Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) exams at private Studienkollegs
The Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) — literally translated as "control exam" — is a series of exams in the subjects that the student has studied at the Studienkolleg. Graduates of private Studienkollegs take them not in their educational institution itself, but in the Admission Committee of the specific German state. These Committees are situated in state Studienkollegs. So, if the studies took place at the private Rheinisches Studienkolleg in Bonn, then the exam will have to be taken in Cologne. It is important to ensure that the private Studienkolleg offers to pass the FSP, which is recognized throughout Germany.
Exams are conducted in written and oral form. For example, after studying M-Kurs at the Rheinisches Studienkolleg, the three written exams are German, Physics, and Biology, while the two oral exams are Chemistry and Mathematics.
Foundation in Germany
In addition to the traditional Studienkolleg system, there are also paid Foundation programs in Germany. They are hosted by private universities, and the learning process is different from Studienkollegs. It is designed for the student to continue their studies at the same university where the Foundation program took place. After the preparatory year, the student is automatically enrolled in the undergraduate program of the same educational institution. For example, at the Karl Graduate School International University, the preparatory year is conducted similarly to a Studienkolleg: the selection of subjects resembles a course in Economics, but at the end of the year, students do not take the FSP exams. And without them, they are not allowed to enter other German universities.
Differences between Foundation programs in Germany and Studienkollegs
Main advantages of the Foundation program are the automatic admission to a German university and a variety of preparatory programs. For example, after studying in English at Freshman Institute in Aachen, the applicant may enroll in two educational institutions: University of Applied Sciences Rhine-Waal and the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences. The disadvantage of Foundation is that after completing these programs, the students rarely gain access to higher education in German, since they do not pass the FSP exam.
Foundation is a good option if the student has decided in advance on the training plan and will not change it. However, this will not be suitable for those who want to choose a university after the preparatory program.
Comparison of Foundation programs in Germany
Requirements for admission to Foundation programs in Germany
In terms of required documents, admission to these programs practically does not differ from Studienkollegs:
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Copy of the passport;
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Notarized copy of the school certificate;
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Notarized translation of the school certificate into German or English — with grades attached;
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CV;
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Motivation letter;
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Recommendation letter
For admission to English-language programs, you must additionally provide a certificate of passing IELTS or TOEFL.