A Kolleg in Germany is a three-year school of adult education, preparing students for the exams leading to the general university entrance qualification, the Abitur . Different from the otherwise similar German evening school, Abendgymnasium, Kolleg classes are in the daytime. Both are state-run schools and do not charge tuition fees. Kolleg students can be eligible for financial aid as regulated in the German Federal Training Assistance Act, Berufsausbildungsförderungsgesetz. As a rule, the minimum entrance requirements for students are: 19 years of age or older, a Mittlere Reife school leaving certificate, and a formal vocational training completed. However, there are exceptions from that rule, e.g., previous long-term work experience without formal qualification can be recognized as sufficient substitute for vocational training, which also includes raising children and running a household. Kollegs may additionally require applicants to pass an entrance examination. Schools are in the competence of each federal state , so that regulations may vary from bundesland to bundesland. The German term Kolleg should not be confused with the English term college.
Other meanings of ''Kolleg'' in German
The wordKolleg is also used in some names of schools of different types, e.g., Aloisiuskolleg, the Kolleg St. Blasien and the Canisius-Kolleg Berlin. These are Gymnasium schools that have been using the wordKolleg since before the newer type of Kolleg was established.
Kolleg should not be confused with Studienkolleg, a preparatory course at German universities for applicants from abroad.
Berufskollegs are vocational schools that can lead to university entrance qualifications, as well as to certain formal vocational qualifications. Berufskollegs can vary from bundesland to bundesland.
