Foundation year in germany

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