Changing a Studienkolleg
Are you already studying at a Studienkolleg in Germany but have realized that it’s no longer the right fit for you?
Maybe you’re planning to move, you’re unhappy with the teaching or you’re dealing with financial or personal challenges. Now you might be wondering: Is it even possible to change your Studienkolleg and if so, how does it work?
In this article, we explain when you can change your Studienkolleg and what you need to keep in mind so your plans to study in Germany aren’t affected.
Important to know:
There’s no automatic right to switch Studienkollegs. Every case is considered individually. While a change is possible under certain circumstances, it’s not always easy.
To change Studienkollegs, you need to submit an official application and the management of both Studienkollegs have to approve the change.
How difficult it is to change Studienkollegs depends on several factors, such as the timing of the change, whether the Studienkolleg is public or private, the course you are enrolled in (T, M, or W course), the number of available places at the new Studienkolleg and the federal state you are studying in.
In addition, you need a valid reason, for example:
- Moving to another city
- Being unhappy with the teaching or organization
- Financial reasons (e.g. switching from private to public)
- Problems with your visa/ immigration authority
- Health issues or unexpected personal circumstances
Important: Not every reason automatically guarantees approval from the new Studienkolleg.
When is it possible to switch?
A change is most likely to be approved when:
- After finishing a semester, before the start of the next one
- Often only before the second semester
- When switching from public to private or from public to public (if the course content is similar)
- When continuing the same course type (e.g. T-course → T-course)
- When there is a valid and major reason
When is switching especially difficult?
A switch is more complicated or not possible when:
- During the current semester (especially in the second semester)
- Shortly before the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP)
- If you want to change course type (e.g. T course → M course)
- If the new Studienkolleg has no available spots
- If there is no valid or important reason
What’s important when switching?
To switch to another Studienkolleg, you usually need to submit several documents. The new Studienkolleg can then check if your switch is possible and which credits can be transferred.
- confirmation of enrollment from your current Studienkolleg
- certificate of performance / grade overview
- Module list or timetable (so the curricula can be compared)
- Exmatriculation certificate
- Certificates and translations
- accommodation certificate from the new Studienkolleg
Other important things to keep in mind
- Formalities & deadlines: Get written confirmation from the new Studienkolleg, keep track of deadlines and check whether you need to take an entrance exam (especially when switching from private to public).
- Visa and residence permit: Talk to the immigration office and update your visa/residence permit if needed.
- Finances: At private Studienkollegs, you often have to pay for the entire semester even if you switch mid-semester. If you switch right before the semester starts, cancellation or admin fees may apply.
- Recognition and curricula: Recognition of your previous courses is not guaranteed; you may have to start again from the beginning. Different curricula can also mean extra study work.
- Federal states: Special rules apply when switching Studienkollegs across different federal states.
- Consider alternatives: Repeating a semester, switching courses or starting a new application process might be easier.
Switching Studienkollegs is always handled individually. It depends on your current Studienkolleg, the Studienkolleg you’re planning to switch to and your reasons.
Important: Reach out to both Studienkollegs early, get written confirmations and have solid reasons ready.
If you’re thinking about transferring to Studienkolleg Düsseldorf, we’d be happy to help with a free consultation. We can review your situation and find the best option for you. You can find our contact details here.
We’re keeping our fingers crossed for you and wish you lots of success on your journey ahead! 🍀😊
