Studienkolleg Selection Methods: How Applicants are Ranked
An explanation of the various methods Studienkollegs use to filter and rank applicants for admission, focusing on the critical role of the Aufnahmeprüfung (ANP) score, nationality quotas, and tie-breaker criteria.
Selection Methods of Studienkollegs
Due to the limited number of spaces available, Studienkollegs employ various methods to filter applicants, determine who is accepted, and assign a final rank to each candidate.
1. Aufnahmeprüfung (ANP) Score (Primary Method)
The most direct and common method is ranking candidates based on their scores in the entrance exam (Aufnahmeprüfung).
- Ranking: Applicants are ranked solely based on their test results.
- Weighting: Most Studienkollegs prioritize the German language test score over the subject-specific test scores (Math, Physics, Biology, etc.). This means the German language score often carries a bigger weight in the calculation of the final admission score. However, some Studienkollegs utilize different weighting systems.
2. Nationality Quota (Diversity Quota)
The nationality quota system limits the number of applicants accepted from a given country in an effort to promote diversity across the student body.
- Impact: This can be frustrating for applicants from countries with high volumes of students applying to Germany (e.g., India, Vietnam).
- Competition: If a quota is applied, you will only compete for a slot against your fellow countrymen.
- Flexibility: Quotas can be adjusted based on current events; for example, quotas for Ukrainian students were dramatically increased following the Russo-Ukrainian war to support refugee students.
- Transparency: Note that not all Studienkollegs use this system, and those that do generally do not publicly announce that they have such quotas in place.
3. German Language Certificate (Tie-Breaker)
This criterion is typically only used as a tie-breaker when two or more candidates have the same score on the Aufnahmeprüfung and, if applicable, are from the same country.
- Evaluation: The applicant's German certificate is assessed based on the level achieved (e.g., B2 vs. C1) and the score obtained within that level.
- Certificate Type: The type of certificate (e.g., Goethe, TELC, TestDaF) may also be taken into consideration.
4. High School Score (Secondary Tie-Breaker)
The applicant's converted high school score (GPA/Abiturnote) is only considered if candidates remain tied on all preceding points (ANP score, nationality quota, and German language certificate).
5. Lebenslauf (CV) (Final Tie-Breaker)
This is the least commonly used selection method and is reserved for situations where applicants are tied on all of the above criteria.
- Focus: Admissions officers will typically review the applicant's academic achievements and participation listed in their German CV (Lebenslauf) to break the final tie.
Published on: 9/30/2025