Study in Germany after HSC (2026)

With HSC alone you usually go to a Studienkolleg first. One successful university year in Bangladesh or a bachelor's changes that. Here is what the official DAAD database says for Bangladesh — and a quick check for your case.

Updated October 2026

6 groups: Each HSC group has its own Studienkolleg course
50%: Minimum HSC result for any path
1 year: At a recognised university = direct admission
H+: Your university's status in anabin

What the DAAD database says for Bangladesh

The DAAD database checks foreign school certificates for undergraduate study, based on the anabin data of the KMK and prepared with uni-assist. For Bangladesh the result depends on four things:

Your HSC result: below 50% of the maximum marks, university study is not possible without more academic education
Whether you already studied: one successful full-time year at a recognised university gives direct admission to a related subject
Your HSC group: it decides which Studienkolleg course you can take
A bachelor's: 2 years or more gives direct admission to a related subject, 4 years or more to any subject

Check your path in 1 minute

HSC group → Studienkolleg course

Without a university year, your HSC group decides the Studienkolleg focus course — and so what you can study later:

HSC group	Course for
Science	Medicine, natural sciences, technical sciences
Commerce / Business studies	Social sciences, economics
Humanities	Humanities
Agriculture	Agricultural sciences
Home economics	Home economics, nutrition science
Music	Arts

What is a Studienkolleg?

A Studienkolleg is a preparation course of about one year (two semesters) in Germany. It ends with the assessment exam, the Feststellungsprüfung. After it you can study in the subject area of your course.

Taught in German — plan with B1–B2 before you apply
Most Studienkollegs have an entrance exam (Aufnahmeprüfung), usually with a German test
A Studienkolleg at a university of applied sciences often allows study only at universities of applied sciences
Learn German early: our German course takes you from A1 to B2

When you get direct admission (no Studienkolleg)

HSC with at least 50% plus one successful full-time academic year at a recognised university in Bangladesh → the same or a related subject
A bachelor's of at least 2 years from a recognised university → the same or a related subject
A bachelor's of at least 4 years from a recognised university → any subject
The DAAD result is a first check — uni-assist or the university decides

Check your university in anabin

Direct admission only counts with a recognised university. Check its status in anabin:

Open anabin.kmk.org and choose "Institutionen" (institutions)
Choose Bangladesh as the country and search for your university's name
H+ means the institution is recognised
H+/- means only some programmes or branches are recognised — check yours
H- means it is not recognised

Master's with a Bangladeshi bachelor

The DAAD database covers only undergraduate study. For a master's, the university checks your bachelor's: it must come from a recognised (H+) university and fit the programme. Many programmes ask for a certain number of credits — read the programme's admission rules and apply through uni-assist if the university uses it. See also study in Germany without IELTS.

Not for university? Ausbildung needs no Studienkolleg

An Ausbildung (vocational training) needs no university entrance qualification. Companies look at your school certificates and your German: B1 minimum, B2 highly expected. See Ausbildung requirements.

Common mistakes

Applying for a bachelor's with HSC alone — without a university year you need a Studienkolleg
Choosing a Studienkolleg course that does not match your HSC group
Starting German too late — the Studienkolleg and its entrance exam are in German
Counting a year at a university that is not H+ in anabin
Treating the DAAD result as a final decision

Frequently asked questions

Is HSC accepted in Germany?

HSC with at least 50% gives access to a Studienkolleg, not directly to a bachelor's. With one successful year at a recognised university in Bangladesh, you can apply directly for a related subject.

Can I study a bachelor's in Germany without a Studienkolleg?

Yes, if you completed at least one successful full-time year at a recognised university in Bangladesh, or a bachelor's. Then you get direct admission to the same or a related subject.

Which Studienkolleg course can I take with HSC science?

With the science group the DAAD shows focus courses for medicine, natural sciences and technical sciences.

How much German do I need for the Studienkolleg?

The Studienkolleg is taught in German and most have an entrance exam with a German test. Plan with B1–B2 before you apply.

Do I need APS from Bangladesh?

No. APS is required for some countries such as India, but not for Bangladesh.

Do I need a Studienkolleg for an Ausbildung?

No. An Ausbildung needs no university entrance qualification — companies look at your school certificates and your German.