For Students
University admission in Germany: direct entry or via Studienkolleg
One of the most important questions for international applicants is: “Can I apply directly to a German university, or do I have to attend Studienkolleg first?” The answer depends on how your school or university certificates are recognised in Germany and which subject you want to study.
This page explains the basic logic of university admission in Germany and connects it with the detailed guides on Studienkolleg, Visa & Finance and Ausbildung.
Admission basics
What is HZB and why does it matter so much
In Germany, universities must check whether you have a valid Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) – a university entrance qualification. For German students this is usually the Abitur. For international students it is the way your school leaving certificate or previous studies are recognised in Germany.
When your documents are evaluated, you usually end up in one of four categories:
- Direct, general HZB – you can apply directly to almost any bachelor program.
- Direct, subject-restricted HZB – you can apply directly, but only in your field or a related one.
- Indirect, general HZB – you must zuerst attend Studienkolleg and pass the FSP, then you can choose from several directions.
- Indirect, subject-restricted HZB – you need Studienkolleg and FSP and are limited to certain subjects.
Knowing your HZB type is the key to all further planning. In StuWoLi Plan sessions we often start by clarifying this one point, because it decides whether you focus on Studienkolleg applications or direct university applications.
Two paths
Direct university admission vs. Studienkolleg: main differences
In simple terms there are two main routes into a bachelor program in Germany:
- Direct admission – you apply straight to a university, often via uni-assist or a university portal. If admitted, you can start your bachelor program immediately after enrollment and visa.
- Indirect admission via Studienkolleg – you first attend a one-year Studienkolleg, pass the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) and then use that result to apply for bachelor programs in your field.
Direct admission is faster if your HZB is strong enough, but not every certificate qualifies. Studienkolleg takes more time but opens the door for many students whose certificates are only partially recognised.
Decision steps
How to find out which path fits your case
Here is a simple decision process we often use with students. You can already follow it yourself – and if any step is unclear, we can fill the gaps together.
- Collect your education history. Write down your school years, degrees, university studies and major subjects in chronological order. Include exact dates and the country of each institution.
- Check your certificate in official tools. Use DAAD, uni-assist and Anabin to get a first idea how your certificate is usually recognised for Germany. Take screenshots or notes of the results.
- Compare with your target subject. Some certificates may allow direct admission only in the same field as your previous studies. If you want to change direction, Studienkolleg or extra steps may be required.
- Evaluate your language level. For direct admission you normally need a high German level (often C1) or sometimes English if the program is fully in English. Many Studienkollegs start with B1/B2 but expect fast progress.
- List realistic options. If you seem to have direct HZB, focus on universities and programs. If your HZB looks indirect, list suitable Studienkollegs and matching degrees for after the FSP.
- Decide on your main route – then plan visa and finance. Once you are clear about “direct” or “via Studienkolleg”, you can follow the detailed application and visa guides on this website.
You do not have to make this decision alone. In a StuWoLi Plan we go through your certificates and future goals in detail and then clearly write down your best route with timelines and next steps.
Requirements
Language level and grades: when are you “ready enough”
Even with the right HZB type you still need to convince universities or Studienkollegs that you are ready to succeed in their program. Two things play a big role here:
- German language level – for German taught bachelor programs universities usually require C1 German; Studienkollegs typically require B1–B2 at application and B2 for the entrance exam. Some English taught programs have their own English requirements.
- Grades and subject relevance – certain subjects (medicine, dentistry, psychology, some engineering or business programs) are very selective. They care about your average grade and which subjects you had in school.
If your language level is not yet high enough for direct admission, starting via Studienkolleg or a preparatory program can be a strategic choice. If your grades are weaker, we look for programs and locations where your profile still has realistic chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Studienkolleg by starting in another country first
In some cases you can study one or two years in your home country or a third country and then use those credits to obtain direct HZB for Germany. However, this depends on the recognition rules and may cost extra time and money. It is not automatically the best solution for everyone.
In StuWoLi Plan sessions we calculate how long and expensive such a detour would be compared to going directly into Studienkolleg in Germany.
Can I change my subject after Studienkolleg
You can normally choose among several bachelor programs that fit your course direction (T, M, W, G or S) and your FSP result. Changing to a completely different field is sometimes possible through an extra exam (Ergänzungsprüfung) but not always easy.
That is why we put so much emphasis on choosing the correct course direction at the beginning.
Is it easier to get admission at a private Studienkolleg or university
Private institutions often have more places and slightly more flexible requirements, but they charge tuition fees. They can be a good option if public places are very competitive or if you need a specific kind of support.
We compare public and private options together and make sure that anything you pay for actually helps you reach your long term goal, not just a short term visa.
Where does uni-assist fit into this picture
Many German universities use uni-assist as a central service to check international applications and calculate HZB. That does not mean uni-assist decides everything, but their result is often the basis for admission or rejection.
In StuWoLi Plan we make sure your uni-assist application is complete, consistent and sent to the right set of universities instead of random choices.
What if my case is very unusual or I received conflicting information
This happens more often than you think. Different offices sometimes give different answers, especially in complex cases. In those situations it is important to bring everything together: official rules, written confirmations, and your realistic backup options.
StuWoLi cannot replace official decisions, but we can help you understand your options and design a plan that does not depend on only one answer from only one office.
If you want to be sure whether you should aim for direct university admission or Studienkolleg first, clarify it once and build your entire plan on that decision.