Guide for Syrian students applying to Studienkolleg — from Syria or already in Germany. Document challenges, visa pathways, refugee status, and step-by-step process.
Syrian students can access Studienkolleg through two paths: applying from abroad (via German consulates in Istanbul, Beirut, or Amman) or from within Germany if you already have a residence permit. No APS certificate is needed — Syria is not on the APS country list. With nearly 974,000 Syrians living in Germany as of 2025, there is a large community and strong support infrastructure already in place. Whether you are in Damascus, in a neighbouring country, or already settled in Berlin or the Ruhr area, this guide walks you through the exact steps, documents, costs, and timelines for your situation.
Your path to Studienkolleg depends on one question: where are you right now?
Path A — Applying from abroad. You are in Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, or another country. You need a student visa, a blocked account (Sperrkonto), and you apply to Studienkolleg from outside Germany. The biggest challenge: getting a visa appointment, since the German Embassy in Damascus only reopened in March 2025 and does not yet process student visas.
Path B — Already in Germany. You arrived as a refugee, have a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) or subsidiary protection, and want to start your academic path. You skip the visa and Sperrkonto entirely. Your route runs through integration courses, German language exams, and then directly into Studienkolleg.
The requirements differ significantly between these two paths. The sections below cover each one in detail.
Example: Ahmad arrived in Germany in 2016 and completed his integration course in Hamburg. He applied to Studienkolleg Hamburg with his B2 certificate and his Shahada Thanawiyya — no visa, no Sperrkonto, no consulate appointment needed. His cousin Layla, still in Beirut, applied through the German Embassy there. Same destination, very different process.
The anabin database classifies the Syrian Shahada Thanawiyya (الشهادة الثانوية) based on branch and grades:
| Syrian Certificate | Grade Requirement | Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Shahada Thanawiyya (general branch) with 70%+ | Overall grade at least 70% of maximum points | Direct subject-restricted admission (humanities, social sciences, law) |
| Shahada Thanawiyya (general branch) with 60-69% | Overall grade 60-69% of maximum points | Studienkolleg or assessment exam required |
| Shahada Thanawiyya (scientific branch) with 70%+ | Overall grade at least 70% of maximum points | Direct subject-restricted admission for STEM fields |
| Shahada Thanawiyya (any branch) below 60% | Below 60% | Studienkolleg required |
| Shahada Thanawiyya + completed university degree from a recognized Syrian university (H+) | Degree completed | Direct admission possible |
For most Syrian students with a standard secondary certificate, Studienkolleg is the required pathway. If your grades are above 70% in certain branches, you may qualify for direct admission in specific fields — but Studienkolleg remains the most common route.
No APS certificate required. The Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) only applies to students from India, China, and Vietnam. Syrian students do not need an APS certificate. This saves you both time and money.
The German Embassy in Damascus reopened on 20 March 2025 after 13 years, but it does not yet offer full visa services. Student visa processing for Syrian residents is handled by other German missions:
The Istanbul consulate is heavily overloaded. Expect long waits for appointments — 8 to 16 weeks just to get a slot, then another 8 to 12 weeks for processing. Security checks for Syrian nationals add extra time. Start the visa process the moment you receive your Studienkolleg admission letter.
The blocked account requirement is the same as for all non-EU students: 11,904 EUR (992 EUR per month for 12 months). You open the account with a German provider online, transfer the money, and receive a confirmation letter for your visa application. The transfer takes 1-3 weeks depending on your bank.
The total process takes 15-19 months from the start of German lessons. The visa step is where most delays happen.
Example: Nour in Istanbul started German classes in January 2025. She reached B1 by November and applied to three Studienkollegs for summer semester 2026. She passed the entrance exam in February, received her admission letter in March, and immediately booked her visa appointment. Her appointment was in June, and she received her visa in August — just in time for the October semester start. The timeline was tight.
