Does Studienkolleg education last 1 or 2 years?

A Studienkolleg is designed to last two semesters, so roughly one year. This follows the KMK framework, and the course ends with the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP).

#The standard setup

• The programme is planned for two semesters.
• At the end you sit the FSP: German plus two subjects of your course.
• Your course type depends on what you want to study: T, M, W, G or S at universities; TI, WW, GD, SW or DÜ at Fachhochschulen.

#When it takes longer

• If you fail the FSP, you can repeat it once, which naturally extends your overall time. The Studienkolleg decides when the resit takes place.
• You must prove your German before you are admitted. The time you spend reaching that level comes on top of the two semesters.

#Worth knowing

• There is no entitlement to a Studienkolleg place.
• An FSP passed at a Fachhochschule Studienkolleg does not give access to a university (Universität).
• For residence purposes, a Studienkolleg counts as study under § 16b AufenthG, and you may work up to 140 working days per year.

Source: Studienkolleg guide · KMK framework regulation