S-Kurs: preparation for languages and philology
S-Kurs is the language track: German, literature and a second foreign language. It opens philology and linguistics. It is the rarest of the tracks.
What is studied
How the course works
The format is the same for every Studienkolleg track — only the core subjects differ.
Status of a Studienkolleg student
Enrolment at a Studienkolleg gives almost the same rights as a university student has.
- ✓A student visa and residence permit for the duration of the course
- ✓Semester ticket and student discounts — at state colleges through the university
- ✓A place in a Studentenwerk hall of residence on the usual terms
- —Part-time work is more restricted than for students: only in the holidays, under the rules of the foreigners' office
- —At private colleges the status and the transport ticket depend on the contract with a university — check on the course page
Which programmes it opens
The FSP of the S-Kurs is accepted for language and philology programmes.
Exams
Two exams: on entry the college checks whether you will cope, at the end — whether you are ready for university.
German in writing (often a C-test and an essay) and the main subject of the course, in German. At state colleges places are limited and go to the best results; private colleges usually hold a placement test without competition.
German and the core subjects of the course in writing, then orally. The FSP grade replaces the school-leaving grade in university applications. Who holds the exam — the college's own board or an external state board — decides where the result is recognised.
Do you need a Studienkolleg
A Studienkolleg is needed only if your certificate does not give direct access. For some countries access comes after one or two years at a university at home — then a preparatory course is not needed.
Check my certificateMore about the S-Kurs
Who this course is for
The S-Kurs is the language track: for applicants heading for philology, linguistics, translation and language programmes. It is the rarest track and is often taught together with the G-Kurs as a G/S course.
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What happens in class
German language and linguistics, literature, history and a second foreign language — usually English or French.
How hard it is
As in the G-Kurs, the main load is the language: reading, analysing texts and writing in German, plus a second foreign language at a level good enough for study.
What comes next
The S-Kurs FSP opens language and philology programmes — German studies, linguistics, translation. Translation programmes often have additional language requirements — check them on the programme page.
Where to take the S-Kurs — nearest intakes
The content of the course is the same everywhere; the conditions differ: price, how often it starts, who holds the FSP.
Questions about S-Kurs
How is the S-Kurs different from the G-Kurs?
Not sure the S-Kurs is your course?
The course is chosen for your future field of study and cannot be changed after enrolment. We check your goal against the FSP subjects before you apply.