A World of Cultures, One Campus โ Life at KLU Hamburg
Five Reasons to choose this Preparation's Program
1
English-Language Foundation Program (Studienkolleg)
Unlike most Studienkollegs in Germany, KLU's Preparation Program is taught entirely in English โ ideal for international students who haven't yet developed advanced German skills.
2
Comprehensive Language Support
The program features both German A2 and English C1 language courses, equipping you with the linguistic proficiency needed to thrive in your future academic studies in Germany.
3
Personalized Attention in Small Classes
With small class sizes, you receive individualized support and guidance from experienced instructors โ ensuring a focused, high-quality learning experience at every step.
4
Top-rated by own students
Ranked 2nd among private universities in the 2024 WirtschaftsWoche ranking, KLU also holds elite AACSB accreditation โ a seal reserved for the world's best business schools. โ More Info
5
KLU is a family
KLU's close-knit community means easy access to professors and staff who support your growth. With over 50 nationalities on campus, every interaction broadens your worldview.
KLU's Preparation Program is a unique English-language Studienkolleg designed to bridge the gap for international students who cannot directly enroll in a Bachelor's degree in Germany due to the recognition of their secondary school degree. This comprehensive 10-month program offers a blend of subject courses tailored for business studies, alongside German A2 and English C1 language courses. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention from experienced instructors. The program culminates in the Feststellungsprรผfung (FSP), an entry exam conducted in Hamburg. Successful completion of the FSP enables students to directly join KLU's Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program, providing a seamless academic transition in a globally relevant field of study.
Target Groups
Curriculum
Study Mode
The Program (Studienkolleg) is a preparatory course for international students who wish to pursue a Bachelor's degree at KLU but do not possess a secondary school diploma that is considered equivalent to the German Abitur (the German secondary school leaving certificate).
Secondary school degrees from EU countries are generally recognized, and students from these countries typically do not need to attend Studienkolleg. In addition to EU countries, students from countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland also usually have their secondary school diplomas recognized.
For other countries, it is more complicated, and the recognition of secondary school degrees varies. Please check whether you need to attend the Studienkolleg or not in the DAAD database on Admission Requirements.
The KLU Studienkolleg Program follows the so-called W-Kurs Curriculum which qualifies for Business studies.
3 different tracks - depending on your language proficiency:
Complete Program
A2 German and C1 English
Subject courses (W-Kurs) leading to FSP
Program with one language course
A2 German or C1 English
Subject courses (W-Kurs) leading to FSP
Academic Program
Subject courses (W-Kurs) leading to FSP
All tracks lead directly to our Bachelor of Science in Business Administration upon completing the final exam of the preparation program called Feststellungsprรผfung (FSP).
The academic year is structured as follows:
From September - May:
Subject-related classes
German language course A2, leading up to assessment test1
English language course, leading to C1 assessment test1
From May - June
Final exams (FSP)
As a student in our Preparation Program, you'll benefit from small class sizes that allow for personalized attention and guidance from our experienced instructors. This close-knit learning environment enables you to fully engage with the course material and actively participate in class discussions. Our dedicated instructors are committed to your success, providing tailored feedback and support to help you overcome any academic challenges and excel in your studies. By focusing on your unique needs and goals, we ensure a high-quality learning experience that sets the foundation for your future academic success.
FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation) is a European, internationally oriented agency for quality assurance and quality development in higher education, based in Zรผrich (Switzerland) and Bonn (Germany).
AACSB
AACSB
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, also known as AACSB International, is an American professional accreditation body. Only 6% of the business degree programs offered worldwide have received AACSB accreditation to date. It is the longest-standing, most recognized form of specialized accreditation that an institution and its business programs can earn. AACSB-accredited schools put a special focus on the highest quality faculty, relevant and challenging curriculum, and provide outstanding educational and career opportunities.
First of all, please check the DAAD database on admission requirements to find out whether you are eligible to start your studies in Germany right away or need to do the preparation year ("Studienkolleg&quฮฟt;).
Language Requirements
The following certificates are recognized as proof of your language proficiency.
English
TOEFL iBT
min 95
IELTS
min 7
Cambridge
min C1 Advanced (CAE)
PTE Academic
min 65
Does the university recognize "other equivalent language certificates"? no
Additional information:
The English proficiency requirements for the prep program are defined by the Hamburg School and Education Authority and therefore differ from KLUโs other programs.
The application deadline for the Foundation Year Business Foundations Program (ฮFะ ) at Kรผhne Logistics University depends on the country where you obtained your previous degree. For applicants with a degree from non-EU countries, the application deadline is 31 May for the winter semester. Applications are made: Directly at university.
German Students
Other EU Students
Non-EU Students
Non-EU Students
Foundation Year Business Foundations Program (ฮFะ )
First of all, please check the DAAD database on admission requirements to find out whether you are eligible to start your studies in Germany right away or need to do the preparation year ("Studienkolleg&quฮฟt;).
3
English Language Certifiัatะต
In case you do not have a C1 level of English yet, you can also take an English language course as part of the Preparation Program and do an assessment test at the end of the course.
In that case, your English proficiency certificate must meet the following scores:
TOEFL iBT: 90*
IELTS: 6.5*
CAE: Grade C / CPE: 180 points*
Pearson PTE Academic: 61*
In case of admission, please note that you will need an official score report (hardcopy) for the enrolment. Therefore, please name KLU if possible when registering for a test (TOEFL institutional code is 7373).
English test score reports must be handed in by Junะต 30.
4
German Language Certifiัatะต
Candidates who may prove at least A2 German language knowledge may be eligible for a shortened program.
There are several ways to prove your German language proficiency:
Proof of German proficiency must be handed in by Junะต 30.
Podcast
26:11 min
Meet Oleksandra Shvets, a Ukrainian refugee with an unstoppable drive
The war in Ukraine forced her to leave her studies in Kyiv and find a safe place to continue her life. However, no army can destroy the extraordinary energy of Oleksandra and her will to grow, thrive and give back to her community. Now inside the walls of KLU Campus, she is still the extremely engaged student she already was in Ukraine, and her story of overcoming all kinds of challenges with a bold and positive attitude has conquered our hearts. Let yourself be inspired by it too!
Testimonials
My name is Giovana, I am from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Be-fore starting my bachelors at KLU, I took part in the KLU Preparation Program (Studienkolleg in German). The program lasted for one year and it is required by the German government for most international students wanting to study at a German university. In this program, I gained basic knowledge of economics, mathematics, and geopolitics. It was a good introduction to the German approach to academia, and the knowledge I acquired there has helped me during my lectures.
Live Webinar 
English
German Students 
Other EU Students 
Non-EU Students 
