Everything Chinese students need to know about Studienkolleg admission: APS certificate, Gaokao requirements, German language levels, Sperrkonto, visa process, costs, and step-by-step application timeline.
Chinese students who want to study at a German university but do not qualify for direct admission need to complete a one-year preparatory program at a Studienkolleg. To be admitted, you must hold a Gaokao certificate, obtain an APS verification from the Akademische Prufstelle in Beijing, and prove German language proficiency at the B1/B2 level. You also need to open a Sperrkonto with at least 11,904 EUR and pass the Studienkolleg entrance exam. The entire process from first steps to enrollment takes 8 to 14 months, so early planning is essential.
This guide walks you through every requirement, deadline, and cost — with real numbers and a month-by-month timeline so you know exactly what to do and when.
Not every Chinese student needs to attend a Studienkolleg. Since the KMK (Kultusministerkonferenz) updated its recognition policy for the Gaokao in 2020, Chinese high school graduates now have multiple pathways into German higher education. Which one applies to you depends on your Gaokao score and your academic history.
If you achieved at least 70% of the maximum total Gaokao score for your province, you may qualify for direct subject-restricted admission (fachgebundene Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) to a German university — without attending a Studienkolleg.
Additional conditions apply:
Under this pathway, the APS uses the simplified Gaokao-Verfahren — a document-only review with no personal interview.
You need to attend a Studienkolleg if:
This is the most common pathway for Chinese students heading to Germany.
If you have completed at least one semester at a “211 Project” university or at least three semesters at another recognized Chinese institution, you can apply for direct subject-specific admission through the regular APS China-Verfahren (which includes an interview).
The following students cannot access German higher education through these pathways:
The APS (Akademische Prufstelle) certificate is mandatory for virtually all Chinese students applying to German universities or Studienkollegs. Without it, your application will not be processed, and a visa will not be issued.
The APS is a joint institution of the German Embassy in Beijing and the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). It verifies the authenticity and academic quality of your Chinese educational documents.
| Procedure | Who Is It For | Interview? | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| China-Verfahren (Regular) | Students with university study in China applying as independent applicants | Yes, in-person academic interview | 2,500 RMB |
| Gaokao-Verfahren | Gaokao graduates applying directly for a Bachelor’s degree | No — document review only | 2,500 RMB |
| Partnerschaftsverfahren | Students in German-Chinese university cooperation programs | No | Varies |
| Kunstler-Verfahren | Students applying to arts/music programs | Portfolio review | 2,500 RMB |
You will need to submit the following to the APS office in Beijing:
Start your APS application 6 to 8 months before your intended enrollment date. This is the single most important timeline advice in this entire guide.
If you go through the regular China-Verfahren, you will have a brief academic verification interview (approximately 15-20 minutes). This is not a language proficiency test. The interviewer will ask you about subjects you studied at university — your thesis topic, core courses, and academic knowledge. Prepare by reviewing your coursework and thesis summary.
German language proficiency is a core admission requirement for any Studienkolleg. The minimum level depends on the specific Studienkolleg, but here is what you should aim for:
| Level | Description | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| B1 | Intermediate — can handle everyday situations | Minimum for some Studienkollegs |
| B2 | Upper intermediate — can discuss complex topics | Required by most Studienkollegs |
The following certificates are widely accepted for Studienkolleg admission:
Do not confuse the language level for Studienkolleg entry with the level for university admission:
The Studienkolleg program itself includes intensive German instruction that brings you from B2 to C1 level over two semesters.
Starting from zero German, reaching B2 takes 12 to 18 months of intensive study (approximately 800-1,000 hours). Many Chinese students begin learning German at language schools in China (Goethe-Institut centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and other cities) or through private language schools before applying.
