Studienkolleg NRW Hochschule Fresenius - University of Applied Sciences

The preparatory programme offered by Studienkolleg NRW (SK NRW) of Hochschule Fresenius is aimed at international students who do not have a direct German university entrance qualification. It is an intensive, high-quality programme that prepares students for the university qualification examination (i.e. "Feststellungsprüfung"). The "Feststellungsprüfung" takes place at the Cologne campus of Hochschule Fresenius at the end of the programme. This exam is state-recognised by the Cologne Regional Council ("Bezirksregierung Köln").

We offer focus courses in the following three subject areas:

• M course (Medicine)
  • biology, chemistry, physics and German language classes
• T course (Technical sciences — also offered in English!)
  • mathematics, physics, chemistry and German or English language classes
• W course (Economics — also offered in English!)
  • mathematics, economics and language classes in German and English

Students can choose either German or English language focus courses and will take the "Feststellungsprüfung" in German or English accordingly.

After passing the German "Feststellungsprüfung", students may apply for undergraduate studies (e.g. Bachelor's programmes) at any German university. The English "Feststellungsprüfung" entitles students to apply for undergraduate studies in English in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Students will have access to all services of the Hochschule Fresenius campus in the centre of Cologne and benefit from the international education environment. They will be supported by the experienced SK NRW team and lecturers.

Our services: 

• Assistance with visa process, blocked account and travel issues
• Academic preparation in the student's subject area (focus course)
• Language courses: B2 + C1 (in the first/main language) and B1 in the second language (W course)
• Welcome and orientation programme
• Sample exams
• Individual feedback on learning progress
• “Feststellungsprüfung”
• Timely issuance of certificates for application to universities in the upcoming semester
• Graduation ceremony

After students have passed the state-recognised, university qualification examination ("Feststellungsprüfung") that is conducted by Hochschule Fresenius after the foundation programme, they will be guaranteed admission to selected Bachelor's degree programmes at Hochschule Fresenius.

12,000 EUR

Services included:

• Preparatory courses and "Feststellungsprüfung"
• Assistance with visa procedure
• Welcome day and orientation programme
• University sports activities
• Sample exams and individual feedback on learning progress
• Graduation ceremony

Academic requirements vary and depend on the country of origin. In general, students must have completed at least a high school degree that enables them to apply to university in their home country in order to be admitted to Studienkolleg NRW.

A higher education entrance qualification will be needed for students coming from certain countries. Studienkolleg NRW will assist with individual cases.

Prospective students should fill in the application form on the website and submit the following documents:

• ­High school diploma (in original language and official translation into English or German, if different, both officially certified)*
• University entrance exam certificate of country of origin, if applicable*
• Language certificates(*)
• Resume (curriculum vitae)
• Application photo
• Copy of passport

*These documents have to be officially certified and sent in the original language as well as translated into German or English if the original language is not German or English.

Digital documents are sufficient for the application.

Applicants may be required to take an entrance exam or interview in order to be considered for admission to the programme.

Students will be guaranteed a place in the preparatory programme after successfully completing the interview!

If you do not meet the academic requirements for a preparatory programme or "Feststellungsprüfung" but have a direct university entrance qualification in your home country, please ask for alternative foundation programmes that you can complete at Hochschule Fresenius.

Applications may be submitted year round.

Students can buy meals at the university's cafeteria and around the area of the MediaPark. There are a lot of options, such as cafés, bakeries, salad and wrap bars, restaurants and occasionally food trucks.

Welcome days, sports activities offered by "Hochschulsport"

Hochschule Fresenius is a state-recognised university of applied sciences and one of Germany’s largest and most renowned privately run higher education institutions. About 18,000 students study at 10 campuses, which are located in Germany and New York; 120 Bachelor‘s and Master‘s study programmes are offered at five departments.

Next Generation Education – since 1848: more than 175 years of experience!

Its practical focus, innovative course content, training that meets the requirements of the job market, small study groups, renowned corporate partners and an extensive alumni network are just some of the advantages Hochschule Fresenius has to offer. Hochschule Fresenius has a history that spans more than 175 years. In 1848, Carl Remigius Fresenius founded the “Chemisches Laboratorium Fresenius”, which was originally devoted to practical laboratory work and education.

Studienkolleg NRW of Hochschule Fresenius is located on the Cologne campus; it offers optimal preparation for the “Feststellungsprüfung” for international students whose degrees do not allow them to directly study at a German university. Hochschule Fresenius has also been commissioned by the Cologne Regional Council ("Bezirksregierung Köln") to implement the “Feststellungsprüfung”.

Cologne is Germany’s oldest major city and a bustling metropolis of over a million people with a broad variety of impressive sights. It is also home to the famous Cologne Cathedral, the most visited landmark in Germany. As one of Germany’s major university cities, it is not only a centre for academic and student life but also extremely rich in terms of business, art and culture. It offers a variety of international restaurants, and one can find the typical “kölsch” charm in the different neighbourhoods of the city. Cologne hosts numerous cultural events and has internationally known attractions: museums, churches, galleries, theatres, a philharmonic hall and an opera house.

Studienkolleg NRW of Hochschule Fresenius is well located in an architecturally modern complex, the MediaPark, which is close to the city centre and the central train station. It is easily accessible by public transport and has excellent connections to motorways.