- Preparatory courses prepare prospective international students qualified for the assessment test/preparatory course to study in higher education, in terms of language proficiency and subject knowledge. You cannot choose whether you want to attend a preparatory course - your higher education entrance qualifications determine whether or not you have to ttend. If you have a direct entrance qualification, you cannot apply for a preparatory course, only directly to the institution.
- Depending on your previous education, you may have a preparatory course entrance qualification for all subjects (= you can choose which main course you want to attend) or for the subject you have previously studied and related courses (= you can only choose a particular main course).
- Depending on your previous education, you may have a preparatory course entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences only or for all types of institution. Preparatory courses are frequently directly affiliated to the institutions but this is not always the case. You either need to apply directly for the preparatory course, to the institution or to the responsible state authority. Information is available from the institution.
- Successful completion of the preparatory course involves passing the assessment test (FSP). The assessment test can normally also be taken externally, i.e. without attending a preparatory course. A pass in the assessment test entitles you to apply for admission to study a specific subject, either at universities of applied sciences or at universities. The relevant subject depends on the main course taken.
- The preparatory course normally lasts two semesters (in exceptional cases this can be extended by two semesters or reduced by one semester). Written examinations must be taken in the relevant main course and in German and Mathematics. Oral examinations are generally taken in all subjects taught as part of the main course.
- Preparatory course students are normally registered (enrolled) students of the institution to which the preparatory course is affiliated. However, the year on the preparatory course is not counted towards subsequent study time.
- German proficiency is tested before admission to the preparatory course. Anyone who passes the assessment test is considered to have proved the requisite language proficiency for admission to higher education.
- At most institutions, you need to apply for a place in the normal way after completing the preparatory course.
www.studienkollegs.de provides detailed information about preparatory courses in Germany.
Here you will find the general rules for teaching on the preparatory course and for the assessment test.
