Step-by-Step Guide to Study in Germany

Jul 30, 2025 / 3 min readspscanadaahd

Introduction

Planning to study in Germany after high school? If your 12th-grade certificate or diploma doesn’t meet the direct admission requirements of German universities, then enrolling in a Studienkolleg is your essential first step.

To begin with, a Studienkolleg is a one-year preparatory program designed to bridge the gap between your home country’s education system and Germany’s higher education requirements. During this program, you’ll gain subject-specific knowledge, develop academic skills, and improve your German language proficiency, all of which are necessary to qualify for a bachelor’s degree in Germany.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Studienkolleg admission process step by step from checking your eligibility and submitting your application, to preparing for entrance exams and applying for a visa.

What is a Studienkolleg, and Why Do You Need It?

A Studienkolleg prepares international students for German universities by:

  • Bridging the academic gap between your school education and the German Abitur.
  • Offering subject-specific courses aligned with your desired bachelor’s degree.
  • Strengthening your German language skills and introducing you to Germany’s academic culture.
  • Preparing you for the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP)—the final exam required for admission to German universities.

Types of Studienkolleg:

  • Public Studienkolleg: Tuition-free, highly recognized, but competitive.
  • Private Studienkolleg: Paid programs, smaller classes, and flexible intakes, but check recognition with your target university.

Who Needs a Studienkolleg?
You need to attend a Studienkolleg if

  • Your 12th-grade certificate or diploma is not equivalent to the German Abitur.
  • You haven’t completed one year of university in your home country.
  • Your degree program requires subject-specific preparation (e.g., medicine or engineering).
  • Your German proficiency is below B2, and you need academic language support.
  • Your qualification isn’t listed for direct admission in the Anabin Database.

Step-by-Step Admission Process

Step 1: Choose the Right Studienkolleg Track

Studienkollegs offer stream-specific courses:

  • T-Kurs – Technical courses (Engineering, Computer Science)
  • M-Kurs – Medical courses (Medicine, Biology, Pharmacy)
  • W-Kurs– Business and Economics
  • G-Kurs– Humanities and Arts
  • S-Kurs– Language and Social Sciences

Tip: Your track decides which bachelor’s programs you can apply for.

Step 2: Check Your Eligibility

  • Verify if your 12th-grade or diploma is valid for Studienkolleg through Anabin Database.
  • Confirm German language requirements—usually B1/B2 for public Studienkolleg.
  • Ensure strong grades in subjects related to your chosen track.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

Typical documents include:

  • Passport and passport-size photos
  • 12th-grade certificate and transcripts (translated to German/English)
  • APS Certificate (mandatory for Indian students)
  • Language certificate (German B1/B2 or English for some private colleges)
  • CV and Motivation Letter
  • Proof of application fee payment

Step 4: Decide Between Public and Private Studienkolleg

Public StudienkollegPrivate Studienkolleg
Tuition-freePaid (varies €3,000–€7,000/year)
Highly competitiveEasier admission
Recognized by all universitiesCheck recognition with your target university
Limited intakesMultiple intakes per year

Step 5: Submit Your Application

You can apply either:

  1. Through uni-assist (for multiple universities at once)
  2. Directly to the university or Studienkolleg (faster but case-specific)

Step 6: Receive Admission or Entrance Exam Invitation

  • Eligible candidates receive either direct admission or an invitation to the Aufnahmeprüfung (entrance exam).
  • Keep this offer letter safe—you need it for your visa application.

Step 7: Arrange Finances and Open a Blocked Account

  • Deposit €11,208 in a blocked account (Sperrkonto) to cover one year’s living expenses.
  • This is mandatory for your student visa.

Step 8: Apply for German Student Visa

  • Book an appointment with the German Embassy/Consulate.
  • Submit:
    • Admission letter
    • Blocked account confirmation
    • Academic certificates + APS
    • Health/travel insurance
    • Valid Passport

Step 9: Visa Stamping & Travel Insurance

  • Get your visa stamped in your passport.
  • Arrange travel insurance for your initial stay until German health insurance activates.

Step 10: Prepare for the Aufnahmeprüfung (Entrance Exam)

  • Tests German language and subject knowledge (depending on your track).
  • Practice past papers and take online/mock tests.

Step 11: Travel to Germany for the Entrance Exam

  • Arrive a few days early to adjust and locate your exam center.
  • Carry all required documents and proof of insurance.

Step 12: Wait for Results

  • Results are usually released within a few days or weeks.
  • Upon passing, you can officially start your Studienkolleg.

Step 13: Start Your Studienkolleg Journey

  • Complete essential steps on arrival:
    • Register your local address
    • Open a local bank account
    • Activate health insurance
  • Attend your first classes and embrace life in Germany!

ConclusionEnrolling in a Studienkolleg is the gateway to German universities for many international students. While the process may seem long, careful planning and guidance make it achievable.

With SPS Global, you get:

  • Step-by-step admission guidance
  • German language training (A1 to B2)
  • Visa and blocked account assistance
  • Entrance exam preparation support

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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