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Studienkolleg from Nigeria: the preparatory year runs in German, even for an English-taught degree

A WASSC that meets the requirements points at the Studienkolleg rather than a direct bachelor's start. uni-assist adds one sentence about that route that changes how you plan: the preparatory course and its final exam usually can only be taken in German, and the language of your intended degree does not change that.

uni-assist.com GuideStudienkolleg4 min readLast reviewed:
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Short answer

uni-assist states that preparatory courses as well as the Feststellungsprüfung usually can only be taken in German, even if the degree programme you wish to apply for is taught in English. The Studienkolleg is described as a one-year course that prepares students academically and linguistically. No German level is named: uni-assist asks for adequate proficiency and states that language requirements and accepted certificates may vary between different Studienkollegs. Four certificates are accepted by all universities: DSH, TestDaF, certificates issued by the Goethe-Institut, and the DSD German language diploma. uni-assist also states that in some cases it handles applications to university courses but not applications for the Studienkolleg, so check who receives yours.

Who it applies to

Nigerian applicants whose route runs through a Studienkolleg, including those targeting English-taught degrees.

Key facts

  • Language of the course and the exam

    German

    usually only in German, even for an English-taught degree programme [1]

  • Level required

    Not fixed

    adequate proficiency, and requirements vary between Studienkollegs [2]

  • Who receives the application

    Not always uni-assist

    in some cases uni-assist does not handle Studienkolleg applications [2]

From uni-assist's own Nigeria and Studienkolleg pages, and only what they state.

Bottom line

If your route runs through a Studienkolleg, German is part of it regardless of the language your intended degree is taught in. The level is set by the Studienkolleg, and the application may not go through uni-assist at all. [1][2]

uni-assist states the preparatory course and the Feststellungsprüfung usually can only be taken in German even for English-taught degree programmes, names no level and says requirements vary by Studienkolleg, and states it does not always handle Studienkolleg applications.

Ask your target Studienkolleg which German level and which certificates it accepts, and ask the university whether the Studienkolleg application goes through uni-assist or directly to them.

Does the Studienkolleg run in German if my degree is taught in English?

Yes, usually. uni-assist's Nigeria page states that preparatory courses as well as the Feststellungsprüfung usually can only be taken in German, even if the degree programme you wish to apply for is taught in English.

That is the sentence to plan around. Picking an English-taught bachelor's does not remove the preparatory year from your route, and the preparatory year is where the German is. The word usually is uni-assist's, so confirm with the specific Studienkolleg rather than treating it as absolute. [1]

Which German level does a Studienkolleg require?

uni-assist names none. It describes the Studienkolleg as a one-year course that prepares students academically and linguistically, asks for adequate proficiency in German, and states that language requirements as well as the accepted language certificates may vary between different Studienkollegs.

So the number is set by the Studienkolleg you apply to, not by a general rule. What is fixed is the certificate list: uni-assist names DSH, TestDaF, certificates issued by the Goethe-Institut, and the DSD German language diploma as accepted by all universities. [2][3]

Does uni-assist handle the Studienkolleg application?

Not always. uni-assist states that in some cases it handles applications to university courses, but not applications for the Studienkolleg, and points applicants to the individual universities.

Settle this before you assemble anything, because it decides which office receives your file. Ask the university you are targeting whether its Studienkolleg application goes through uni-assist or directly to them. [2]

The preparatory year is in German. That part starts now.

The Studienkolleg does not wait for your German, it is taught in it. Starting the language before the route is fully settled is the one piece of this plan that never becomes wasted work.

  • A course path from A1 upward, not a single exam class
  • Begin before your Studienkolleg is chosen, because every route through one needs German
  • Keep the language timetable beside the application timetable, not behind it

The placement test is free, so you find out which course you start in before paying anything.

See levels and datesFind my route
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Frequently asked questions

I applied for a degree taught in English. Do I still need German for the Studienkolleg?

Usually yes. uni-assist states preparatory courses and the Feststellungsprüfung usually can only be taken in German, even if the degree programme you wish to apply for is taught in English.

Which German level do I need for a Studienkolleg?

uni-assist does not name one. It asks for adequate proficiency and states that language requirements and accepted certificates may vary between different Studienkollegs, so ask the specific one you are applying to.

Which certificates are accepted?

uni-assist names four as accepted by all universities: DSH, TestDaF, certificates issued by the Goethe-Institut, and the DSD German language diploma. Individual Studienkollegs may accept others.

Do I send my Studienkolleg application to uni-assist?

Not necessarily. uni-assist states that in some cases it handles applications to university courses but not applications for the Studienkolleg, and directs applicants to the individual universities. Confirm with your target university before applying.

How long is the Studienkolleg?

uni-assist describes it as a one-year course that prepares students academically and linguistically for study in Germany, ending in the Feststellungsprüfung.

Does this change whether my WASSC or NECO qualifies me?

No. This guide is about the language of the Studienkolleg route. Whether your certificate opens that route is a separate question, covered in our guide on studying in Germany from Nigeria.

How current is this?

It rests on uni-assist's Nigeria country page, Studienkolleg page and language certificates page, all checked on 26 August 2026.

Sources

  1. [1]uni-assist e.V., documents and requirements for Nigeria · Last reviewed:
  2. [2]uni-assist e.V., Studienkolleg preparatory course · Last reviewed:
  3. [3]uni-assist e.V., language certificates · Last reviewed:

Not sure which level to start at?

The placement test is free, so you find out which course you start in before paying anything.

See levels and datesFind my route

Checked 26 August 2026 against uni-assist (Nigeria country page, Studienkolleg page)