When you apply to a Studienkolleg, you must choose a course track (Schwerpunktkurs) that matches your intended university program. There are five course tracks:
| Course | Full Name | Prepares For | Core Subjects |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Kurs | Technischer Kurs | Engineering, IT, mathematics, natural sciences | German, mathematics, physics, chemistry |
| M-Kurs | Medizinischer Kurs | Medicine, biology, pharmacy | German, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology |
| W-Kurs | Wirtschaftskurs | Business, economics, social sciences | German, mathematics, business administration, economics, English |
| G-Kurs | Geisteswissenschaftlicher Kurs | Humanities, arts, social sciences | German, history, politics, literature |
| S-Kurs | Sprachkurs | Languages, linguistics | German, a second foreign language, history or geography |
For Chinese students, the T-Kurs and W-Kurs are by far the most popular choices, reflecting the strong interest in engineering and business programs.
After your application is accepted, you must pass the Studienkolleg entrance exam. This is separate from the APS process and tests whether you are ready for the preparatory program.
Most Studienkollegs test two areas:
German Language Exam (60-90 minutes)
Mathematics Exam (45-60 minutes)
Important: Calculators and electronic devices are not allowed during the exam.
Visit our sample exams page for practice materials. Many Studienkollegs also publish their own sample tests on their websites. Focus especially on mathematical terminology in German — knowing how to say “Gleichung” (equation), “Bruch” (fraction), or “Flacheninhalt” (area) can make a real difference.
Proving you can support yourself financially is a visa requirement. Here is exactly what you need.
The Sperrkonto is a special bank account that proves you have enough money to live in Germany for one year. The current requirement:
You must open the account and deposit the full amount before your visa appointment. The account confirmation must be in German or English.
| Expense | Monthly | Annual | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester fee (Semesterbeitrag) | — | 200-700 EUR | Varies by state; often includes Semesterticket |
| Rent (student dorm) | 250-400 EUR | 3,000-4,800 EUR | Cheapest option; apply early |
| Rent (shared flat/WG) | 350-600 EUR | 4,200-7,200 EUR | Varies greatly by city |
| Health insurance | 120-130 EUR | 1,440-1,560 EUR | Public insurance (under 30) |
| Food and groceries | 200-250 EUR | 2,400-3,000 EUR | Cooking at home saves money |
| Transportation | 0-63 EUR | 0-756 EUR | Often included in Semesterticket; otherwise Deutschlandticket at 63 EUR/month |
| Study materials | 30 EUR | 360 EUR | Books, supplies |
| Phone and internet | 20-30 EUR | 240-360 EUR | |
| Personal expenses | 100-150 EUR | 1,200-1,800 EUR | Clothing, leisure, misc. |
| TOTAL | ~930-1,200 EUR | ~11,200-14,400 EUR |
Public Studienkollegs are tuition-free in most German states. You only pay the Semesterbeitrag (100-350 EUR per semester).
Exception: Baden-Wurttemberg charges non-EU students 1,500 EUR per semester in tuition fees.
Private Studienkollegs charge between 5,000 and 10,000 EUR per year. These can be a good alternative if public Studienkollegs are full or if you need more flexible admission requirements.
Here is the complete application process for a Chinese student applying to a Studienkolleg in Germany.
Verify your pathway using the information above. If your Gaokao score is below 70% of your provincial maximum, the Studienkolleg path applies.
Submit your documents to the APS office in Beijing. This is the longest waiting period, so start as early as possible.
While waiting for your APS certificate, continue studying German intensively. Many students combine APS preparation with language study.
Research Studienkollegs across Germany. Consider:
uni-assist route: Many Studienkollegs use the uni-assist portal for centralized document review. You submit your documents once, and uni-assist forwards them to your chosen institutions. The fee is 75 EUR for the first application and 30 EUR for each additional one.
Direct application: Some Studienkollegs accept applications directly through their own portals or the associated university’s application system.
Key deadlines:
Studienkolleg deadlines are often earlier than regular university deadlines. Check each institution individually.
If your application is accepted, you will be invited to the entrance exam. Some Studienkollegs allow you to take the exam in China (at the APS office or Goethe-Institut), while others require you to be in Germany.
Once admitted, open your blocked account immediately. Several specialized providers allow online setup from China. Transfer the full 11,904 EUR.
You need valid health insurance for your visa application. Options:
Book your appointment at the German Embassy in Beijing or the consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, or Shenyang. You must apply at the location corresponding to your registered household address (hukou).
