I keep seeing people say Studienkolleg is a waste of time, and I don’t really agree tbh.
If you’re coming from outside Germany, that year actually helps a lot. The whole system is different teaching style, exams, expectations… it’s not something you instantly adapt to.
Also, you’re surrounded by people in the same situation, which makes it way easier to build connections early on.
Another thing: people act like “losing a year” is a huge deal, but in Germany it really isn’t. Taking an extra year (like Studienkolleg) doesn’t suddenly ruin your chances of getting a job. It’s pretty normal for people to have different paths.
What I don’t get is why some try to skip it with a private uni year that might not even be recognized.
Yeah it’s an extra year, but it can make your bachelor’s way easier.