Preparatory Study at the Studienkolleg

Some international secondary school certificates do not directly qualify students to study at a German university. In these cases, you can qualify for a degree program at a German university via the Studienkolleg.

What is the Studienkolleg?

The Studienkolleg is an educational institution for students who are qualified to study in another country,  but not in Germany. The final exam after the course at the Studienkolleg is the so-called Feststellungsprüfung, which enables subject-specific access to a degree program at a German university. The preparatory phase in the Studienkolleg takes 2 semesters.

The Studienkolleg München ist responsible for applicants to all bavarian universities, including TUM.

There are different courses at the Studienkolleg that provide access to different degree programs:

  • The G course for Humanities and Arts degree programs
  • The M course for Medicine and Biology degree programs
  • The T course for Technical, Mathematical and Natural Science degree programs
  • The W course for Business and Social Science degree programs

This overview shows which TUM Bachelor’s degree programs are assigned to which course:

Degree program or Studienkolleg?

Be sure to check as soon as possible whether your secondary school diploma qualifies you for direct access to a German university. If you are qualified to study in your own country, but not in Germany, then the courses at Studienkolleg are a way to qualify for a regular degree program at a German university. In some countries, you also need to have completed a university entrance exam or to have studied for at least one year at a univerity or similar institution.

Please be aware that the language of instruction at Studienkolleg is German. To apply, you need to provide proof that your German language skills are at least on Level B2. During the admission exam to Studienkolleg you will then have to prove that your language skills are sufficient to successfully complete the course there.

If you apply for Studienkolleg, you do not need a Preliminary Documentation (VPD) by uni-assist.

Additional regulations apply to applicants from certain countries. For more information, see “Online Application”.

Application for Studienkolleg – step by step

The courses at Studienkolleg have a limited capacity – be aware that there is not guarantee for a spot in the courses, and that applications which do not fully comply with the formal requirements cannot be considered.

After Studienkolleg – Application for a Bachelor's

In order to apply for a regular bachelor's after Studienkolleg, you need to submit a new online application within the designated application periods. 

Even if you have originally applied for Studienkolleg via TUM, you need to submit a new application and upload all required documents in due time. In addition, you must also apply via uni-assist and upload all necessary documents for the application for a Preliminary Documentation (VPD) on their website.

Dates and Deadlines

Lecture period, lecture-free days, or enrollment periods – all semester dates and deadlines at a glance.

FAQs about your studies at TUM

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Student Advising and Information Services

+ 49 89 289 22245 
studiumspam prevention@tum.de

Please observe the e-mail etiquette.

Personal advising sessions with General Student Advising by appointment

Service Desk

Campus Munich
Arcisstraße 21, Room 0144
80333 München

Monday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Tuesday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. (Student Information only)
Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

HSTS