If you are already living in Germany, your path to Studienkolleg is shorter and less expensive. No visa, no Sperrkonto, no consulate appointments.
| Residence Status | Can You Attend Studienkolleg? | BAföG Eligible? |
|---|---|---|
| Recognized refugee status (Flüchtlingsschutz, §25 Abs. 1 AufenthG) | Yes | Yes |
| Subsidiary protection (§25 Abs. 2 AufenthG) | Yes | Yes |
| Humanitarian residence permit (§§22-26 AufenthG) | Yes | Yes, in most cases |
| Aufenthaltsgestattung (asylum procedure pending) | Yes, with permission from Ausländerbehörde | Limited — asylum seeker benefits continue |
| Duldung (tolerated stay) | Possible, but requires permission | Limited — depends on duration and circumstances |
If you hold recognized refugee status or subsidiary protection, you have full access to Studienkolleg and BAföG. The path is straightforward.
With an Aufenthaltsgestattung (your asylum case is still pending), you can attend Studienkolleg, but you need written permission from your local foreigners’ office (Ausländerbehörde). Contact them early — getting this permission can take weeks.
With a Duldung, access is possible but more complicated. Some Studienkollegs accept Duldung holders, others do not. Speak to both your Ausländerbehörde and the Studienkolleg directly.
Most Syrian refugees in Germany complete the BAMF-funded integration course (Integrationskurs). Here is the typical language pathway:
Integration course (Integrationskurs): 600-700 hours of German + 100 hours of orientation course. Funded by BAMF for recognized refugees and those with subsidiary protection. Brings you to B1 level. Cost: 2.29 EUR per lesson hour, or free if you receive Jobcenter benefits.
Vocational language course (Berufssprachkurs): B2-level course, also BAMF-funded. 400 hours. This brings your German to the level most Studienkollegs expect.
Studienkolleg entrance exam: Tests your German (and sometimes subject knowledge). B1 is the minimum; B2 gives you a much better chance of passing.
The entire language pathway from zero German to B2 takes about 18-24 months in the BAMF system. Many Syrian students who arrived in 2015-2016 have long since completed this. If you are newer to Germany, start your integration course as soon as your residence permit allows it.
Example: Reem arrived in Essen in 2022 with subsidiary protection. She enrolled in the integration course within two months, reached B1 after 10 months, then completed the B2 Berufssprachkurs in another 6 months. She applied to Studienkolleg Düsseldorf and started classes 20 months after arriving in Germany.
Many Syrian students face a situation that students from other countries do not: missing or incomplete documents. Years of conflict have destroyed records, closed universities, and displaced families. This section covers what to do if you do not have all your papers.
If your Shahada Thanawiyya, university transcripts, or other academic records were lost or destroyed, you have several options:
Sworn statement (Eidesstattliche Erklärung). You sign a legally binding statement at a German notary describing your educational background. Some Studienkollegs and uni-assist accept this alongside whatever partial documentation you have. Cost: 20-50 EUR for notarization.
Partial documentation. If you have some documents but not all — a copy of your certificate, photos on your phone, or a transcript from a Syrian university — submit everything you have. uni-assist and some Studienkollegs can evaluate incomplete records.
TestAS as proof of academic ability. The TestAS (Test for Academic Studies) measures your academic aptitude and can substitute for missing documents. For refugees, the TestDaF Institute offers TestAS free of charge. The test is available in Arabic. A TestAS score of at least 95 points in both the core and subject-specific modules demonstrates university-level academic potential.
Contact the Studienkolleg directly. Each Studienkolleg handles incomplete documentation differently. Call or email the admissions office, explain your situation, and ask what they accept. Many have experience working with Syrian students and have established procedures for these cases.
Since late 2024, the situation in Syria has changed significantly with the fall of the Assad regime. Some institutions have resumed operations. If you can obtain replacement documents from Syrian authorities, the German Embassy in Beirut handles document legalization for Syrian certificates. You will need:
This process takes 4-8 weeks. It is not always possible, and the availability of Syrian government services varies by region.
