Janice Lozano
Germany is a popular destination for international students, offering high-quality and affordable education. To study in Germany, international students must meet certain requirements and adhere to application deadlines. The application process for German universities typically involves submitting certified documents, language proficiency tests, and meeting academic prerequisites. The deadlines for enrolment vary, with the winter semester usually commencing in September/October and the application deadline falling on July 15th, while the summer semester often starts in March/April with a deadline of January 15th. These deadlines may differ across universities and programs, so it is essential for prospective students to carefully review the requirements and timelines of their chosen institution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application deadline for winter semester | 15 July |
| Application deadline for summer semester | 15 January |
| Application deadline for preparatory course | Varies, often earlier than other courses |
| Application method | Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung, University Application Service for International Students (uni-assist), or directly to the higher education institution |
| Application requirements | University entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung – HZB), proof of language proficiency, copy of valid passport, letter of motivation, letter of recommendation, CV, standardized test results, APS certificate, preliminary review documentation (VPD), and more |
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What You'll Learn
Application deadlines
International students applying to German universities have a few options for how to apply, depending on their country of origin, qualifications held, and desired course of study.
Students without a German higher education entrance qualification or from a non-EU/EEA country typically apply through Uni-assist, a service that evaluates international student applications for 180 German universities. Uni-assist's deadline is the same as the deadline set by the university. Students must submit all necessary documents and payment before the deadline. Many universities set the deadline for the winter semester on July 15th and the deadline for the summer semester on January 15th. However, it is important to check the specific deadlines for your chosen course and university, as they may vary.
Some institutions also require preliminary review documentation ("Vorprüfungsdokumentation", VPD) issued by Uni-assist. In such cases, students must submit their VPD before the application deadline. The evaluation process for VPDs typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, so students should plan their applications accordingly and apply for their VPD as early as possible.
Students with university entrance qualifications from Germany or an EU/EEA member country typically apply through the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung or directly to the higher education institution. The application phase for the winter semester usually begins in early May and ends on July 15th. For the summer semester, the application period generally runs from early December to January 15th.
Regardless of the application method, it is essential to start the application process early, as it can provide an advantage if any unexpected issues or document resubmissions are required. Additionally, students should be prepared to submit all necessary documents, including officially certified copies and translations, and be aware of any applicable fees.
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Entrance qualifications
To study at a German higher education institution, international students need a university entrance qualification, known as the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) or Abitur. This is a school-leaving certificate that qualifies you for university study.
To check if your school-leaving certificates are equivalent to Germany's Abitur, you can look up your country and qualifications in the Anabin or DAAD database. If your secondary school certificate is deemed insufficient, you may need to attend a foundation course called Studienkolleg or complete additional education in your home country.
Some universities may also require an aptitude test called TestAS, which is designed for international students from non-EU countries enrolling in undergraduate programs. If your degree is taught in German, you must provide recognised language certificates such as the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) or TestDaF.
Other important documents for international students to submit include proof of language proficiency, a valid passport, a passport photo, a letter of motivation and recommendation letters, a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, and standardised test results (e.g., TestAS, GMAT, or GRE). Additionally, students from China, India, or Vietnam need to obtain the Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) certificate, and some universities require Preliminary Review Documentation (VPD) from uni-assist.
International students should also be aware of the application deadlines for German universities. The deadlines vary depending on the semester and the specific university and course. The application deadline is often July 15 for the winter semester and January 15 for the summer semester. However, it is essential to check the specific requirements and deadlines for your chosen degree programme on the university's website.
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Required documents
International students must submit several documents when applying to German universities. These requirements vary across universities, but here is a list of commonly requested documents:
- Completed application form: Each university has its application portal, or you can apply through a centralized admissions portal, uni-assist.de, run by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
- Proof of language proficiency: If your degree is taught in German, you must provide recognized language certificates such as the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) or TestDaF. If your course is in English and you're not a native speaker, submit scores from tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
- Valid passport and passport photo: Keep your passport handy during the enrollment process.
- Letter of motivation and recommendation letters (if applicable): Some universities may ask for a letter explaining your motivation for applying and recommendation letters.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume: Include a CV or resume detailing your educational background and any relevant experience.
- Standardized test scores (if applicable): Certain universities may require TestAS results, while business schools often ask for GMAT or GRE scores.
- Akademische Prüfstelle – APS certificate: This certificate is mandatory for applicants with educational qualifications from China, India, or Vietnam.
- Preliminary Review Documentation – VPD: Some universities require this documentation from uni-assist, evaluating your previous education documents and converting grades.
