About the course
The W-Course is designed for future students of economics and related fields. It provides both mathematical and economic foundations and prepares you specifically for the requirements of economics studies.
In addition to the subject content, you'll also learn business terminology and scientific working methods that will play an important role in your later studies.
This course fits you if...
Quick check to match your study goal.
Study goals
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Business Informatics
Main subjects
- Mathematics
- Economics
- German
Outcome
Assessment Test (FSP)
Degree
Main subjects and content
Mathematics
Business mathematics, statistics, financial mathematics, analysis
Economics
Business administration, economics, economic policy, accounting
German
Business German, business communication, presentation techniques
English
Business English, economic terminology, international communication
Social Studies
Economic and social policy, labor market, globalization
Course structure
Introductory Phase (1st Semester)
Economics fundamentals and business mathematics
Main Phase (2nd Semester)
Deepening knowledge and specific preparation for the assessment test
Typical degree programs
The W-Course subjects in detail
The W-Course rests on two pillars: mathematics and economics. Mathematics covers calculus, financial mathematics and above all statistics — the tools you later use for indicators, time series and models. Economics introduces business administration and economics proper, along with accounting and the basics of economic policy.
German and English are not side subjects here. Business German, professional communication and presentation technique train exactly the formats expected at university, and business English is standard in many economics programmes. Social studies place labour markets, globalisation and economic policy in context.
What a typical week looks like
The W-Course is full-time study in a fixed class group with a fixed timetable. Mathematics and economics take up most of the week, followed by German, English and social studies. Case examples, calculation exercises and short presentations shape the lessons more than memorisation does.
Attendance is normally monitored and you write tests throughout the semester. They show early whether the quantitative or the text-based side is harder for you — the final exam covers both. Plan fixed time slots for practice exercises and revision.
What the Feststellungsprüfung tests in the W-Course
The two semesters end with the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP). It covers German plus the core subjects of your course — in the W-Course usually mathematics and business or economics. Each Studienkolleg decides which subjects are examined and whether an oral exam is added.
Passing gives you a subject-linked university entrance qualification for the economics and social sciences field group. It is recognised nationwide and can normally be repeated once. For programmes with restricted admission, your average grade decides as well.
Which degree programmes the W-Course opens up
At universities the W-Course leads to business administration, economics, business informatics, international business, banking and finance, marketing, management and business law. Social science subjects such as political science or sociology belong to the same field group at many universities.
The difference to the WW-Course is the type of institution: the W-Course prepares you for a university degree, the WW-Course for a practice-oriented business degree at a university of applied sciences. If you want to work quantitatively, also check whether your target programme sets extra mathematics requirements.
Frequently asked questions about this course
What level of German do I need for the W-Course?
Studienkollegs usually require German at B1 to B2 level for the entrance exam. All teaching is in German, including business German. The exact requirement is stated in each Studienkolleg's admission notice.
How much mathematics does the W-Course involve?
More than many expect. Calculus, financial mathematics and statistics are compulsory and normally examined in the Feststellungsprüfung. Intensive mathematics as in the T-Course is not required, though.
Do I need prior knowledge of business or economics?
No. Economics teaching starts from the basics, since few applicants studied the subject at school. Solid mathematics and German matter more.
What is the difference between the W-Course and the WW-Course?
The W-Course prepares you for a university degree, the WW-Course for a business degree at a university of applied sciences. The content overlaps, but the certificate relates to the institution type and field group of the course you attended.
How good does my English need to be?
English is a taught subject, not an admission requirement. Solid school-level English is enough at the start; business terminology and international professional communication are added during the course.
How long does the W-Course take?
Two semesters, roughly one year. Preparatory or language courses offered by some Studienkollegs before the course itself extend the overall timeline.