Example: Omar in Berlin lost all his documents when his family fled Aleppo in 2015. He provided a sworn statement to uni-assist, submitted photos of his certificate that his aunt had saved on her phone, and took the TestAS in Arabic (free of charge). The Studienkolleg accepted his application based on this combination. Not every case works this smoothly, but options exist.
Arabic and German are from entirely different language families, but Syrian students in Germany have consistently been among the fastest-progressing language learners. Motivation and daily immersion make the difference.
| If You Are… | Recommended Path | Timeline to B2 | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Germany with refugee status | Integrationskurs (B1) + Berufssprachkurs (B2) | 18-24 months | Free or 2.29 EUR/hour |
| In Germany, self-funded | Goethe-Institut or Volkshochschule (VHS) | 12-18 months | 400-1,200 EUR total |
| Abroad (Syria, Turkey, Lebanon) | Goethe-Institut abroad or accredited school | 12-18 months | 800-2,000 EUR total |
The standard integration course runs 600-700 hours of German instruction plus 100 hours of orientation (German politics, history, and culture). It is designed to bring you to B1. Recognized refugees and subsidiary protection holders are entitled to attend. If you receive Jobcenter benefits, the course is free. Otherwise, you pay 2.29 EUR per lesson hour.
Important change for 2026: BAMF is tightening access to voluntary integration courses. If you are legally entitled to an integration course (recognized refugees, subsidiary protection holders), you are not affected. But if your status does not include automatic entitlement, check with your local Ausländerbehörde before enrolling.
After completing the integration course, the next step is the Berufssprachkurs — a 400-hour course that brings you from B1 to B2. This is also BAMF-funded for eligible participants. B2 is the level most Studienkollegs expect, and it prepares you well for the entrance exam.
Most Studienkollegs require at least B1 German. Some prefer B2. A few accept students at B1 and bring them to B2/C1 during the Studienkolleg year. Check the specific requirements of each Studienkolleg you apply to.
For full details on language levels and accepted certificates, read our German language requirements guide.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Public Studienkolleg tuition | Free (0 EUR) |
| Semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) | 80-430 EUR per semester |
| Health insurance (student rate, under 30) | ~120 EUR/month |
| Monthly living costs | 750-1,200 EUR depending on city |
| Integration course | Free if receiving Jobcenter benefits |
| Berufssprachkurs | Free for eligible refugees |
BAföG: If you have recognized refugee status or subsidiary protection (§25 Abs. 1 or 2 AufenthG), you are eligible for BAföG during Studienkolleg. The maximum rate for students not living with their parents is 992 EUR/month in 2026. BAföG for Studienkolleg students does not need to be repaid — it is a full grant, not a loan. Apply through your local Studierendenwerk.
Garantiefonds Hochschule: This federal program specifically supports young refugees and repatriates who want to attend Studienkolleg or university-preparation language courses. It covers tuition, living costs, and does not need to be repaid. You must be under 30 and living in Germany. The previous two-year application window after arrival no longer applies — you can apply at any time. Find a counselling centre at bildungsberatung-gfh.de.
| Item | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Public Studienkolleg tuition | Free (0 EUR) |
| Sperrkonto (blocked account) | 11,904 |
| Visa fee | 75 |
| German course (A1 to B2 abroad) | 800-2,000 |
| Flight (Istanbul/Beirut to Germany) | 150-400 |
| First month’s rent deposit | 300-800 |
| Health insurance (first months) | 120/month |
| Total first-year budget | ~14,000-16,000 |
For a full overview of funding options, read our scholarships and funding guide.
Example: Fatima in Dortmund has subsidiary protection and attends Studienkolleg Düsseldorf. She receives 934 EUR/month from BAföG (her rent is 380 EUR in a shared flat). Her semester contribution is 310 EUR. Her integration course and Berufssprachkurs were free. Her total out-of-pocket cost for Studienkolleg: the semester contribution twice a year. Everything else is covered.
