Studienstart International is a compulsory, one-semester, supported induction programme for international students from non-EU countries enrolled on Bachelor’s and State Examination degree programmes. Since 2010, it has been successfully helping students settle into their studies and life in Cologne.

The ‘Studienstart International’ programme is compulsory for international students from countries outside the European Union who wish to commence an undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s or Staatsexamen) in Cologne – whether or not they hold a direct university entrance qualification. This does not apply to degree programmes at the Faculty of Law or teacher training programmes.

The ‘Studienstart International’ programme lasts one semester and takes place either before the main course of study (‘Studienstart International plus’) or during the first semester of the main course of study (‘Studienstart International integrale’).

It makes starting university easier, improves students’ chances of academic success and provides support with integration, orientation and academic skills. Studienstart International thus offers personalised support right from the start and beyond the semester. Regular meetings and courses foster contact between students and the Studienstart International team, which can therefore provide prompt and targeted support in the event of any questions or problems. This means that any issues can be discussed directly with the team members.

Yes, it prepares students for university in terms of subject knowledge, language skills and organisational skills, and significantly increases their chances of success.

Participation in the ‘Studienstart International’ programme is compulsory for international students from non-EU countries enrolled on Bachelor’s and State Examination degree programmes, regardless of whether they have previously undertaken any studies.

The University of Cologne’s ‘Studienstart International’ programme was established in response to the challenges faced by international students within the German higher education system. Among other things, it was prompted by research findings from 2004 onwards, which highlighted low academic achievement and a lack of university-level preparation within the Studienkolleg system at that time. Following the closure of the Studienkollegs in North Rhine-Westphalia in 2010, the ‘Studienstart International’ programme – which had already been launched at the Faculty of Medicine in 2009 – was established as a new university-affiliated preparatory programme and extended to other faculties.

The ‘Studienstart International plus’ programme is the University of Cologne’s own admissions procedure, which prepares students from non-EU countries who do not have direct access to higher education for their degree programme during a preparatory semester and enables them to gain entry to their studies. During the semester, students attend various modules depending on their faculty. Upon successful completion, students are enrolled directly into the first semester of their degree programme – without having to reapply. The ‘Studienstart International plus’ programme is an alternative to the Studienkolleg. Further information can be found on the Studienstart International plus website.

All international students from non-EU countries who have direct entry to higher education automatically take part in the ‘Studienstart International integrale’ programme during their first academic semester. Further information can be found on the Studienstart International integrale website.

The ‘Studienstart International Medizin’ programme is a compulsory pre-semester course that prepares international students from non-EU countries for degree programmes in Medicine, Dentistry and Neuroscience. Upon successful completion, students are enrolled directly into the first academic semester – without having to reapply. Further information can be found on the Studienstart International Medizin website.

Yes, international students can study in Germany even without a German Abitur, provided their school-leaving qualification is recognised as equivalent or they take part in a preparatory programme such as Studienstart International plus or the Studienkolleg.

No, the ‘Studienstart International’ programme is only for students who are nationals of non-EU countries.

A Studienkolleg is a preparatory course that includes an assessment test. The Studienkolleg usually lasts one year. Afterwards, you must apply for a place at university. 
Studienstart International plus is the University of Cologne’s own admissions procedure. The advantages of Studienstart International plus are:  Studienstart International plus lasts only 6 months. Students do not need to reapply; once they have successfully completed the programme, their place at university is already secured and they move straight on to their chosen degree programme.  In addition, the ‘Studienstart International plus’ programme offers extra support and language tuition, and students are already familiar with the university by the time they begin their degree programme. As they are able to stay in the same town, they do not have to look for a new flat and can remain within their familiar social circle.

Recognition of your school-leaving qualification is checked via uni-assist as part of the application process. You can check here in advance whether your school-leaving qualification is recognised in Germany: anabin.kmk.org/db/schulabschluesse-mit-hochschulzugang

No, a good command of German is required for most degree programmes at the University of Cologne. As a rule, a minimum of DSH-2 level or an equivalent qualification is required. A recognised language certificate must be submitted by the relevant application deadline (15 July for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester) and cannot be submitted at a later date.

You must demonstrate a very good command of the German language for your degree programme, at least at DSH-2 level or an equivalent qualification. We accept the following certificates:
• TestDaF TDN 4 in all sections of the exam
• DSH 2
• German Language Diploma, Level II of the KMK (DSD II)
• Telc C1 University
• Telc C2
• Goethe-Institut C1 Certificate
• ÖSD C2
• Pass in the ‘German’ section of the placement test (FSP)
 

The application deadline for the winter semester is 15 July; for the summer semester, it is 15 January.

Yes, it is possible to change your field of study through the ‘Studienstart International plus’ programme.

Regardless of whether you have previously studied medicine, attendance at the ‘Studienstart International Medizin’ programme at the Faculty of Medicine is compulsory.

No, it is not possible to skip the ‘Studienstart International Medizin’ programme if you wish to study medicine at the University of Cologne.

Studienstart International is part of the admissions process for your chosen degree programme at the University of Cologne. Depending on your entry requirements, you will complete Studienstart International either before or during your first academic semester.

You must have the required level of German, a secondary school leaving certificate and a TestAS result. The ranking list used to allocate places is based on the TestAS result.

No, the admission documents required for an application must be submitted at the time of application and cannot be submitted at a later date.

