Transferring To Germany: University Acceptance For Transfer Students

German universities do accept transfer students, but the process can be complex. For example, students transferring to a German university from an American college may find that their credits are not accepted, or that they need to be fluent in German to study as an undergraduate. Students transferring from another university in the EU or EEA may have an easier time, as they can apply for admission as a transfer student to continue studying the same subject at a German university. However, transferring to a new university in Germany is only possible in specific semesters, and students must have sufficient credits for at least one semester.

Transferring from a non-EU university

If you are transferring from a university outside of the EU to a German university, you are considered a "Quereinsteiger" or "Quereinstieg" transfer student. This applies whether you are transferring to the same or a different subject.

Application Process

German universities have different procedures for transfer students. For example, at Heidelberg University, you must submit an application by 15 January for the following summer semester or by 15 July for the following winter semester. You must also include a notice of recognition of credits earned and a recommendation for placement in a higher semester.

At Freie Universität Berlin, you can apply for any higher subject-related semester, provided that you have creditable achievements. However, you cannot apply for the first semester if you have already been enrolled in the same program within the EU.

Credit Transfer

To transfer your credits, you may submit a request to the examination office for the particular subject.

Admission

Admission for transfer students is typically only possible within the regular period of study of the program. There may also be limitations on admissions for certain programs or subject-specific semesters.

For example, at Freie Universität Berlin, some programs are subject to limitations on admissions not only in the first semester but also in all higher semesters. You can find this information in the individual subject descriptions.

Advising

It is recommended that prospective transfer students seek advising from the academic advisory service at their desired university to discuss curriculum, required course assessments, and offered courses prior to submitting an application.

Application deadlines

Heidelberg University

Heidelberg University accepts transfer students from universities in EU member states who want to continue studying the same subject. The application deadline for the summer semester is 15 January, and for the winter semester, it's 15 July. Transferring to a new university in an academic subject that follows the "academic year model" is only possible in the "uneven" semesters in the winter semester (3rd, 5th, etc.) and in the "even" semesters in the summer semester (2nd, 4th, etc.).

Freie Universität Berlin

Freie Universität Berlin offers admission to transfer students in higher subject-related semesters, provided they have creditable achievements. However, students cannot apply for the first semester if they have already been enrolled in the same programme within the EU. For degree programmes with nationwide allocated places, a special regulation applies: university transfer students who interrupted their studies can reapply for the first subject semester.

The university advises students to seek personal advising before transferring. The Academic Advisory Service can provide assistance with the transfer process.

Credit recognition

Transferring Credits from a University Outside Germany

If you are transferring from a university outside of Germany, credit recognition is essential for your application. Most German universities will require you to include a notice of recognition of credits earned and a recommendation for placement in a higher semester in your application. This means that your previous coursework and credits will be evaluated to determine how they align with the German university's curriculum. The examination office for the specific subject area at the German university will assess your credits and decide which ones can be transferred.

Transferring within Germany or from an EU Member State

Transferring between universities within Germany or from another EU member state may offer more flexibility in terms of credit recognition. At Freie Universität Berlin, for example, students transferring from another location within Germany or the EU can be considered for admission to the same study program, regardless of the length of the previous study program or the number of credit points earned. However, it's important to note that limitations on admissions (Numerus Clausus, or NC) may apply, and admission to higher semesters depends on the availability of placements.

Credit Requirements for Admission

To be admitted to a higher semester at a German university, you typically need to have sufficient credits for at least one semester. This means that your previous coursework and credits should align with the curriculum of the German university and allow you to continue your studies at an advanced level. It is recommended to contact the academic advisory service of the German university to discuss curriculum details, required course assessments, and offered courses before submitting your application.

Transferring from a Community College or a 2-Year Program

According to a discussion on Reddit, transferring from a 2-year community college to a German university may pose some challenges in terms of credit recognition. It is mentioned that the German Abitur degree, which is the minimum requirement for university entrance in Germany, is considered equivalent to a 2-year general education degree from a community college. As a result, your community college credits may only count towards a prep course for German university, such as the Studienkolleg, and may not be directly transferable towards a degree program. In such cases, it is suggested to consider completing a 4-year degree in your home country and then applying for a master's program in Germany.

Transferring with German Language Proficiency

If you are a transfer student with previous German language coursework, you may need to take a German placement exam to determine your language level and find the correct class. Additionally, it is important to speak with the Director of Undergraduate Studies to discuss your transfer credits and ensure that you are not duplicating previous work. This process can help you receive credit for your previous German language studies and continue your language learning at the appropriate level.

German language proficiency

To study at a German university, you will need to prove your proficiency in the language of instruction. If your degree is taught in German, you will need to submit a recognised language certificate to demonstrate your German language skills.

German Language Certificates

The following five German language tests and certificates are recognised by all German universities:

• TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) (TDN 3, 4 or 5)
• DSH II or III (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)
• Goethe-Zertifikat C2
• Telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule (The European Language Certificate)
• DSD II (Deutsches Sprachdiplom Stufe II)

German universities typically require non-native speakers to present proof of upper-intermediate to advanced German language skills (level B2/C1) to study in German. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale is often used to indicate the level of proficiency required.

Alternative Ways to Demonstrate Proficiency

If you have graduated from a German-speaking programme or have obtained the German International Abitur from one of the accredited German schools abroad, you may not need to submit a language certificate. Additionally, if you are a native German speaker, you are exempt from submitting proof of language proficiency.

Transfer Students

For transfer students who have previously taken German courses, it is essential to take a German placement exam to determine the appropriate class level. Speaking with the Director of Undergraduate Studies is also recommended to ensure that any transfer credits are accepted and to avoid duplicating previous work.

English-Taught Programmes

If you plan to enrol in an English-taught programme and are not a native speaker, you will need to submit scores from standardised tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Limitations on admissions

German universities do accept transfer students, but there are some limitations and restrictions on admissions. Firstly, it is important to distinguish between transfers from within Germany or the EU/EEA, and international transfers. For students transferring from another German university or a university in another EU/EEA member state, the process is relatively straightforward, but there are still some important considerations.

Transfers within Germany or the EU/EEA

When transferring within Germany or the EU/EEA, students must apply for admission to a German university as a transfer student. At Heidelberg University, for example, students can only be admitted to subjects with restricted admission in higher semesters if there is sufficient capacity in the desired subject. Additionally, transferring to a new university in an academic subject that follows the "academic year model" is only possible in specific semesters, i.e., the winter semester (3rd, 5th, etc.) and the summer semester (2nd, 4th, etc.).

International Transfers

For international transfers, the process is more complex. At Freie Universität Berlin, for instance, there are limitations on admissions not only in the first semester but also in all higher semesters for some programs. International applicants must have sufficient credits for at least one semester and should check the individual subject descriptions to determine if any admission restrictions exist for higher semesters. It is worth noting that Freie Universität Berlin distinguishes between transfers from another location ("Studienortwechsel") and transfers from another program ("Quereinstieg"). A transfer from another location refers to students who wish to pursue the same study program at the new university, while a transfer from another program indicates a change to a different (core) subject or degree program.

Credit Transfers

One of the biggest limitations for transfer students, especially international students, is the issue of credit transfers. As one source mentions, "transferring isn't going to work out well... the credit transfer will be terrible if they even take any of your credits." This is an important consideration, as it may impact the student's progress and standing in their new university. It is crucial for prospective transfer students to carefully research the credit transfer policies of their desired German university and understand how their previous credits will be recognized and applied to their new program.

Frequently asked questions