Several factors matter when choosing a Studienkolleg as a Syrian student: the local Syrian community, experience with refugee students, cost of living, and available support programs.
| Studienkolleg | City / State | Why It Works for Syrian Students |
|---|---|---|
| Studienkolleg Hamburg | Hamburg | Large Syrian community (~30,000 in Hamburg), strong refugee support programs |
| Studienkolleg an der FU Berlin | Berlin | Largest Syrian community in Germany (~40,000+), extensive counselling services |
| Studienkolleg Düsseldorf / Bochum | NRW | Ruhr area has one of Germany’s largest Syrian populations, affordable rent |
| Studienkolleg Halle-Wittenberg | Halle (Sachsen-Anhalt) | Very low living costs (rent from 200 EUR), all 5 course types |
| Studienkolleg München | Munich (Bayern) | Strong university network, but high rent (500-700 EUR for a room) |
| Niedersächsisches Studienkolleg | Hannover | Good reputation, moderate costs, active international student community |
For a full comparison of all 46 Studienkollegs, see our ranking guide.
It depends. A Duldung does not automatically grant you access to Studienkolleg, but it does not automatically exclude you either. You need permission from your local Ausländerbehörde. Some Studienkollegs accept Duldung holders, others do not. Contact the specific Studienkolleg and your Ausländerbehörde to clarify your case. If your Duldung has lasted more than 18 months, your chances improve, as some states offer educational access after this period.
You have three main options. First, provide a sworn statement (Eidesstattliche Erklärung) describing your education — this is a legally binding declaration signed at a notary. Second, submit any partial documentation you have, even photos or copies. Third, take the TestAS exam, which is free for refugees and available in Arabic. Many Studienkollegs accept a combination of these. Contact the admissions office directly to discuss your situation before applying.
Yes, if you have recognized refugee status (§25 Abs. 1 AufenthG) or subsidiary protection (§25 Abs. 2 AufenthG). BAföG for Studienkolleg is a full grant — you do not repay it. The maximum rate in 2026 is 992 EUR/month for students living independently. Apply through the Studierendenwerk in your city. Processing takes 4-8 weeks, so apply early.
Apply at the German Consulate General in Istanbul. Book your appointment as early as possible — the Istanbul consulate has very long wait times. You will need: your Studienkolleg admission letter, Sperrkonto confirmation (11,904 EUR), health insurance proof, German language certificate (B1 or B2), your Syrian passport, and biometric photos. The visa fee is 75 EUR. Processing takes 8-12 weeks, sometimes longer due to security checks. For the full visa process, see our student visa guide.
No. The Sperrkonto is a visa requirement for students applying from abroad. If you are already living in Germany with a residence permit, you do not need one. Your proof of financial means comes from BAföG, employment, Jobcenter benefits, or personal savings — depending on your situation.
Yes, but you need permission from your Ausländerbehörde. With an Aufenthaltsgestattung (the temporary permit issued during the asylum procedure), you can attend Studienkolleg if your foreigners’ office grants you written permission. During this time, you continue receiving asylum seeker benefits rather than BAföG. Once your asylum case is decided and you receive refugee status or subsidiary protection, you can switch to BAföG.
Studienkollegs in cities with large refugee populations have the most experience. Berlin (FU Berlin Studienkolleg), Hamburg, and Studienkollegs in NRW (Düsseldorf, Bochum) have processed large numbers of refugee applications since 2015. These institutions have dedicated staff, established procedures for incomplete documents, and connections to local refugee advisory services. The Universität Kassel also runs a well-known program specifically supporting refugee access to higher education.
The typical timeline: 10-12 months for the integration course (B1), 6 months for the Berufssprachkurs (B2), 2 semesters (12 months) at Studienkolleg, then you pass the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) and start university. Total from start of integration course to first university semester: about 2.5 to 3 years. You can shorten this if you already speak some German, pass a higher-level placement test, or skip directly to the Berufssprachkurs. Read about the FSP exam and application deadlines to plan your timeline.
Your situation determines your next move.
If you are already in Germany:
If you are applying from abroad:
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