W-Kurs: preparation for economics and social sciences
W-Kurs is the economics track of the Studienkolleg: mathematics, economics and English, taught in German. Its FSP opens economics, management and the social sciences; engineering programmes need the T-Kurs.
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 W-Kurs is accepted for economic and social-science programmes. It does not give access to engineering or medicine.
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 W-Kurs is for applicants heading for economics, management and the social sciences. If you are interested in business informatics or industrial engineering (Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen), check the programme's requirements: many universities expect the T-Kurs for them.
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What happens in class
Mathematics as far as an economist needs it (analysis and statistics), the basics of economics — micro- and macroeconomics, accounting — plus English and academic German.
How hard it is
Mathematics is often underestimated: there is less of it than in the T-Kurs, but it is part of both the entrance exam and the FSP. English is needed too — professional literature is read in it.
What comes next
The W-Kurs FSP opens economics and social-science programmes: business administration, economics, sociology, political science. The FSP grade replaces your school grade in applications and decides on programmes with an admission restriction.
Where to take the W-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 W-Kurs
Can I study Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen with the W-Kurs?
Do I need English to start?
Not sure the W-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.