Studienkolleg

Characeristics of a certification

The official seal (top left image) must be visible on all sides. For this purpose, the corners are folded over, the pages are laid on top of each other in an offset manner and stamped with the official seal. In this case, the declaration of certification and the signature of the certifying person on only one page is sufficient.
A notary certifies with string and embossed seal. In this case, the declaration and the signature of the notary on only one page is also sufficient.

We cannot recognise certifications by translators.

Where can I have documents certified?

The following authorities issue certifications that can be recognized by universities:

In Germany:

Bürgerbüro
City Hall
Universities
Notaries

Outside of Germany:

German embassies
German consulates
Apostilles from some countries (please ask us beforehand)

Certifications from the following offices will NOT be accepted:

In Germany:

Church offices
Health insurance companies
Kindergartens
AStA

Abroad:

Apostilles from some countries cannot be recognized. In principle, apostilles from countries belonging to the Hague Agreement can be recognized. However, Germany has excluded recognitions from certain countries in the Hague Convention. Please check with us beforehand.

German -language degree programs

If you are applying directly to a German -language program, you will need to submit one of the following:

• German Language Diploma of the "Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the States in the Federal Republic of Germany" - Second Level - or a language certificate recognized as equivalent by this organization.
• Assessment test
• DSH 2 or 3
• TestDaF (at least 16 points) with an average of 4.0 or 5.0
• Proof of German language skills which have been recognized by bilateral agreements or other agreements reached by the KMK and HRK as sufficient proof of language skills for admission to university- level degree programs.
• the Großes and Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom ("big and small German language diplomas")
• telc German C1 University
• Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS) certificate (Goethe-Institut)
• "Deutsche Sprachprüfung II" from the Sprachen- und Dolmetscher-Institut München for candidates whose first language is not German
• ÖSD C2

If you are attending an English-language degree program, please enquire at the university concerned whether you need to submit proof of German proficiency. In this case you do not need to submit proof of German proficiency to the Studienkolleg in order to get your certificates recognized.

German language skills for the Studienkolleg

In order to be accepted to the Studienkolleg or take the entrance test we require one of the following proofs of German proficiency:

• German Language Diploma of the KMK - First Level
• Certificate B1 of the Goethe Institute, if the examination was taken abroad

Depending on the university, 8-10% of all study places in Baden-Württemberg are reserved for non-EU citizens. EU citizens apply to university the same way as German applicants.

Students are accepted based on their grade point average on their final school reports. Due to the tuition fees for international students in Baden-Württemberg, the chances of beeing accepted are currently quite good.

The educational certificates we require depends on the country where you completed your education or training. You can find an overview of possible certificates on page 2 of our application form. Please read our country-specific instructions before sending us your documents.

You can only submit your application after you have received your school-leaving certificate; it is not possible to submit it before then. Only the language certificate can be submitted later.

We are currently offering our entrance test online. Therefore, you can also participate if you are not yet in Germany.

There are no fees for having your certificates recognized. It is free of charge.