Documents for the visa appointment:
Visa processing time: 4 to 8 weeks after submission. During peak season (June-September), expect longer waits.
Visa appointment wait time: 4 to 10 weeks to get an appointment slot, depending on the consulate.
After receiving your visa, you can enter Germany. Upon arrival:
Here is a realistic timeline for a Chinese student aiming to start Studienkolleg in the winter semester (October):
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| January (Year Before) | Start learning German; research Studienkollegs |
| February-March | Submit APS application with all documents |
| March-June | Continue German studies (target: B2 by summer) |
| May-June | Receive APS certificate |
| June | Apply to Studienkollegs (directly or via uni-assist) |
| July | Take entrance exam (if required before admission) |
| July-August | Receive admission letter; open Sperrkonto; arrange health insurance |
| August | Book and attend visa appointment |
| September | Receive visa; book flights; prepare for departure |
| October | Arrive in Germany; register; enroll; begin classes |
For the summer semester (April start), shift everything back by approximately 6 months.
While Chinese students attend Studienkollegs across Germany, several institutions are particularly well-known:
Private Studienkollegs such as Rheinisches Studienkolleg (Berlin) and CBS Studienkolleg offer more flexible admission but charge tuition fees.
Browse our full Studienkolleg directory to compare all options.
The Studienkolleg program lasts two semesters (one academic year). At the end, you take the Feststellungspruefung (FSP) — the final assessment exam. Passing the FSP is your ticket to German university admission.
The FSP tests all subjects from your Schwerpunktkurs. A passing grade (4.0 or better on the German scale, where 1.0 is the best) qualifies you to apply to universities across Germany — not just the one associated with your Studienkolleg.
Pass rates vary by Studienkolleg and course track, but students who attend regularly and prepare diligently have a strong chance of success.
No. The APS certificate is mandatory for Chinese applicants. Applications submitted without an APS certificate will not be processed, and you cannot receive a German student visa without one. Start the APS process as early as possible — it is the biggest bottleneck.
There is no specific minimum Gaokao score for Studienkolleg admission. The 70% threshold determines whether you qualify for direct university admission (bypassing Studienkolleg). If your score is below 70% of your provincial maximum, the Studienkolleg is your pathway. Your actual Studienkolleg admission depends on the entrance exam, not your Gaokao score.
Budget approximately 4,000-5,500 EUR for upfront costs before you start studying: APS fee (~300 EUR equivalent), language courses (1,000-3,000 EUR in China), uni-assist fees (75-135 EUR), Sperrkonto deposit (11,904 EUR, but this is your living money, not a fee), health insurance (~130 EUR first month), visa fee (~75 EUR), and flights (~600-900 EUR). The Sperrkonto amount is not a cost — you withdraw it monthly for living expenses.
Yes, but with restrictions. Studienkolleg students are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year — the same rule that applies to international university students. However, the workload at Studienkolleg is intensive, and you should prioritize your studies and FSP preparation.
Yes. A passed FSP from any state-recognized Studienkolleg is valid for university applications across all 16 German states. You are not limited to the university or state where you completed the Studienkolleg. However, some highly competitive programs (like medicine) may have additional requirements.
The initial student visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken) is valid for 3 to 6 months. After arriving in Germany, you apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at the local Auslanderbehorde. This permit covers the duration of your studies and can be extended as long as you remain enrolled and can prove financial support.
Most Studienkollegs allow you to retake the entrance exam in the following semester. You can also apply to a different Studienkolleg. Use the extra time to improve your German and math skills. Some private Studienkollegs have less competitive entrance exams, which can serve as a backup option.
If your qualifications change (for example, you complete additional university semesters in China that meet the direct admission threshold), you may be able to switch pathways. However, this requires a new APS evaluation. Once you are enrolled in a Studienkolleg, it is better to complete the program and pass the FSP.
Getting into a German Studienkolleg as a Chinese student is absolutely achievable with proper planning. The key is starting early — especially the APS process and German language preparation.
Ready to begin? Here are your most important next steps:
For a general overview of how Studienkollegs work, visit our main guide. If you have questions about the application process, we cover every step in detail.
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