There are many reasons against the close-up of the Studienkolleg which is why we cannot comprehend the current plans of the government.

• For young talents from all over the world the Studienkolleg offers their ONLY chance to study in Germany because their national High School diploma is not accepted.

• Internationalisation of the German universities is a pronounced aim of the government. For example, the Federal ministry of Education and Research refers to it as “central component in the profile of German universities”(1). With the close-up of the Studienkolleg the government would thus thwart its own plans.

• This interest for places at the Studienkolleg is much higher than its capacities. In winter 2014 1200 people from over 50 countries applied while only 120 places are available per semester.

• Only with an experienced preparation in scientific methods like the Studienkolleg offers enables a successful course of studies at a German university. According to a study by the German Academic Exchange Service an international student with a preparation by the Studienkolleg is three times more likely to finish his studies while those students without preparation are more likely to fail.(2)

• The German State has announced several millions of additional aid. As there is sufficient money any cutbacks are unnecessary.

(1) Strategie der Wissenschaftsministerien von Bund und Ländern für die Internationalisierung der Hochschulen in Deutschland (Beschluss der 18. Sitzung der Gemeinsamen Wissenschaftskonferenz am 12.April 2013 in Berlin), S. 2

(2) Heublein, Ulrich (u.a.). Studienverlauf im Ausländerstudium. Eine Untersuchung an vier ausgewählten Hochschulen. URL: https://www.daad.de/de/download/zahlen/dok-und-mat_55.pdf [02.06.14]