A guide on foundation year for international students in Germany.

1. Foundation Year in Germany
Foundation year: Students of different countries with particular curriculum don’t qualify for direct
admission in bachelor degree in German universities. The schooling curriculum of these countries is
not considered equivalent to the German school leaving certificate. To become eligible to apply for
bachelor degree in German universities such students have an option to do foundation program
called “Studienkolleg” and then take the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP). If students perform well in this
exam conducted at the end of foundation, they can be admitted to the intended bachelor program
at German university.
This foundation year is conducted in German language and can be completed at a private institute or
at public university. Subjects studied during Studienkolleg depend on whether you would like to
study engineering (T Course), medicine (M Course) or business (W Course).
Public Studienkolleg Public Studienkolleg is associated with public university but not all public
universities have Studienkolleg. Public Studienkolleg has an entrance exam and applicants must have
acquired B1/B2 level of German language to take part in the entrance exam of Studienkolleg. Public
Studienkolleg have a limited number of seats and only those who students who are ranked high are
allowed to take part in Studienkolleg. Studienkolleg can be completed in 2 semesters (1 year) and
there is no tuition fee. At the end of Studienkolleg students must take final exam called
Feststellungsprüfung. Students can’t apply for foundation program at the Studienkolleg. Students
are required to apply for the intended bachelor program at the university. University then evaluate
the profile of student and if foundation course is required from the student, his application is
forwarded to the Studienkolleg associated with that university. Studienkolleg can be in another city
than the location of university.
Private Studienkolleg Students intend to complete foundation program at private institute don’t
need an entrance exam, however applicant must have learned German language till B1/B2 level
before the start of Studienkolleg. Private institute provide coaching for Studienkolleg and it doesn’t
conduct own final exam. Final exam has to be taken as private candidate at public Studienkolleg.
Private Institute also offers intensive coaching and at some of the institutes’ foundation program can
be completed in 6 months. However, one has to pay certain fee depending on the institute.
After the completion of foundation year and passing the FSP exam, one can apply for bachelor
degree taught in English language or taught in German language.
Further details about foundation year, bachelor programs, their requirements, bank account
process, monthly expenses, visa process and all steps students are required to do after their arrival
in Germany are explained in detail in android app Germany4Students