Foundation Year (Studienkolleg): Top Study Programs in Germany (2026/27)

A Studienkolleg (foundation year) prepares international applicants whose school-leaving certificate does not give direct access to German universities. Over two semesters, students take subject-specific courses – for example for technology, business or medicine – along with intensive German, and finish with the Feststellungsprüfung (assessment test). Passing it grants access to degree programmes in the corresponding subject area in Germany.