Lana Oconnell
Germany is a popular destination for international students due to its low or no tuition fees, trendy student cities, and high-quality programs. To apply to a German university as an international student, you must meet certain requirements and follow a specific application process. This includes submitting the necessary documents, such as academic qualifications, transcripts, and language proficiency tests, and ensuring you have the necessary funds to cover your living expenses. The application deadlines for the winter and summer semesters are typically in July and January, respectively, and it is recommended to apply to multiple universities to increase your chances of admission. Germany offers a limited number of undergraduate courses in English, so international students should be prepared to take language proficiency tests and potentially attend a preparatory course.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application form | Available from the chosen higher education institution, from Uni-assist or from the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung (only in German) |
| Application process | Online or printed |
| Application deadlines | For the winter semester (starting in September/October), the deadline is 15 July; for the summer semester (starting in March/April), the deadline is 15 January |
| Application fee | Pay the handling fees for all your applications |
| Requirements | University entrance qualification (known in German as the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) or Abitur), school-leaving certificate, high school diploma, university entrance exam result, language proficiency, passport, letter of motivation, letter of recommendation, CV/resume, standardised tests, TestAS results, GMAT or GRE scores, Akademische Prüfstelle – APS certificate, Preliminary Review Documentation – VPD, proof of living expenses, student visa |
| Admission restrictions | Local or national admission restrictions, with some degree programmes only available at particular higher education institutions |
| Selection criteria | Overall average grade, letter of motivation, tests, selection interviews |
| Language tests | Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) or TestDaF |
| English language tests | TOEFL, IELTS, PTE |
| Translation requirements | Officially certified copies and translations are accepted for the application process; official certifications can be issued by the German embassy in your home country |
| Other | Contact the International Office of the higher education institution directly for information before applying |
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What You'll Learn
Application process and requirements
To apply to German universities as an international student, you need to meet certain requirements and follow a specific application process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Application Process:
- Choose Your University and Course: Start by selecting the right university and course for you. Consider your academic goals, preferred location, and the language of instruction. Germany offers a limited number of undergraduate courses in English, but there are some courses taught in both English and German.
- Check Requirements and Restrictions: Different universities and courses have varying admission criteria and restrictions. Check the specific requirements for your chosen course, including any local or national admission restrictions (Numerus Clausus, or NC). Contact the International Office of your chosen university for detailed information.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents, including officially certified copies and translations. You will generally need a university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung or Abitur), an overview of your subjects and grades, and certified copies of previous education certificates. If your school-leaving certificates do not meet the requirements, you may need to take a university entrance examination (Feststellungsprüfung) after attending a preparatory course (Studienkolleg).
- Language Proficiency Proof: If your chosen course is taught in German, you must provide proof of German language proficiency. The two main tests accepted are the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) and TestDaF. If the course is taught in English, you may need to provide proof of English language proficiency unless you are a native speaker or have previously studied in English.
- Submit Application: You can submit your application online or by filling out a form and sending it by letter. The application deadlines for the winter semester (starting in September/October) are typically early May to July 15, while for the summer semester (starting in March/April), the deadlines are early December to January 15.
- Track Your Application: After submitting your application and required documents, you can track the status through platforms like uni-assist.
- Await Acceptance Letter: German universities will send out letters of acceptance or rejection. If accepted, you will need to accept your study place and complete any enrollment procedures, including submitting proof of German statutory health insurance.
Requirements:
- University Entrance Qualification: Ensure you possess the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung or Abitur, which is the German university entrance qualification. You can check the equivalence of your school-leaving certificates in the anabin or DAAD database.
- Language Proficiency: Provide proof of language proficiency in the language of instruction. Accepted German language tests include DSH and TestDaF, while English language proficiency can be demonstrated through various certificates.
- Financial Requirements: As an international student, you must show that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in Germany. The required amount is approximately €8,700 to €11,904 per year, and proof of these funds is necessary when applying for a student visa.
