What is the Assessment Exam (FSP)?
The Qualification Examination for Admission to Higher Education Institutions – FSP for short – is one of the most important steps for many international applicants before beginning their studies in Germany.
After attending a Studienkolleg, this exam allows you to demonstrate that your academic and language skills are sufficient for studying at a German university.
Why is the Assessment Exam required?
Not every international high school diploma is directly recognized in Germany as qualifying for university admission. If you’re not sure whether you need to attend a Studienkolleg, you can check the databases of Uni Assist, Anabin, or DAAD.
The Studienkolleg bridges this gap.
The assessment exam then confirms that you are academically and linguistically prepared for university studies.
Which subjects are tested?
The content depends on the course you choose.
For example: T-course
· Mathematics
· Physics
· Chemistry
· German
· Biology
· Chemistry
· Physics
· German
· Mathematics
· Economics
· German
· English
Depending on the Studienkolleg, the exam subjects may vary slightly. For example, in North Rhine-Westphalia, unlike in other federal states, the external assessment exam does not include a math exam for the M-course; no computer science exam for the T-course; and no economics exam for the W-course. Nevertheless, the FSP certificate is recognized in all federal states by all German colleges and universities.
How does the exam work?
The FSP usually consists of several written exams.
In some cases, an oral exam is also required.
The exam assesses:
· Subject knowledge
· Problem-solving skills
· Language comprehension
· Ability to express oneself
How difficult is the assessment exam?
The assessment exam is challenging. It assesses whether international applicants have the same subject knowledge as German high school graduates who are eligible to enroll directly in a university.
It’s quite possible that you’ve already acquired this knowledge in your home country. However, the particular challenge of the placement exam lies in the fact that you must demonstrate your subject knowledge in German. That’s why targeted preparation at the Studienkolleg is very important. There, you’ll not only learn the subject matter but also the technical German terminology and the exam formats so that you can successfully pass the exam.
Internal assessment exam vs. external assessment exam
A basic distinction is made between the internal and external assessment exams (FSP).
In the case of the internal assessment exam, the exam is created and administered by the respective Studienkolleg itself. Depending on the Studienkolleg, recognition of the exam may be limited. This means that you may subsequently only be able to pursue a degree at certain universities or within a specific university consortium.
The external assessment exam, on the other hand, is organized by the relevant district government. For the Düsseldorf Studienkolleg, for example, the exam takes place at the Cologne District Government. The exam questions are prepared by the district government and graded according to uniform guidelines.
Another difference lies in the exam structure: The external assessment exam generally consists of two preliminary exams and a final exam. Upon successful completion, graduates receive a placement exam certificate that is recognized throughout Germany as proof of eligibility for higher education in the corresponding field of study.
What happens after passing the exam?
After successfully passing the assessment exam, you can apply to German universities to pursue a degree.
The FSP serves as proof of academic eligibility for higher education in the corresponding field of study.
Conclusion
The assessment exam is an important milestone on the path to studying in Germany. Those who prepare early and take their classes at the Studienkolleg seriously lay an excellent foundation for future academic success.
Start Your Studies in Germany
Would you like to study in Germany but don’t yet meet the necessary requirements, or do you have general questions about the Studienkolleg and your path to a German university? Then contact us now!
