Studienkolleg Paderborn- International Foundation College at Paderborn University, Germany

Studienkolleg Paderborn: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Fees, and Scholarships

Germany is a sought-after study destination for most international applicants because of the plethora of opportunities it offers its students. However, German Universities usually have strict entry criteria for admissions. Several international high school curriculums do not have prerequisite subjects or grades. Such international students attend a Studienkolleg. For this purpose, the DAAD website provides country-specific information. 

International students interested in studying the sciences, engineering, business studies, and economics in Germany can take specific preparation courses at Paderborn University’s International Foundation College. The foundation college assists high school graduates whose diploma does not automatically qualify them to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program at a German higher education institution. Graduates can then enroll in all German universities and universities of applied sciences after completing the coveted final evaluation exam (Feststellungsprüfung/FSP).

The Institution of Paderborn is a campus university with a 40-year history and a student strength of about 20,00, placing it among Germany’s top-most medium-sized universities. It employs more than 2,000 professors, scientific assistants, and more than 700 unacademic staff. 

Studienkolleg Paderborn: Highlights 

Why study at the Studienkolleg Paderborn- International Foundation College at Paderborn University? 

• Studienkolleg Paderborn is the only North Rhine-sole Westphalia foundation college that collaborates with a state-owned German university.
• Upon graduation, the college confers you with a diploma accepted at all German universities and institutions of applied sciences.
• Studienkolleg Paderborn conducts a state-approved assessment test on behalf of the Cologne district council at Paderborn University.
• Modern classrooms and laboratories provide a conducive learning environment with various courses. 
• They provide student accommodation options that are well-equipped and close to the university’s campus.
• No entrance examinations are held, which ensures a hassle-free admissions process. 
• Graduates get guaranteed admission to a bachelor’s degree program at Paderborn University for the graduates.

Studienkolleg Paderborn Rankings 

Studienkolleg Paderborn operates under the aegis of the Paderborn University. The Paderborn University is ranked 

• Top 600 by THE World University Rankings 2017
• Top 150 by THE Young University Rankings 2017
• #59 in Best Global Universities in Germany by US News

Programs and courses offered at Studienkolleg Paderborn 

Popular preparatory course programs are an academic bridge for international students who wish to study in Germany.

Different courses at Studienkolleg Paderborn are drafted to help interested applicants better grasp the subjects they will be opting for upon graduation. The programs are tailored to fit the German curriculum. 

The W and T courses are two semesters long and take about 8 to 9 months to finish. There will be an assessment test/final exam (FSP) at the end of the training. Students who pass it will be eligible to enroll in a bachelor’s program in a mathematical, natural science, or engineering field at a German university or university of applied science. 

Official guidelines state that the assessment test (FSP) can be failed only once and must be retaken within 6 months of the first failure at the same foundation college.

All graduates of T and W courses are guaranteed a seat in a bachelor’s degree at Paderborn University. However, Studienkolleg Paderborn’s graduation diploma is acknowledged throughout Germany, and you can also apply to any other German university or university of applied sciences. 

If you are interested in applying to a more diverse range of programs, you can also check out the courses at Studienkolleg Dusseldorf. 

Campus and accommodation

Paderborn is home to the International Foundation College, which has three locations:

• Paderborn, Vogeliusweg (near Paderborn University)
• Paderborn Schloß Neuhaus
• Paderborn’s Technologiepark

On the Uhlandstraße in Paderborn, they actually have several rooms available for rent.

You can apply for them after you have received an official letter of acceptance from Studienkolleg Paderborn. You can contact the authorities using the information provided on the college website. They have also released images of the rooms, which you may also peruse through. Average costs for rent are 

*Costs are converted at the current exchange rate of 1.00 Euro = 1.0007898 US Dollars. Exchange rates are subject to periodic change. 

Admission requirements for international students at Studienkolleg Paderborn

The admission process for international students at Paderborn University is relatively simple. All you need to do is to fill out the application form. For ease of acceptance and a smooth application process, international students should apply via Gyanberry.

Application deadline for the summer semester: February 29th

Application deadline for the winter semester: September 30th

• Although there is no acceptance test at Paderborn University’s International Foundation College, your application will be rigorously evaluated. 
• If you submit your application through the university’s online portal, it will usually be reviewed within one week. If all goes well, you will receive an email upon being accepted. 
• After that, your spot is reserved for 14 days. You must pay the course price during that time period. 

If you follow these steps, you will receive a final acceptance confirmation. With that confirmation, you can apply for a student visa at the embassy or consulate.

For admission in the T and W course, you must furnish the following documents 

• Your home country’s school leaving certificate (comparable with the German Abitur)
• Proof of level B1 proficiency in German (or comparable)
• Proof of payment of the fee of the course
• Visa for international students

For admission to the Precourse, you must  

• Have A2 level proficiency in German (or comparable)
• Pay the fee for the course 
• Obtain a visa for students 

The academic year in Germany generally begins in the winter semester. A majority of German universities offer programs during that time. Check out tentative application deadlines for German universities to map the course of your higher education plans. 

Studienkolleg Paderborn- Tuition, fees, and cost of attendance 

Students enrolled at Studienkolleg Paderborn will be expected to incur the following expenses to fund their education at the foundation college. A table outlining the same is provided below. 

Examination fee– 500 USD

Cost of living 

According to DAAD statistics, the average monthly living expense for a student in Germany is 867 euros (864 USD*). This includes the likes of

Thus, the annual cost of attendance for an international student at Studienkolleg Paderborn turns out to be between 9,189- 15,772 USD or 33,752- 57,932 AED**. 

**Note: Costs are converted based on the current exchange rate, i.e., 1 USD = 3.67 AED. Exchange rates are subject to periodic change. 

Scholarships for international students 

Studienkolleg Paderborn does not offer any scholarships of its own. To apply for scholarships, students must meet the eligibility criteria laid down by Paderborn University for their programs. External scholarship information is available via German embassies, Goethe Institute locations, and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). For international students, academicians, and scientists from all countries, the DAAD offers a number of scholarship programs.