- Additional Documents: Other required documents may include a copy of your valid passport, passport photo, letter of motivation, recommendation letters, CV/resume, standardized test results (e.g., TestAS, GMAT, GRE), and an APS certificate (for students from certain countries).
Remember to carefully review the specific requirements and application process for your chosen university and course, as they may vary.
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Necessary documents
To apply to German universities as an international student, you will need to submit several necessary documents. The specific requirements may vary depending on the university and the programme you are applying to, so it is always a good idea to check with the institution directly. Here is a list of common documents required for international student applications in Germany:
University Entrance Qualification:
Germany recognises the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) or Abitur as the university entrance qualification. If you are an international student, you will need to have your school-leaving certificates evaluated to ensure they are equivalent to the German Abitur. You can use the anabin database or the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst e.V.) database to check the equivalence of your qualifications. If your school-leaving certificate is not sufficient, you may need to attend a one-year preparatory course called Studienkolleg or complete additional education in your home country.
Academic Transcripts and Certificates:
You will need to provide certified copies of your academic transcripts and certificates. This includes your high school diploma or school-leaving certificate, as well as any previous higher education certificates or degrees. Make sure that all documents are officially certified and translated into German or English, as only certified copies and translations are accepted in the application process.
Language Proficiency Proof:
As most courses in Germany are taught in German, international applicants are usually required to submit proof of German language proficiency. The two main German language tests accepted by German universities are the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) and the TestDaF. If your chosen course is taught in English, you may need to provide proof of English language proficiency unless you are a native speaker or have previously studied in English.
Passport and Visa:
You will need a copy of your valid passport and a passport-sized photo. Additionally, if you require a student visa for Germany, you must present proof of sufficient financial resources during your visa appointment. As of 2024-2025, international students are expected to have €8,700 to €11,904 per year to cover their living expenses in Germany.
Letter of Motivation and Recommendation Letters:
Some German universities may request a letter of motivation and/or recommendation letters as part of the application process. These letters provide an opportunity to highlight your interests, motivations, and any relevant skills or experiences that make you a strong candidate for the programme.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume:
A CV or resume is often required to provide an overview of your educational background, work experience, and any other relevant achievements or extracurricular activities.
Standardized Test Results:
Some universities may ask for standardised test results, such as the TestAS, which is designed for international students from non-EU countries applying for undergraduate programmes. Business schools may also require GMAT or GRE scores.
Other Documents:
Depending on your specific circumstances, you may need additional documents. For example, applicants with education qualifications from China, India, or Vietnam need to obtain the Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) certificate. Some universities may also require preliminary review documentation or the conversion of grades through Uni-assist.
Remember to carefully review the application requirements and guidelines provided by your chosen German universities, as they may have specific additional documents or forms that you need to submit.
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Language requirements
To apply to German universities as an international student, you must meet certain language requirements. These requirements vary depending on the language of instruction for your chosen degree programme.
If your degree programme is taught in German, you will need to demonstrate German language proficiency. This can be done by submitting recognised language certificates such as the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) or TestDaF. The DSH, or "German language examination for university entrance", is only available in Germany and comprises written and oral components. The TestDaF, or "Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache", requires a minimum result of TDN 4.
If your degree programme is taught in English, you will need to prove your English language proficiency unless you are a native speaker or have previously studied in English. In this case, recognised English language certificates may be required.
Additionally, some universities may require an aptitude test called the TestAS, which is designed for international students from non-EU countries enrolling in undergraduate programmes. The Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) certificate may also be mandatory for applicants with educational qualifications from certain countries, such as China, India, or Vietnam.
It is important to note that language requirements may vary between universities and degree programmes. Therefore, it is recommended to check the specific requirements of your chosen university and programme, including the required language levels and certificates. Some universities, like Heidelberg University, offer intensive German language courses and the opportunity to obtain language certificates.
