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1. Definition of each exam
| Exam | Definition |
|---|---|
| FSP (Feststellungsprüfung) | Final examination taken after one year at a Studienkolleg. It evaluates whether a student is academically and linguistically (in German) ready to study at a German university in a specific subject area. |
| TestAS (Test für Ausländische Studierende) | A standardized aptitude test used to assess the general academic ability of international applicants who want to study in Germany, especially those without a German Abitur. |
2. Main differences
| Criterion | FSP | TestAS |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To prove subject-specific and German academic readiness after Studienkolleg | To assess general cognitive and academic aptitude before university admission |
| Language | German only | German or English |
| Preparation time | One academic year at a Studienkolleg | No formal prep course required, but self-preparation is strongly recommended |
| Content | Subject-related courses (math, physics, economics, etc., depending on the course track) + German | One general module + one subject-specific module (e.g. economics, engineering, humanities) |
| Test location | Inside the Studienkolleg | Test centres in Germany and abroad (e.g. Goethe-Institutes) |
| Recognition | Often mandatory for applicants whose school leaving certificate is not equivalent to the German Abitur | Commonly used as a selection tool in direct applications or via Hochschulstart |
| Fees | Usually free of charge at public Studienkollegs (part of the programme) | About 80–150 € depending on the country |
| Role in admission | In many subjects and states a strict requirement | Not always compulsory, but a strong additional factor to improve admission chances |
When to choose which exam?
| Situation | Suitable exam |
|---|---|
| Your secondary school diploma is not recognized as equivalent to the Abitur | You usually need FSP after a Studienkolleg year |
| Your diploma is partly recognized and you want to strengthen your application | TestAS is very helpful |
| Your target university explicitly requires FSP | FSP only is relevant |
| Your German is still weak and you plan to apply in English | TestAS in the English version is an option |
Real-life examples
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RWTH Aachen requires FSP from many applicants without an equivalent Abitur, but also uses TestAS as an additional selection tool.
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Highly competitive subjects such as medicine or dentistry usually do not accept TestAS alone – they often require FSP plus very strong results.
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At some private universities, a good TestAS score can be sufficient for admission, provided that language certificates and a solid academic background are present.
Summary of the comparison
| Aspect | More relevant exam |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific academic readiness | FSP |
| International availability | TestAS |
| Direct application without Studienkolleg | TestAS is useful |
| Admission after a preparatory year | FSP is required |
| Flexible test language | TestAS (German or English) |
| Admission to medicine / regulated engineering programmes | Usually FSP compulsory |
The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on extensive research and multiple sources. However, errors or uncertainties may still occur. Therefore, please treat this article as an initial guide only and always consult the relevant official authorities for binding and up-to-date information.
