Can TestAS Replace Studienkolleg: Direct Bachelor’s Admission
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Many Indian students dream of studying in Germany but face a roadblock: the 13-year education rule. CBSE/ISC students complete 12 years, so they typically need to do a Studienkolleg. But TestAS can be an alternative — with some important caveats and additional steps you must know.
Table of contents
✅ Step-by-Step Plan
- Finish CBSE Class 12.
- Apply for the APS certificate early — mandatory for Indian students for both university application and visa.
- Register and prepare for TestAS; aim for strong scores (see detailed requirements below).
- Learn German to C1 level (DSH-2, TestDaF 4×4, telc C1 Hochschule, Goethe C2, DSD II).
- Apply via Uni-Assist to universities that accept TestAS as an alternative pathway.
- Prepare visa documents, including proof of financial resources (blocked account ≈ €11,904 per year), health insurance, CV, motivation letter, certified translations, and admission letter.
📊 Exact TestAS Score Requirements
| University | Required TestAS Score | Language Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Siegen | ≥ 100 (Core + Subject) | German C1 | Direct admission possibility (verify per program) |
| University of Bremen | ≥ 190 (paper) / ≥ 150 (digital) | German B2 + proof of C1 course booking | Leads to Zugangsprüfung (university entrance exam) — shorter than Studienkolleg |
| University of Wuppertal | ≥ 95 (Core) + ≥ 100 (Subject) | German C1 | Grants foreign subject-specific university entrance qualification |
| Westfälische Hochschule (UAS) | ≥ 95 | German B1 (arrival), C1 for enrollment | Allows special procedure for admission |
| RWTH Aachen | Top 30% (≈70+ percentile); Medicine/Dentistry: 80th percentile | German C1 | TestAS mandatory for Medicine/Dentistry; helps for others with low HZB grade |
| University of Cologne | ≥ 40th percentile | German C1 | For Studienstart International (1-semester prep) |
| Magdeburg & Greifswald | High percentile | German C1 | Mostly for Medicine/Dentistry; not universal |
Important: At some universities, TestAS leads to special programs (like Studienstart International or Zugangsprüfung), not always full direct admission.
📚 Understand “Direct Admission” vs. Preparatory Pathways
- Some universities use TestAS to place you into a shorter, lighter preparatory program instead of the full Studienkolleg.
- It still saves time compared to the traditional foundation year, but you might not skip preparation entirely.
- Always check each university’s admission page.
🧪 About TestAS
- Two scored parts: Core Test & Subject-Specific Module (each 0–200 points).
- No pass/fail; higher scores improve eligibility.
- A score above 100–150 is generally above average.
- Some universities boost your HZB grade (e.g., by 0.3) if you reach the 50th percentile.
- Cost: about €150; unlimited validity; multiple attempts allowed.
🗣 Language Requirements
- Even if you take TestAS in English, most bachelor’s are taught in German.
- Accepted certificates: DSH-2, TestDaF 4×4, Goethe C2, telc C1 Hochschule, DSD II.
- For private universities with English-taught programs, TestAS usually isn’t required — instead, you’ll need IELTS (≥6.5) or TOEFL.
📝 Application & Documents Checklist
- APS certificate (mandatory)
- TestAS certificate
- Language certificate (German or English)
- Certified copies of Class 10 & 12 marksheets (translated if needed)
- CV & motivation letter
- Valid passport & biometric photos
- Admission letter
- Proof of financial resources (blocked account ≈ €11,904)
- Proof of health insurance
💡 Financial & Visa Notes
- Visa requires blocked account or equivalent proof.
- Admission is only one part; visa success depends on showing financial stability and complete documents.
✅ Final Take
TestAS can be a powerful alternative to Studienkolleg — but usually only at specific universities, often alongside a short prep program. APS certificate, German proficiency (C1), and careful financial planning remain non-negotiable.
📌 Tip: Always verify exact TestAS requirements and language demands on each university’s website, and use Uni-Assist to apply efficiently.
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