🏛 German universities attract millions of students worldwide with their high-quality education and, most notably, their accessibility. Germany is one of the few countries that offers international students the opportunity to study for free, alongside its citizens. This idea is inspirating, but you don’t know where to start?

📌 Of course, the application process and education systems vary from country to country, which can confuse foreigners who are becoming familiar with the new system. In this article, we will guide you through the necessary steps for applying to a German university and explain how our Studienkolleg Düsseldorf can support you throughout the process.

What is Studienkolleg?

As mentioned earlier, each country has its own rules regarding the university application process. For instance, in Germany, students are required to complete 13 years of schooling, while other countries may have a different number of school years. Additionally, variations in the structure and format of final exams across different educational systems make it necessary to evaluate students’ knowledge through the FSP (Feststellungsprüfung) exam. This exam can be challenging, as it demands thorough preparation and a strong command of the German language (at least at the B2 level). To help students meet the university entry requirements, there is a preparatory stage called Studienkolleg, which prepares students for this exam and University.

🔎 Therefore, Studienkolleg is a preparatory institution in Germany designed for international students whose previous education does not meet the direct entry requirements for German universities. The main purpose of a Studienkolleg is to help students bridge the gap between their high school education and the academic standards required for university studies in Germany. Students attend a Studienkolleg to complete courses in subjects relevant to their future studies, improving their language skills, and preparing for the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP), a final assessment exam that qualifies them for university admission.

What is the difference between Private and Public Studienkolleg?

 💡 Admission Requirements

✔ The admission process is often more flexible in private colleges. They may have lower entry requirements when it comes to academic performance and language proficiency. This flexibility allows students who might not meet the strict standards of public institutions to access preparatory courses. You can start with a B1 level, smoothly preparing for all exams. If your level is lower than B1, don’t worry! For example, our Studienkolleg Düsseldorf offers a variety of language preparatory courses from A1 to C1, as well as preparatory courses in Mathematics, Physics, and German (B1/B2).

✔ Admission to public colleges is more competitive and requires students to meet specific academic criteria, such as high school grades and proficiency in German (B2 level). In addition, there is an entry exam and selection process.

💡 Curriculum Flexibility and Individual Approach

✔ One of the major benefits of private Studienkollegs is more personalized attention. With smaller class sizes and the ability to tailor courses to individual needs, private colleges can provide a more customized learning experience. This can be a huge advantage for students who need extra support or a faster-paced curriculum.

✔ The curriculum in public colleges is usually more standardized and follows the national requirements for university preparation, which might feel more rigid and less tailored to individual needs.

💡 Additional Services

✔ Private institutions often offer a wider range of additional services to support students. These services can include:

• • Individual mentoring and FSP tutorials
  • Assistance with visa applications (documentation preparation)
  • Accommodation
  • Health insurance

📌  These services help students feel more supported throughout their academic journey.

✔ While public colleges offer quality preparation, they might not provide the same level of personalized services. There is generally less focus on career services or individualized guidance.

💡 Language Courses and Levels

✔ Many private colleges offer language courses that allow students to improve their German proficiency before or during their studies. Some private colleges even accept students with a lower level of German (B1), helping them to reach the required B2 level for university admission.

🔎 Our Studienkolleg Düsseldorf provide range of language courses from A1- C1 level in order to prepare you for your career path.

✔ In contrast, public Studienkollegs often expect applicants to already have a solid foundation in German (usually B1 or B2 level). They do offer language courses, but students are generally expected to already be relatively proficient.