Korean students are well-established applicants at German universities, and Korean academic credentials are clearly documented on the anabin database. Korean 수능 (CSAT/KSAT) scores, bachelor's degrees from Korean universities, and master's degrees all have clearly defined German equivalents. The process is via uni-assist for most universities, with some TU9 universities also accepting direct applications.
Application Process for Korean Students
- Choose your program: German-taught programs require B2/C1 German (TestDaF TDN 4 or DSH-2). English-taught programs (mostly master's) require IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+. TU9 engineering universities are the most popular destination for Korean students.
- Check your Korean credential on anabin.kmk.org: Search for "Südkorea" and your institution (Seoul National University, KAIST, POSTECH, Yonsei, Korea University, Hanyang, etc.). Your bachelor's degree equivalence is listed.
- Prepare documents: Korean university transcripts (official, in Korean) with sworn German or English translation, degree certificate (translated), language certificate, CV, motivation letter, passport.
- Apply via uni-assist (uni-assist.de): Fee €75 first, €30 each additional. Deadlines: 15 July (October start), 15 January (April start).
- Some TU9 universities (RWTH Aachen, TU Munich) also accept direct applications — check the university website alongside uni-assist.
- After admission: Open blocked account, book travel to Germany, register at Bürgeramt within 14 days of arrival, book Ausländerbehörde appointment.
Korean Credentials — German Equivalents
| 수능 (CSAT) — competitive score | Accepted for bachelor's entry. Score threshold varies by program. Verify via anabin for your institution. |
|---|---|
| Korean bachelor's (4-year) | Equivalent to German bachelor's. Accepted for master's entry at all German universities. |
| KAIST / POSTECH / SNU degrees | Highest recognition — these institutions are specifically listed on anabin with top-tier evaluation. |
| Korean master's (석사) | Accepted for PhD programs in Germany. |
| Document translation | Korean-language documents must be translated by a certified/sworn translator to German. English translations also accepted at many universities. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. These institutions are specifically listed on anabin with positive evaluations. A degree from SNU, KAIST, POSTECH, Yonsei, or Korea University is well-recognized and opens doors to competitive German master's and PhD programs without additional credential verification requirements.
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