Warning: Choosing a Private Studienkolleg in Germany

Private Studienkollegs: A Word of Caution

Private Studienkollegs are institutions that are run privately. The general opinion is that a private Studienkolleg should always be the last option.

This recommendation is based on two main factors:

1. High Pricing: Costs generally range around €2,000 to €6,000.
2. Widespread Bad Practices: This is especially true for those that conduct an internal Feststellungsprüfung (FSP).

The Problem with Internal FSP

Many private institutions claim that their internally conducted FSP is "widely" recognized across Germany. In actuality, the resulting certificate (FSP-Zeugnis) is often only valid at a few selected private universities.

Recommendation:

If you must take a private Studienkolleg, I strongly advise you to avoid institutions that conduct an internal FSP. Instead, pick those that facilitate an external FSP with a public Studienkolleg.

• External FSP: These private institutions essentially work as a "tutor," helping you prepare for the official FSP administered by a public Studienkolleg. The test questions are created by the public institution, ensuring wider recognition.
• Internal FSP: The private institution creates its own test questions.

Note: Studying in a public Studienkolleg is generally superior because you will be learning directly from the teachers who will make the actual Feststellungsprüfung questions.

If You Choose an Internal FSP Provider

If you still wish to join one that conducts an internal FSP, you must take the following precaution:

Ask them via email (it is crucial that you have this in written proof) that their FSP-Zeugnis is also valid at all public Studienkollegs and not just those they are partnered with.

The final advice remains: Please at least attempt the Aufnahmeprüfung for public Studienkollegs first.

Confirmed Exceptions and Decent Options

The Studienkollegs in Bochum and Mettingen are an exception. While they are technically private institutions under EWDE (Diakonie), they are heavily subsidized by the state and are confirmed to be legitimate with widely accepted FSP results.

Several other privately run Studienkollegs that are considered decent, or are at least not 100% scams:

• Paderborn Studienkolleg
• Freshman Institut
• TUDIAS
• Jena Studienkolleg

Community Experiences

Here are several experiences some Redditors have had with private Studienkollegs:

• MDWI Studienkolleg Magdeburg
• Studienkolleg Paderborn (1)
• Studienkolleg Paderborn (2)
• Rheinisches Studienkolleg Berlin
• Studienkolleg Düsseldorf