T-Kurs: preparation for engineering, IT and natural sciences
T-Kurs is the technical track of the Studienkolleg: a year of mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science in German that ends with the FSP exam. The result opens all engineering, IT and natural-science programmes at German universities, but not medicine or economics.
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 T-Kurs is accepted for technical and natural-science programmes. It does not give access to medicine, law or economics — other tracks lead there.
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.
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Who this course is for
The T-Kurs is for applicants heading for engineering, IT and natural-science programmes whose school certificate does not give direct access to a German university. It is the most common Studienkolleg track. The course is chosen for your future field and cannot be switched later — decide before you apply whether it is engineering or economics.
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What happens in class
The main subject is mathematics: analysis, vectors, basics of linear algebra. Physics comes second, chemistry or computer science third, depending on the college. The German is academic: following lectures, writing up solutions, reading textbooks.
How hard it is
The main difficulty is usually the language rather than the subjects: you solve problems and explain your reasoning in German, at a pace close to the first year of university. Mathematics is already tested in the entrance exam, so revise school maths in advance.
What comes next
With the T-Kurs FSP you can apply for technical, IT and natural-science programmes at any university in Germany. The FSP grade replaces your school grade in applications and decides on programmes with a competition. University deadlines for the winter semester often fall around the FSP exams — plan your applications early.
Where to take the T-Kurs — nearest intakes
The content of the course is the same everywhere; the conditions differ: price, how often it starts, who holds the FSP.
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Questions about T-Kurs
Can I study medicine with the T-Kurs?
Is the T-Kurs hard?
Not sure the T-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.