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A step-by-step guide to applying to German universities — from program research to enrollment.
Applying to a German university involves choosing between the central uni-assist processing service and direct university applications, preparing certified documents, and — for non-EU students — applying for a student visa. The process is well-structured but requires early preparation, especially if your degree needs an APS certificate.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Research programs and universities
Use the DAAD database (daad.de) and uni-assist to browse programs. Check whether the program is restricted (NC) or open admission. Confirm whether the university uses uni-assist or direct applications.
Filter by "taught in English" on DAAD if you need an English-medium program.
Check your eligibility
Verify that your undergraduate degree meets the entry requirements. German universities compare foreign degrees to the German equivalent using anabin (the official database of foreign qualifications).
Applicants from China, Vietnam, or Mongolia must obtain an APS certificate — start this process at least 3 months before the deadline.
Prepare your documents
Gather certified copies and official translations (German or English) of your degree certificates, transcripts, language test results, and passport. All translations must be done by a sworn translator.
Order documents from your home university at least 8 weeks before the application deadline.
Apply via uni-assist or directly
Create a uni-assist account at uni-assist.de and upload all documents. You can apply to multiple universities in one submission. Pay the processing fee (approximately €75 for the first university, €30 for each additional). For direct applications, go to each university's admissions portal.
Submit by May 31 for winter semester even if the deadline is July 15 — avoid the backlog.
Wait for the admission decision
uni-assist takes 6–10 weeks to process and forward your documents to universities. Universities then issue admission or rejection letters. Some NC programs use a points-based ranking — you may receive a place on a waiting list.
Apply for a student visa (non-EU)
Once you receive your acceptance letter (Zulassungsbescheid), apply for a German national visa (type D) at the German embassy in your home country. Required documents: acceptance letter, proof of financial means (€934/month), health insurance, passport photos, and application form.
Book your embassy appointment the day you receive your acceptance letter — slots fill up months in advance.
Enroll at the university
Complete Immatrikulation (enrollment) by submitting your acceptance letter, certified documents, proof of health insurance, and semester fee payment to the Immatrikulationsamt. This is done in person or by post after arriving in Germany.
Register your address
Within 14 days of arriving at your accommodation, register at the local Bürgeramt (residents' registration office). You will receive an Anmeldebescheinigung, which is required for your residence permit, bank account, and tax ID.
Required Documents Checklist
- Certified copy of your degree certificate (with official translation)
- Official academic transcripts (with official translation)
- German language test results (TestDaF, DSH) or English test (IELTS, TOEFL) for English programs
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond your program end)
- Motivation letter / statement of purpose
- CV / résumé
- APS certificate (China, Vietnam, Mongolia only)
- Proof of financial means (blocked account or scholarship letter)
Key Contacts and Portals
| Program search | daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany |
|---|---|
| Central application | uni-assist.de |
| Qualification check | anabin.kmk.org |
| APS certificate | aps.org.cn (China), aps.hanoi.de (Vietnam) |
| Financial proof | Blocked account via Deutsche Bank, Fintiba, or Coracle |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting uncertified or unofficially translated documents — German universities will reject them without review.
Booking a German embassy appointment too late — some consulates have 3–4 month waiting times.
Not checking whether your program is NC-restricted — open admission programs do not have grade thresholds but may still have deadlines.
Forgetting to open a blocked account — proof of financial means is mandatory for the visa and must show a minimum of €11,208 (as of 2024).
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about applying to universities in Germany
Not necessarily. Hundreds of master's programs are taught entirely in English. However, German is essential for daily life outside the university. Free or low-cost German language courses are widely available at universities and Goethe Institutes.
Public German universities charge only a semester contribution fee (Semesterbeitrag) of approximately €100–€350 per semester — not tuition. This fee often includes a public transport ticket. Private universities do charge tuition. Non-EU students have no extra tuition surcharge at public universities.
A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a German bank account that holds a minimum of €11,208 for the year, accessible only in monthly installments (to prove you have living funds). It is required for the student visa application if you do not have a scholarship. Providers include Deutsche Bank, Fintiba, and Coracle.
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