What is the purpose of Niedersächsisches Studienkolleg?
Studienkolleg prepares foreign students who want to study in Germany for their desired degree course.
Our applicants have a university-entrance diploma in their home country but must meet further requirements to take up their studies here.
We offer a variety of courses that students can choose depending on the field of study they later want to pursue.
The M-course prepares students for degree courses such as medicine, biology, and related fields.
The T-course is for technical studies, W for social and economic sciences, G for humanities, and S for language studies.
What are the prerequisites to enroll at Studienkolleg?
Students cannot apply to Studienkolleg directly.
They must apply via a university - or university of applied sciences -
in Lower Saxony that will verify that the student’s school leaving certificate is equivalent to a German university entrance qualification.
If this is not the case, they are admitted only on condition that they first attend Studienkolleg.
In order to do so, they need to present the university entrance qualification of their home country
and have a command of the German language - at least at level B1, preferably B2.
Studienkolleg basically closes the gap between foreign graduation diplomas and German university entry requirements.
From which countries do Studienkolleg’s students come?
Literally from all over the world, except Europe.
Currently, students from 45 nations study at Studienkolleg.
There are many Vietnamese and Syrian students in Hannover but also Iranians,
people from Central and South America, and Africa. We have 15 students from Nepal alone.
How does Studienkolleg work?
After passing the entry exam, students usually spend two semesters at Studienkolleg – about 10 months altogether.
Students must have the required grades to advance to the second semester.
Once they pass the final assessment test, they are free to study at any university or university of applied sciences in Germany.
Which tests and exams must students pass at Studienkolleg?
The entry exam tests the students’ German skills.
Those who do not intend to study languages, or the humanities must also take a math test.
Throughout the two semesters there are written exams in all subjects – usually two per semester.
But the students’ oral performance is just as important and affects their grades.
The final assessment exam consists of three written exams and, in some cases, an oral exam.
What are the benefits of studying at Studienkolleg?
First and foremost, that students enhance their language skills.
Most have a sound knowledge of German when they get here, but in only 1 year
they must be fluent enough to master their studies at a German university.
Subject-specific and methodological knowledge is just as important –
our students therefore also receive further training in the subjects they later want to study.
In addition, we note our students‘ immense personal development and how much they get out of this year –
they make friends, contacts and build networks that accompany and support them throughout their later studies.
What options do students have after graduating from Studienkolleg?
Most importantly, they can finally study at a German university.
Some may decide to start vocational training instead, but whatever they choose –
stay in Germany or go back to their home countries, they have built bridges and important connections that last.