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Application deadlines
It's important to note that these deadlines are not universal and can vary across different universities and programmes. Many universities set earlier deadlines for specific courses, such as master's programmes or preparatory courses. Therefore, it is recommended to check the specific deadlines for your chosen course and university.
Additionally, international students are advised to submit their applications 4-6 weeks before the deadline to allow sufficient time to obtain a German student visa and figure out other necessities like funding and accommodation.
There are two primary methods of applying to German universities: directly to the university or through a centralised portal like uni-assist.de/en/. Uni-assist evaluates applications for 180 German universities, and their deadline is typically the same as the deadline set by the university. However, it's important to ensure that all required documents and payments are submitted before the deadline.
When applying to German universities, international students must demonstrate proficiency in the German language, especially for programmes taught in German. For undergraduate programmes in German, international students usually need to pass language proficiency tests such as TestDaF or DSH. For English-taught programmes, TOEFL or IELTS test scores are commonly required.
Furthermore, foreign students with qualifications from outside the EU zone may need to take a university entrance examination (Feststellungsprufung) and attend a preparatory course (Studienkolleg) before enrolling.
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Additional costs and scholarships
Additional Costs
As an international student, you will need to prove that you have €11,904 per year, or €992 per month, to cover your living expenses in order to obtain a German study visa or residence permit. This is called the Proof of Financial Resources (Finanzierungsnachweis) and covers accommodation, food, health insurance, and other miscellaneous costs.
Public universities in Germany are very affordable, with semester fees ranging from €100 to €350. These fees cover administrative services such as student administration, student union contributions, and a public transportation pass. Private universities, on the other hand, can charge significantly more, with fees ranging from €5,000 to €20,000 annually.
There may be additional costs for a "Semesterticket", which covers public transport expenses for six months. The price of this ticket varies depending on the option chosen.
Health insurance is required to register at a German university. If you are from a country within the EU or EEA, your public health insurance should also be valid in Germany. If not, you can expect to pay around €80 per month for health insurance.
Other estimated monthly costs include €410 for housing, €198 for food and groceries, €49 for a public transportation pass, €142 for health insurance, €31 for study materials, and €144 for miscellaneous expenses.
Scholarships
There are some scholarships available for international students in Germany, although they may not be as common as in other countries. The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst e.V. (DAAD) is Germany's largest academic grant organization, providing merit-based grants to non-Germans for study and/or research in the country. Scholarships are offered to international students of all levels, as well as academics and researchers.
The Federal Student Financial Aid Program (BAföG) is another option, available to German nationals, EU students, and some foreigners under select conditions. This aid is generally for those under 30 years old (or under 35 for a master's degree) and is split into a state grant and an interest-free loan.
Other possible sources of scholarships include foundations or associations, or support from your home country or state. It is recommended to search for scholarships based on keywords, study level, country of origin, and subject. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) also provides information on scholarships to study in Germany.
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Frequently asked questions
To apply to a German university as an international student, you need to have a university entrance qualification, known in German as the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) or Abitur. If your school-leaving certificate is not sufficient, you can attend a one-year preparatory course or complete additional education in your home country. You will also need to meet language requirements and prove proficiency in the language of instruction.
The documents you need to submit may vary depending on the university and program you are applying to. However, some common documents required include:
- Officially certified copies of your higher education entrance qualifications and transcripts
- Certified copies of your previous higher education certificates, if applicable
- Proof of language proficiency
- Copy of a valid passport and passport-sized photo
- Letter of motivation and recommendation letter(s)
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- Standardized test scores, such as the TestAS or GMAT/GRE for business schools
Here are a few tips to increase your chances of admission:
- Apply to multiple universities: Applying to more German universities at once can increase your chances of being admitted.
- Consider the popularity of the degree course: Some courses in Germany have high demand and certain restrictions called Numerus Clausus (NC). Applying to less popular courses may improve your chances.
- Focus on your high school grades: Admission to German universities is often based on your high school grade point average (GPA). The higher your score, the better your chances of being admitted.
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