The Feststellungsprüfung (FSP): Your Final German University Exam
A detailed breakdown of the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP), the final, mandatory exam required to qualify for university study in Germany. Covers the types of FSP validity, the risks of private FSP certificates, and how the final score is calculated.
What is a Feststellungsprüfung (FSP)?
The Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) is the final, comprehensive examination that determines whether you are eligible to study at a university in Germany. It is conducted at the end of the final semester of the Studienkolleg (STK).
The purpose of the FSP is to equalize your international high school certificate with the German Abitur.
Rules and Limitations
- Repetition: You are only allowed to repeat the FSP twice. If you fail the FSP three times, you are permanently ineligible to study at a German university.
- Format: The exam is strictly conducted in an offline (in-person) environment.
- Language: The exam is conducted in German.
Types of FSP Certificates Based on Validity
The validity of your FSP certificate depends on the type of Studienkolleg course you complete:
| FSP Type | Associated Courses | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Universität and Fachhochschule FSP | T-, W-, M-, G-, S-Kurs | Accepted throughout Germany for both universities and universities of applied sciences. |
| Fachhochschule FSP | TI-, WW-, GD-, SW-Kurs | Valid only for Fachhochschulen (Universities of Applied Sciences) throughout Germany. |
| Private Studienkolleg FSP | Varies | Validity depends entirely on the private institution and its recognition. (See warnings below.) |
Internal vs. External FSP
The method by which the exam is run significantly affects its recognition.
1. Internal FSP
An Internal FSP is an exam made and run solely by the Studienkolleg itself.
- Public STKs: This is generally fine for public Studienkollegs, as their FSPs are state-recognized and therefore accepted throughout Germany.
- Private STKs (Major Risk): This is a serious concern for private Studienkollegs. They often claim their internal FSP is valid nationwide, but in reality, it may only be accepted at a select few partner universities. You must obtain written proof of public university acceptance if considering this route.
2. External FSP
An External FSP is organized and administered by an outside body, typically a public Studienkolleg or occasionally a state/city education authority (e.g., Köln).
Many public Studienkollegs offer a chance for qualified external participants (i.e., those who did not attend the preparatory course there) to take part in their FSP, provided they meet specific requirements.
Locations Offering External FSP Opportunities:
- Köln
- Studienkolleg Kaiserslautern
- Studienkolleg Frankfurt
- Studienkolleg Hannover
- Studienkolleg Darmstadt
- Studienkolleg Sachsen
- Studienkolleg München
- Studienkolleg FU Berlin
- Studienkolleg TU Berlin
- ...and many more.
General Requirements for External FSP
Always recheck the requirements on the external FSP's own website or contact them directly, as they may differ between institutions.
Common requirements include:
- German proficiency certificate (B2/C1 level).
- High School Certificate (and certified translation if not in German/English).
- Passport/ID.
Subjects Tested
The subjects tested in the FSP depend on the specific Kurs you are taking. Please recheck the exact subject requirements with the respective Studienkolleg.
| Kurs Type | Subjects Tested (Common Examples) |
|---|---|
| T-Kurs | German, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| M-Kurs | German, Chemistry and Biology, Physics, Mathematics |
| W-Kurs | German, Mathematics, Economics (Volkswirtschaftslehre), Business Administration (Betriebswirtschaftslehre), English |
| G-Kurs | German, History, German Literature, Social Studies (Sozialkunde) |
FSP Score and University Admission
Calculating the Studienkolleg Certificate Score
The final score printed on your Studienkolleg certificate depends on the institution:
- Option 1 (Most Common): The certificate score is based purely on your FSP scores.
- Option 2 (Less Common): The score is a combination of your FSP scores and grades collected throughout the second semester.
If your Studienkolleg uses Option 2, ask them directly how the grades will be weighted.
Calculating the University Admission Score
The score used by German universities for admission purposes is the average of two components:
Admission Score = High School Certificate Score/2 + Studienkolleg Certificate Score/2
Example: If your converted high school GPA is 1.2 and your Studienkolleg certificate score is 2.0, your effective admission score (or Abiturnote) seen by the university will be 1.6.
This final averaged score is critically important if the university course you are aiming for has a Numerus Clausus (NC), which means admission is restricted by grade point average.
Published on: 9/29/2025