- Proof of financial means: For a student visa, demonstrate that you have or have access to around €8,700 to €11,904 per year to cover living expenses.
- Proof of German statutory health insurance: Many universities require digital confirmation of your insurance status.
- University entrance qualification: A high school diploma, school-leaving certificate, or university entrance exam result is usually sufficient. Non-EU citizens may need to sit the Feststellungsprüfung entrance exam or attend a preparatory Studienkolleg.
Remember to check the specific requirements and deadlines for your chosen university and course, as they may vary.
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Language requirements
To study at a German university, international students must demonstrate proficiency in either German or English, depending on the language their course is taught in. This means that if your course is in English, you will need to provide proof of English language proficiency, and if your course is in German, you will need to provide proof of German language proficiency.
English Language Proficiency Tests
The most widely accepted English language proficiency tests are TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The minimum required scores vary depending on the university and program, but generally, a TOEFL iBT score of 80-100 and an IELTS score of 6.5-7.5 are required. Other accepted tests include the Cambridge English test, for which a minimum score of 180 on the C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency is required, and the PTE Academic, which requires a score of 58-70.
You may be exempt from providing an English language test score if you are from a country where English is the official language or if you have completed a previous degree in an English-speaking country or at an institution where the medium of instruction was English.
German Language Proficiency Tests
To prove German language proficiency, international applicants can submit the results of two main tests: the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH, "German language examination for university entrance") and the TestDaF. German universities usually require levels B2 to C1 to study in German.
Other Requirements
In addition to language proficiency, international students must also submit other documents as part of their application, including a completed application form, a valid passport and passport photo, certified copies of their high school diploma/previous degrees, relevant recognised qualifications, and course modules and grades (translated).
Health insurance is also mandatory for anyone studying or living in Germany, including international students. If you are from an EU/EEA country, you may be able to use your health insurance from your home country through an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). Otherwise, you must provide proof of health insurance as part of your visa requirements and university enrollment.
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Acceptance and enrolment
International students must fulfil specific requirements to gain admission to German universities. Firstly, applicants must possess a university entrance qualification, known as the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) or Abitur. They must also provide proof of language proficiency, with recognised German or English language certificates, or previous studies in that language. Additionally, students may need to submit a letter of motivation, recommendation letters, a curriculum vitae (CV), standardised test results, and proof of financial means to cover living expenses in Germany. Some universities may also require an aptitude test, such as the TestAS, for international students enrolling in undergraduate programmes.
Once students have received an offer of admission, they must accept their study place and complete the application for enrolment, which can be done online or through a printed form. They will need to provide a copy of their valid passport, proof of German statutory health insurance, and, in some cases, an Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) certificate. It is important to note that only officially certified copies and translations of documents are accepted, and certifications can be issued by the German embassy in the applicant's home country.
The application deadlines for German universities are typically the 15th of July for the winter semester and the 15th of January for the summer semester. However, these deadlines may vary across institutions and study programmes, so it is essential to check the specific dates for your chosen course. It is recommended to start the application process early to allow for any unexpected delays or the need to resubmit documents.
Students should also be aware of the different application procedures based on their country of origin, qualifications, and chosen field of study. Foreign students without a German higher education entrance qualification or from a non-EU/EEA country typically apply through Uni-assist or directly to the university. Uni-assist evaluates applications for 180 German universities and provides guidance on the requirements and deadlines for each institution.
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Frequently asked questions
The prerequisites for applying to German universities include:
- A university entrance qualification known as Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) or Abitur.
- Proof of language proficiency, such as recognised German or English language certificates.
- A copy of a valid passport and passport/portrait photo.
- Letter of motivation and recommendation letters.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.
- Standardised test scores, such as TestAS or GMAT.
- Proof of financial resources to cover living expenses, typically €11,904 per year.
The application deadlines for German universities vary, but generally, the winter semester applications are due by July 15th, and the summer semester applications are due by January 15th. It's important to check with the specific university and programme for their respective deadlines.
The application process for German universities typically involves:
- Checking the admission requirements of the chosen university and programme.
- Submitting an application form through Uni-assist, directly to the university, or to the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung, depending on the student's country of origin, qualifications, and chosen subject.
- Providing officially certified copies of all required documents, including higher education entrance qualifications, language proficiency certificates, and passport.
- Paying any associated handling or processing fees.
International students with qualifications outside the EU zone may need to take a university entrance examination (Feststellungsprufung) and attend a preparatory course (Studienkolleg). Additionally, some popular degree courses in Germany have restrictions called Numerus Clausus (NC), which may affect admission chances. It is recommended to apply to multiple universities and consider less popular locations to increase the chances of acceptance.
