmation of admission from us would be required. Additionally, for a student visa, you usually would have to pay about 12,000 euros into a blocked account as part of your visa application. We know that the topic of visas is complex, so we will help you with information about the necessary bureaucratic steps.
Tip: Issuing a passport or visa sometimes takes longer than expected. At Prep4University we offer you the flexibility of starting the first weeks of your first semester virtually, making sure you don’t miss anything while waiting for your passport or visa.
Studienkolleg Prep4University application deadline:
- Summer semester (start February): January 6 (no visa required) / October 15 (with visa requirement)
- Winter semester (start August): August 6 (no visa required) / May 15 (with visa requirement)
The application process for Studienkolleg Prep4University
Applying to Studienkolleg Prep4University is very easy. You do not need to have all the documents at hand. You can submit missing documents at any time. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and start your application now!
1. Documents & Certificates
- Proof of schooling: You have completed (or are about to complete) secondary school in your home country. We need your diploma or a certificate from your school confirming you are about to graduate. Examples: High School Diploma, A-Level, Gaokao, IB Diploma, plus transcripts.
Certificates must be in the original language and, if not German or English, with a certified translation.
- Language certificate: For the English Track – IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72, or Duolingo 105. For the German Track – CEFR B2. Other certificates may be accepted case by case.
Tip: The Duolingo test is a quick and affordable option – you can do it online and get results within an hour.
- Motivation letter: One page in English or German. Explain why you are interested in Prep4University and which subject you would like to study in Germany.
- CV: A short tabular CV.
Passport copy: A certified copy of your passport. If you are from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, an ID card is sufficient.
2. Online Application
Apply easily via our online form. Alternatively, you can send your documents by email.
3. Application Review
Our team will check your documents and qualifications. If they are complete, submitted on time, convincing, and if places are available, you will receive an offer.
4. Offer
Once admitted, you’ll receive an official confirmation email. If you live outside the EU, a deposit of €2,650 is required. If you live within the EU, no deposit is necessary.
5. Visa (if applicable)
After your payment, you’ll receive the formal admission letter and study contract. You’ll need the admission letter for your visa application at the German embassy in your home country. If you are from China, Vietnam or Mongolia, you also need an APS certificate.
6. Plan your stay
Start looking for accommodation at least two months before the semester begins. You also need health insurance – useful information is available via DAAD.
7. Payment
The enrolment fee is €600, due upon registration. The tuition fee comes with three payment options:
- One-off payment with discount
- Two instalments before each semester
- Monthly instalments
Request a brochure now
Get your free brochure and learn more about:
• Entry requirements
• Application process
• Curriculum & fees
• Support with relocation planning (visa, accommodation & settling in Germany)
