Australian students face no special certification requirements to apply to German universities — no APS, no credential pre-screening beyond the standard uni-assist process. Australian Year 12 certificates (ATARs at competitive levels) are generally sufficient for bachelor's entry; Australian bachelor's degrees are accepted for master's entry. The main variables are your German or English language certificate and your application timing.
Application Process Step by Step
- Choose your program: German-taught programs require B2/C1 German (TestDaF or DSH). English-taught programs require IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+. Use StudyinEurope.eu and daad.de to find programs.
- Check your Australian qualification on anabin.kmk.org: Select "Australien" and your institution (e.g. University of Melbourne, ANU, UNSW). Your institution's entry qualifications should be listed.
- Prepare documents: Year 12 transcripts or university transcripts (official, in English — certified copy), language certificate, passport, and a motivation letter (for master's programs).
- Apply via uni-assist (uni-assist.de): Covers most German universities that admit international students. Fee: €75 first application, €30 per additional. Deadlines: 15 July (winter semester, October start), 15 January (summer semester, April start).
- After admission letter: Open your blocked account, arrange health insurance, book travel, register at Bürgeramt within 14 days of arrival, and book Ausländerbehörde appointment.
Australian Credentials — German Equivalents
| Year 12 + ATAR ≥ 70–80 | Generally qualifies for direct bachelor's entry. ATAR threshold varies by university and program — verify via anabin. |
|---|---|
| Australian bachelor's (3-year) | Accepted for master's entry at most German universities. 3-year degrees are well within Bologna norms. |
| Australian bachelor's (4-year) | Accepted for master's and PhD entry. Honors degrees are particularly well regarded. |
| TAFE diploma | Generally not sufficient for direct German university entry. A foundation year or community college pathway may be needed. |
| Document language | English-language transcripts accepted directly — no German translation required for Australian documents. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Australian students with ATARs of 70 or above qualify for bachelor's entry at German public universities, subject to program-specific requirements. For competitive programs (medicine, dentistry, some engineering programs with numerus clausus), a higher ATAR is expected. Always verify your specific institution and ATAR score at anabin.kmk.org under "Australien."
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