When applying to a Studienkolleg in Germany, your high-school grade (Note) and your German language level play a major role in your chances of admission – especially if competition is high or places are limited. Here are the details:
Is there a minimum grade requirement?
There is no single official nationwide minimum, but in practice many Studienkollegs work with ranges like:
| Type of Studienkolleg | Typical accepted grade range (German scale) |
|---|---|
| Public (state), competitive | about 1.0 to 2.5 (depending on the university) |
| Private (fee-based) | more flexible, sometimes up to 3.5 |
Your final grade from your home country is converted into the German grading system
(1.0 = best, 4.0 = lowest passing grade), using an online tool such as a “Note umrechnen” calculator or via uni-assist.
Example conversions (simplified):
| Country | Local average grade | Approx. German grade |
|---|---|---|
| Syria | 85 % | 1.6 |
| Yemen | 90 % | 1.3 |
| Egypt | 75 % | 2.3 |
The closer your converted grade is to 1.0, the better your chances – particularly for the M-Kurs (medicine).
Commonly accepted certificates and typical minimum levels:
| Accepted certificate | Minimum level usually required for application |
|---|---|
| Goethe-Zertifikat | B1 (sometimes B2 is required) |
| telc Deutsch | B1 or B2 |
| ÖSD certificate | B1 |
| DSD I or DSD II | Depends on the subject area |
| Certificate from a German language school | Accepted only at some private Studienkollegs |
Some universities set B2 as a formal requirement for medicine and engineering programs.
Do you need a language certificate just to sit the entrance exam?
Yes. Even to take the entrance test (Aufnahmetest) for a Studienkolleg, you usually have to prove that you have at least B1 level in German.
| Criterion | What you should know |
|---|---|
| Grade | Ideally between 1.0 and 2.5 on the German scale |
| Language | At least B1 – B2 is better for competitive fields |
| Conversion | Use tools like uni-assist to convert your grades |
The editorial and writing team of the website strives to provide information as accurately as possible, based on extensive research and consultation of multiple sources. However, errors may occur, and rules or admission requirements can change over time. Therefore, please treat the information given here only as an initial, non-binding guide, and always consult official bodies, universities, Studienkollegs and chambers of industry and commerce (IHK), or other competent authorities for legally binding and up-to-date information.
