Stand 27.11.2023
We prepare applicants with foreign certificates for studies at a German university.
Students who have completed their schooling abroad are generally eligible to study at a German university or college. In many cases, however, the school leaving certificate from abroad will not suffice to be accepted directly at a university (university entrance qualification). Over the course of one year, a Studienkolleg prepares you for an examination that will allow you to study anywhere in Germany. The major course at a Studienkolleg corresponds to your desired degree subject – for example, medicine, engineering, or business.
We aim to ensure that our graduates are able to study successfully at a university. The courses offered at our Studienkolleg are designed to prepare students with the necessary linguistic, subject-specific and methodological skills.
Our courses target three groups:
- There are specialized courses for applicants whose diplomas from abroad do not entitle them to enter German universities directly [Fachkurse]. They are to be completed with an examination that grants the right to study at a university [Feststellungsprüfung]. Courses start twice a year, at the beginning of January and after Hamburg’s summer break [Termine].
- For late repatriates, our Studienkolleg offers a special course leading to the general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) in two years. This course starts in August [Sonderlehrgang].
- In cooperation with three of Hamburg’s major universities, the Studienkolleg offers a pre-semester preparatory course for students from abroad who have been admitted to one of these universities and wish to improve their German, academic and methodological skills. [Propädeutikum]
Currently over 400 foreign students from more than 60 countries attend the Studienkolleg Hamburg. They are registered as students at the Universität Hamburg and receive discounts on public transportation and health insurance [Finanzierung].
Please note that the Studienkolleg is not a language school. Our language of instruction is German. We require German language skills at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).