University preparation in Germany for international students

If a foreign student is interested in pre-university preparation in Germany, educational institutions offer diverse options to choose from after completing their 11th grade. The most popular options are:

• To enter a national state or accredited private higher education institution in the home country, in which the duration of studying is two years. Educational process must emphasize a specialty, complying with their preferred direction of study in Germany.

• To complete a full-time German Studienkolleg program lasting 1 year after graduating from the 11th grade.

• Attending senior-level programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) in English or the Abitur in German, usually studying is conducted in German private schools.

The Studienkolleg option is considered the best one among foreign students, allowing students to transition to a German university after just one additional year of study. Also students can overcome the language barrier and immerse in academic environment.

Admission and University Preparation Course

Admission to German universities after completing a Studienkolleg course is generally determined by the results of a qualifying exam. Most institutions don't require additional entrance examinations, although some may conduct interviews. Another common requirement is the TestAS, which is a specialized assessment test designed for foreign applicants. Additionally, the average grade from the student's school certificate is often taken into account when considering their application.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

The cost of pre-university preparation courses can range significantly, it's important to consider all expenses concerning preparation for university in Germany. These costs may include tuition for the Studienkolleg, TestAS fees, and potentially other costs related to language courses, educational materials, and living expenses.

By carefully considering these factors and understanding the associated university preparation course fees, foreign students can make informed decisions about their educational journey in Germany.

To enter a German higher education institution, it is necessary not only  to be fluent in German. In many cases, language barriers prevent future students from obtaining a prestigious European education. SMAPSE experts recommend specialized university prep courses in Germany to help students become proficient in the language.

In the SMAPSE catalog, you'll find some of the most prestigious German language schools. These specialized centers offer academic programs in German for both teenagers (16 and up) and adults. These courses not only enhance current language skills but also equip students with the essential skills required for further education.

For German-taught programs, applicants usually need to pass the TestDaF, which is offered in around 100 countries, or the DSH, which has to be taken in Germany. Reaching at least the intermediate level in all parts of these exams covers the language requirements of the vast majority of degree programs. Several other certificates are usually recognized as well, including the Goethe-Zertifikat C2, the telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule and the Deutsches Sprachdiplom level II, while some programs also accept the Goethe-Zertifikat B2 and C1 or the ÖSD Zertifikat B2 and C1. International degree programs taught in English can usually be entered without confirmation of German, but they require proof of English instead.

Many German universities also use the TestAS, an aptitude test for international applicants that assesses general and subject-specific ability to study and helps institutions make fair and objective admission and selection decisions. The TestAS can be taken in German or English at a language level of A2–B2 CEFR, and a strong result improves the chances of admission to Bachelor programs. Upcoming test dates are 24.10.2026, 26.11.2026 and 25.02.2027.

Offered by SMAPSE, these German schools give foreign students an opportunity to study in university-like conditions. This immersive experience allows students to quickly adapt to a new academic and cultural environment, learn local traditions, and get accustomed to university rules and discipline. These courses offer intensive daily practice and often include a combined program featuring both language modules and courses relevant to the students' chosen field of study. This comprehensive approach is designed to prepare students not just for university admission, but also for the educational journey that lies ahead.

The SMAPSE catalog makes it incredibly easy to choose the right program and school for Studienkolleg courses after the 11th grade. Its user-friendly interface features filters on the left panel that let you sort information by program type and school location.

Customized selection options are also available on the site. To get started, simply fill out the short form or contact us via email, chat, or phone. SMAPSE specialists have extensive knowledge about how foreign students can enter universities in Germany and are eager to share their expertise with you. They can also provide details on the cost of preparing for university in Germany, giving you a clear understanding of what to expect financially.

Before starting a preparation course in Germany, international students should understand the country's entry rules. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States (as well as Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino) can enter Germany without a visa, but anyone staying longer than three months must apply for a residence permit at the local Ausländerbehörde.

A Schengen visa covers only short visits of up to three months, such as holidays, language courses or business trips, and cannot be extended. For longer studies a national visa is required. Applicants who still need to enrol, complete a language course or attend a Studienkolleg can use a prospective student visa, which is valid for up to nine months and gives time to arrange a place at a higher education institution.

Students who already have a study place usually apply for a student visa under Section 16b of the Residence Act at the German embassy or consulate in their home country. It can take months for a visa to be issued, so applying in advance is essential, and a tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa later on.

Students from outside the EU and EEA must also prove they can support themselves financially. As of 1 January 2025 the required amount is 992 euros per month, typically demonstrated through a blocked account (Sperrkonto). Banks charge a fee of between 70 and 150 euros to set up such an account.

Learning programs-summary information

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