The Changing Landscape of Preparatory Courses for International Prospective Students in Germany: A Convention Theory Analysis.

Over the past 20 years, there has been a marked shift in the landscape of preparatory courses for international prospective students in Germany. When these courses were first introduced in the 1950s, they were mostly provided by public preparatory colleges (Studienkollegs). But since the mid-2000s, Studienkollegs have come under increasing pressure. The study preparation sector is now more diverse, with additional providers offering new types of courses and competing for public funding and students. While previous studies on the topic have described the range of new and established preparatory courses that are available, they have not been able to explain the changes in the study preparation sector over the last 20 years. This article will address several factors by focusing its analysis on the criticisms voiced by the actors involved and their diverging ideas about what constitutes good and appropriate preparation. First, this approach based on convention theory reveals the tensions in the sector between market-economy criteria and principles of equal opportunities. Second, I show that the various stakeholders have different answers to the question of how to organise study preparation efficiently, which leads to tensions and divergent approaches. Finally, my analysis identifies several useful principles for evaluating current and future preparatory course offerings.