No, only the required level of German, the secondary school leaving certificate and the TestAS result are taken into account.

The ‘Studienstart International’ programme includes:

• Introductory subject-specific modules that prepare you for your degree programme in terms of both content and language, e.g. a preparatory maths course for economics students or a writing workshop for humanities students.
• German courses designed to ensure you have the language skills you need for your degree programme. In addition to general German courses at various levels, there are subject-specific and skills-based German courses aimed at specifically improving certain skills, such as listening, reading, writing or speaking. During an individual German placement test, we will work with you to assess your current level of German and select suitable German courses from the range offered by the Department of German as a Foreign Language. The aim is to ensure you are as well prepared as possible in terms of language skills, so that you can start your degree programme with confidence.
• Seminars on study skills, offering helpful tips to help you get started with your studies. Topics covered include communication at university, academic language and exam preparation. Students from higher semesters also take part in these seminars to share their experiences.
• Intercultural training helps students to collaborate and communicate with fellow students from all over the world and promotes openness and tolerance. 
• Orientation programmes and support throughout the semester and beyond. Introductory events before the start of the semester encourage new students to network with one another right from the start. Language support provides an opportunity to interact with native German speakers. 
• In addition to the regular courses, which are run by the Studienstart International team, amongst others, there are meetings held during and at the end of the semester where any queries can be addressed and any potential problems dealt with promptly. Weekly consultation hours also provide an opportunity for individual advice, even beyond the Studienstart International semester. Experience shows that establishing a good relationship at the start helps students to seek advice and support later on in their studies.
   

Yes, depending on the degree programme, credits from Studienstart International may be recognised as part of your degree.

After taking part in the Studienstart International programme, it is possible in individual cases to have previous study recognised. The Studienstart International team will be happy to put you in touch with the relevant contact persons.

No, during the semester, students attend modules with different assessment formats. All assessments must be passed. Once they have done so, they will have successfully completed the ‘Studienstart International’ programme.

No, it is not possible to take part online.

Attendance is compulsory. If you miss too many sessions, you will have to repeat the Studienstart International programme.

Yes, the semester includes attendance at German language courses designed specifically to prepare students for their degree programme and improve their language skills. Regardless of the proof of language proficiency submitted with their application, all first-year students undergo a German language placement test before the start of the semester to assess their current individual language level. It involves taking an online placement test, a short interview and a written task. This helps us to work with you to select general German language courses or courses tailored to your specific skills.

In addition, there is the option of taking part in a language support programme, which is designed to improve first-year students’ spoken German and help them overcome any inhibitions about speaking, whilst also encouraging them to build a network in Cologne. Further information can be found on the website for the language support.

The degree programme is generally free of charge. However, there is a semester fee, which covers, amongst other things, the semester ticket and student services. You can find all the information about the semester fee on the Student Registry’s website.

Accommodation is in very short supply, so it is essential to start looking early. Options include student halls of residence, rooms in shared flats or private flats. Demand in Cologne is very high. You should budget for at least around 500 euros for a room. The Studienstart International team will do their utmost to help you find accommodation. We’ll provide you with information during a housing consultation before the start of the semester, put you in touch with other students on request, and, if required, provide you with information about clubs, organisations, university groups and student societies, tailored to your individual situation. Until you’ve found a flat, we’ll stay in close contact with you and pass on any housing offers that are suitable for you.
We would also advise you to actively network, as we have found that many flats are let through personal contacts. If you already have family, acquaintances or friends in Cologne, you should ask them directly for help with your search.

The Studienstart International team will do its utmost to help you find accommodation. We’ll provide you with information during a housing consultation session before the start of the semester, put you in touch with other students on request, and, if required, provide you with information about clubs, organisations, university groups and student societies, tailored to your specific situation. Until you have found a flat, we will stay in close contact with you and forward any flat listings that are suitable for you.
In addition, we at the International Office have taken the initiative to establish the “Strategic University Network for International Housing” in collaboration with other universities in Germany, in order to tackle the major challenge of providing affordable accommodation for international students. You can find further information about the Strategic University Network for International Accommodation on the following website.

The average monthly cost of living in Cologne is around 900 to 1,200 euros, depending on rent and lifestyle.

Although there are some scholarship opportunities available to international students, they are few and far between, and are only likely to be successful at a later stage of your studies. We therefore recommend that you do not rely on a scholarship to fund your studies.

Yes, international students are permitted to work in Germany, although there are legal restrictions on working hours. Further information can be found on the Costs & Financing webpage.

The Studienstart International team offers support with finding part-time work in the form of one-to-one advice, putting you in touch with students in higher semesters who have work experience, or taking part in a part-time work workshop. 

Yes, Cologne is an international city with a lively student scene, offering a wealth of cultural activities, a wide range of higher education institutions and a good quality of life. The ‘Kölsche’ mentality describes the typical outlook on life shared by many people from Cologne. It is less a set of fixed rules and more a way of life characterised by warmth, openness, tolerance, a zest for life and a sense of humour.

If you have any questions, students can contact the Studienstart International team directly at the University of Cologne’s International Office:
Britta Schlüter de Castro & Anastasija Gliem
Department 9 – International Affairs
Studienstart International
Albertus-Magnus-Platz
D-50923 Cologne
Email: studienstart-international@verw.uni-koeln.de