- Course location
- Köln
- Teaching language
- • German
• English
- Date(s)
- •
1 September 2025 - 31 August 2026
•
1 March 2026 - 28 February 2027
•
1 September 2026 - 31 August 2027
- Mode of study
- Less than 50% online
- Phase(s) of attendance in Germany (applies to the entire programme)
- Yes, compulsory
- Pace of course
- Instructor-led (Specific due dates for lectures/assignments/exams)
- Additional information on dates, prices and mode of study
- The courses are generally taught on-site. Occasionally, some classes may be taught online as an exception.
Applications may be submitted year-round.
- Description/content
- German Education Gate is a preparatory programme offered by Studienkolleg NRW (SK NRW) of Hochschule Fresenius. German Education Gate is aimed at international students who do not have a direct German university entrance qualification. This preparatory course is an intensive, high-quality programme that prepares students for the university qualification examination (i.e. "Feststellungsprüfung"). The "Feststellungsprüfung" takes place directly 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:
• Medicine (M course)
• Technical sciences (T course – also offered in English!)
• Economics (W course)
Students can choose either German or English language focus courses and will take the "Feststellungsprüfung" in German or English accordingly.
Students in the M course take biology, chemistry, physics and German language classes.
Students in the T course take mathematics, physics, chemistry and German or English language classes.
Students in the W course take mathematics, economics and language classes in German and English.
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.
From day one, students will have access to all services of the Hochschule Fresenius campus in the centre of Cologne and benefit from the international education environment. Students will be well integrated into small international groups and will be supported by the experienced SK NRW team and lecturers.
Our services at a glance:
• Assistance with visa process, blocked account and travel issues
• Assistance with accommodation, health and liability insurance, public transport ticket
• 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)
• Intercultural training
• Welcome and orientation programme: living and studying in Germany
• Sample exams
• Individual feedback on learning progress
• “Feststellungsprüfung”
• Timely issuance of certificates for application to universities in the upcoming semester
• Graduation ceremony