Studying in Germany
What German level do you need for the Studienkolleg?
Each Studienkolleg sets its own German entry rule. The Studienkolleg Hamburg asks for a German certificate at B2 or higher, for example the Goethe-Zertifikat B2, and has no entrance test. The Studienkolleg Mittelhessen in Marburg asks for a B2 certificate and then invites applicants to an online German entrance test (Aufnahmetest).
Updated 25 September 2026, Faust Academy team
A Studienkolleg prepares international students for study at a German university, in language, subject and method. The course ends with the Feststellungsprüfung, the final exam of the Studienkolleg.
German decides twice on this path: when you apply to the Studienkolleg, and when you start your degree. This page shows two real entry rules, the visa rule for study preparation, and the German that universities ask for later.
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Two Studienkollegs, two entry rules
From the official pages, read on 25 September 2026.
| Studienkolleg Hamburg | Studienkolleg Mittelhessen | |
|---|---|---|
| German when you apply | Certificate at B2 or higher | B2 certificate, for example Goethe-Zertifikat B2 |
| Entrance test | None | Online German test of 25 minutes: vocabulary, grammar and reading, multiple choice |
| How places are given | Points for your school grade and your German | By the grade of your school leaving certificate |
| Note | The certificate must not be older than three years when you apply | Only for applicants to THM, Gießen or Marburg through uni-assist |
Certificates the Studienkolleg Hamburg accepts
Only these proofs count. Certificates of professional German do not count.
- Goethe-Zertifikat B2, C1 or C2
- telc Deutsch B2, C1 or C2
- DSD II
- DSH-1 with at least 57 percent in each module, DSH-2 or DSH-3
- TestDaF with TDN 3 in all four parts, TDN 4 or TDN 5
- ÖSD Zertifikat B2, C1 or C2
How Hamburg gives out places
There is no entrance test in Hamburg. The Studienkolleg gives places by points: up to 30 points for the average grade of your school leaving certificate, up to 25 bonus points for very good German, and 4 bonus points for graduates of schools abroad that Germany supports. The total is 59 points.
Meeting the rules does not give you a place on its own. A higher German certificate gives you more bonus points, so C1 can help your chances even when B2 is the minimum.
For Goethe, telc and TestDaF certificates you need no certified copy, because the Studienkolleg checks them itself.
The visa for the Studienkolleg
The residence permit for study also covers study preparation. This includes the Studienkolleg, once you can show that a Studienkolleg has accepted you (section 16b (1) AufenthG).
The visa office asks for proof of German only if your German was not checked in the admission decision and you will not learn it in the preparation course.
After the Studienkolleg
The Goethe-Zertifikat C2 gives access to study at every German speaking university. Many universities also accept Goethe C1 or B2. Each university decides, so check with your university.
The Goethe-Institut publishes a list of universities and the Goethe certificates they accept. It is linked in the sources below.
The Goethe B2 exam at a glance
| Part | Length | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Reading (Lesen) | 65 minutes | 30 tasks in 5 parts |
| Listening (Hören) | 40 minutes | 30 tasks in 4 parts |
| Writing (Schreiben) | 75 minutes | 2 writing tasks |
| Speaking (Sprechen) | Oral exam | 2 parts, paired exam |
| Pass mark | 60 of 100 points | In each module |
Steps before you apply
- Pick your Studienkolleg and read its own application page: level, accepted certificates, entrance test and deadlines.
- Find your level with the Faust placement test.
- If the Studienkolleg asks for a certificate, practise every Goethe B2 module until you score 60 of 100 points in a scored paper.
- If it runs an entrance test, practise reading, vocabulary and grammar under time limits.
- Book the exam early enough that the certificate arrives before the application deadline.
How Faust helps
Faust Academy has 48 Goethe B2 practice papers and 48 Goethe C1 practice papers in the Goethe exam format. Every paper gets a result per module.
One scored online paper per part is free, and every PDF is free.
Faust Academy is independent practice. It is not a product of the Goethe-Institut and issues no certificates.
Practise for Goethe B2
Frequently asked questions
- What German level do I need for a Studienkolleg?
- It depends on the Studienkolleg. The Studienkolleg Hamburg asks for a certificate at B2 or higher. The Studienkolleg Mittelhessen asks for a B2 certificate and adds an online German test. Read the page of the Studienkolleg you apply to.
- Does the Studienkolleg Hamburg accept the Goethe-Zertifikat B2?
- Yes. Its list names the Goethe-Zertifikat B2, C1 and C2.
- How old can my German certificate be?
- At the Studienkolleg Hamburg, the certificate must not be older than three years when your application arrives.
- Is there an entrance test for the Studienkolleg?
- Some Studienkollegs have one, others do not. Hamburg has none and gives places by points. Mittelhessen invites applicants with a B2 certificate to an online German test of 25 minutes.
- Do I need to prove German for the visa?
- Only if your German was not checked in the admission decision and you will not learn it in the preparation course (section 16b (1) AufenthG).
- What German do I need after the Studienkolleg?
- The Goethe-Zertifikat C2 gives access to study at every German speaking university. Many universities also accept Goethe C1 or B2. Each university decides, so check with your university.
- How is the Goethe B2 exam scored?
- Goethe B1, B2, C1 and C2: each module has 100 points. You pass a module with 60 points.
Ready? Start a practice paper now.
Sources
- Studienkolleg Hamburg: Bewerbungsablauf
- Studienkolleg Hamburg: Zulassungsverfahren
- Studienkolleg Mittelhessen: Aufnahmetest
- Studienkolleg Mittelhessen: Deutschkenntnisse
- § 16b AufenthG, Studium
- Goethe-Institut: Anerkennung der Goethe-Zertifikate zum Studium, Stand Mai 2026
- Goethe-Institut: Durchführungsbestimmungen B1, Stand 1. September 2025