In order to study in Germany, you need a recognized school-leaving certificate. On this page you will find information on certificate recognition and attending the Studienkolleg.
Recognition of certificates
Assessment of university entrance qualification via anabin
International applicants are required to present a school-leaving certificate equivalent to the German Abitur. Unfortunately, not all foreign high school qualifications are automatically recognized as equivalent to the Abitur. Please refer to the anabin database for an overview.
Applicants whose previous level of education does not meet the entry requirements for a course of study in Germany are required to complete an assessment test (“Feststellungsprüfung"). The International Study Center in the Studienkolleg offers preparation classes as well as the assessment test.
Studienkolleg and "Feststellungsprüfung"
The Studienkolleg of the Goethe University's International Study Center ("Internationales Studienzentrum") is the pathway for international students who do not yet meet the entry criteria at Goethe University. Passing the "Festellungsprüfung" (assessment test) at the end of the one-year course gives you a subject-specific entrance qualification that allows you to apply for a place at a German university.
You are required to apply before the given deadline by submitting all the necessary documents via uni-assist for the desired course of study and Studienkolleg. If your application meets the requirements, you will receive invitation from the university to take the admissions test for the Studienkolleg - in May for the summer semester, in September for the winter semester. Please note that there are usually more applications than places at the Studienkolleg. Candidates for the Studienkolleg are therefore selected based on the results of the admissions test.
You will need to apply again for the next semester through uni-assist. Uni-assist is required to keep all documents on record for a period of one year. Therefore, if you reapply within this period you will not have to re-submit your documents.
If you are enrolled at a Studienkolleg, you are required to attend lessons and take part in regular written and oral assessments throughout the course. At the end of the course you will take the “Feststellungsprüfung" (university assessment test).
During your first year as a student in Germany you are only permitted to work during the semester break. After this, you are allowed, as a student with a student visa, to work for 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Further information is available here:
