📝 Admissions — Germany

Germany is one of the strongest study destinations in Europe for international students. It has public universities with excellent reputations, many low-cost degree programmes, a large number of English-taught master’s degrees, strong technical and applied universities, and good post-study opportunities. However, admission in Germany can be confusing because there is no single application system for all students and all universities.

Depending on your nationality, previous education, chosen subject and university, you may apply directly to the university, through uni-assist, through a VPD procedure, through Hochschulstart, or through a preparatory route such as Studienkolleg. The correct route is always written on the official page of the programme you choose.

1. The most important admission concept: HZB

For bachelor’s admission, Germany checks whether your previous education gives you access to higher education. This is called Hochschulzugangsberechtigung, usually shortened to HZB. If your school-leaving certificate is accepted as equivalent to the German Abitur, you may be able to apply directly to a bachelor’s or state examination programme. If it is not accepted for direct admission, you may need to complete Studienkolleg first.

You can start by checking the official DAAD Admission Database. It gives a non-binding orientation for many countries. You should also check anabin, the official German information portal for evaluating foreign educational qualifications. The final decision is still made by the university, uni-assist, or the responsible admission office.

2. Main application routes in Germany

Route A: Direct application to the university

Many universities receive applications directly through their own online portal. This is common for many master’s programmes, some bachelor’s programmes, doctoral programmes and private universities. You create an account, upload documents, answer programme-specific questions, and follow the university’s instructions.

Route B: Application through uni-assist

Many German universities use uni-assist to review applications from international students. uni-assist checks whether your documents are complete and whether your qualifications meet the formal requirements of the university. If the application is successful in the preliminary evaluation, it is forwarded to the university, which then makes the admission decision.

As of 2026, the uni-assist handling fee is normally €75 for the first chosen course of study in one semester and €30 for each additional chosen course of study in the same semester. Standard and VPD procedures normally use the same fee structure.

Route C: VPD through uni-assist

Some universities do not ask uni-assist to forward the application. Instead, they ask you to obtain a VPD, which means Vorprüfungsdokumentation, or preliminary review documentation. In this route, uni-assist evaluates your certificates and issues the VPD. You then apply directly to the university with the VPD before the university deadline.

VPD processing usually takes 4 to 6 weeks after submitting the online application. The VPD is usually valid for one year from its date of issue. Because you still need to submit the VPD to the university before its deadline, you should request it very early.

Route D: Hochschulstart

Hochschulstart is used for some admission-restricted programmes and for central allocation in subjects such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy. The exact route depends on your applicant category. EU applicants, German-equivalent applicants and non-EU applicants with foreign qualifications may follow different procedures. For medical and pharmacy-related subjects, always check both Hochschulstart and the university page.

Route E: Studienkolleg and Feststellungsprüfung

If your school certificate does not qualify you for direct bachelor’s admission, you may need to attend Studienkolleg. Studienkolleg is a preparatory course, usually lasting two semesters, and it ends with the Feststellungsprüfung, the university qualification assessment exam. Passing this exam can give you access to university programmes in the subject area linked to your Studienkolleg course.

3. Studienkolleg course types

If you need Studienkolleg, your course type must match the degree you want to study later:

• T-course: engineering, mathematics, natural sciences and technical subjects.
• M-course: medicine, biology, pharmacy and health-related subjects.
• W-course: economics, business, management and social sciences.
• G-course: humanities, German studies and related subjects.
• S-course: language-related subjects.

Most Studienkollegs are taught in German. Applicants usually need German before admission, often around B1 or B2 depending on the Studienkolleg, and may need to pass an entrance exam. If your long-term target is an English-taught bachelor’s degree, you may still need German for Studienkolleg because the preparatory course itself is normally in German.

4. Bachelor’s admission in Germany

For bachelor’s degrees, the university normally checks your school certificate, grades, subject combination, language level and whether the programme is open admission or admission-restricted. Some applicants receive direct general admission, some receive subject-restricted admission, and some need Studienkolleg.

English-taught bachelor’s degrees exist, especially in business, computer science, engineering, international relations and some applied programmes. However, most bachelor’s degrees in Germany are still taught in German. If you want a wide choice of public university programmes, German is a major advantage.

5. Master’s admission in Germany

Germany has many English-taught master’s degrees, especially in engineering, computer science, data science, business, environmental sciences, public policy, economics, international development and natural sciences. Master’s admission is usually not based only on your GPA. Universities often check whether your previous degree is academically related to the master’s programme.

For master’s applications, universities may check:

• Whether your university is recognised in Germany.
• Whether your bachelor’s degree is equivalent to a German degree.
• Your final grade or GPA.
• The number of credits in required subjects.
• Your transcript and module descriptions.
• Your bachelor’s thesis topic.
• Your language certificate.
• Work experience, internship experience, research experience or portfolio, if required.
• GRE, GMAT, TestAS, interview or entrance exam, if required.

6. Recognition of your university and degree

Master’s applicants should check anabin carefully. In anabin, a university marked H+ is generally recognised as a higher education institution. A university marked H+/- means the result depends on the exact institution, programme, degree or additional conditions. A university marked H- is normally not recognised as a higher education institution in Germany.

If your university or degree is not clearly listed, this does not automatically mean you cannot apply. It may mean the university, uni-assist or another recognition authority has to evaluate your documents in more detail. Always follow the specific instructions of the university you are applying to.

7. Documents usually required

Requirements vary by university and programme, but international applicants commonly need:

• Passport copy.
• School-leaving certificate.
• University degree certificate, if applying for a master’s or PhD.
• Official transcript with all subjects and grades.
• Grading scale or explanation of the grading system.
• Language certificate in German or English.
• CV.
• Motivation letter or statement of purpose.
• Recommendation letters, if required.
• Course descriptions or module handbook, especially for master’s applications.
• Proof of internship or work experience, if required.
• Portfolio for design, architecture, art, music or creative subjects.
• APS certificate, if required for your country or educational background.
• TestAS, GRE, GMAT or entrance exam result, if required.

8. Translation and certified copies

If your certificates are not issued in German or English, you generally need a certified translation into German or English. You should normally upload the original-language document and the translation. Transcripts, certificate pages, grading explanations, stamps and back sides of documents should be complete and readable.

During the application stage, many universities and uni-assist accept digital uploads. However, after admission, the university may ask for certified paper copies or originals during enrolment. Do not assume that an online upload is enough for the full process. Always read the enrolment instructions in your admission letter.

9. Language requirements

German-taught programmes

Most German-taught programmes require German language proof. DAAD explains that most higher education institutions require at least B2 level for many programmes, and many full degree programmes require C1-level proof or equivalent results. Common certificates include TestDaF, DSH, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, Goethe certificates and other accepted exams depending on the university.

English-taught programmes

English-taught programmes usually require proof of English, such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English or another accepted test. Some universities waive English tests if your previous degree was taught fully in English, but this is never automatic. Check the programme page.

Even if your degree is in English, German is very useful for housing, part-time work, internships, bureaucracy, health insurance, everyday life and long-term career opportunities.

10. TestAS, APS, GRE and GMAT

TestAS is a standardised aptitude test for international applicants. Some universities require it, some use it for bonus points, and many do not require it at all.

APS is an academic verification procedure required for applicants with certain educational backgrounds, especially from countries such as India, China and Vietnam. If APS applies to you, start early because it can affect both university admission and the visa process.

GRE and GMAT are not required for most German programmes, but they may be required or recommended for some competitive master’s programmes, especially in business, economics, management, finance, data science and technical fields.

11. Deadlines and intakes

Germany usually has two main intakes:

• Winter semester: usually starts in September or October. A common application deadline is 15 July.
• Summer semester: usually starts in March or April. A common application deadline is 15 January.

These are only general dates. Many English-taught master’s programmes, art programmes, medicine-related programmes, Studienkolleg applications, scholarship-linked programmes and university-specific portals have earlier or different deadlines. Always check the exact deadline on the programme page.

12. Tuition fees and costs

Many public universities in Germany do not charge general tuition fees for many bachelor’s and consecutive master’s programmes. Students usually pay a semester contribution. However, Germany is no longer automatically free in every state and every university.

• Baden-Württemberg generally charges many non-EU international students €1,500 per semester for bachelor’s, master’s, Diplom and state examination programmes, with exemptions in certain cases.
• Some Bavarian universities charge tuition fees or application-related fees for non-EU or non-EEA students. Rules differ by institution and programme.
• TU Munich charges tuition fees for many newly enrolled non-EU students from winter semester 2024/25, depending on the programme, with waivers and exceptions in some cases.
• Private universities and professional programmes usually charge tuition fees.

Before applying, check both the programme fee and the semester contribution. You should also check living costs, health insurance, blocked account requirements for visa purposes, housing costs and local transport costs.

13. Recommended timeline

12 months before intake

• Research programmes and cities.
• Check DAAD, anabin and university admission pages.
• Start German or English test preparation.
• Check whether you need Studienkolleg, APS, TestAS, VPD, GRE or GMAT.

9 months before intake

• Shortlist programmes.
• Collect certificates and transcripts.
• Prepare CV and motivation letter.
• Arrange translations if needed.
• Ask for recommendation letters if required.

6 months before intake

• Take language tests.
• Apply for APS or VPD if needed.
• Submit early-deadline applications.
• Check scholarship deadlines.

3 to 4 months before intake

• Submit remaining applications.
• Track uni-assist and university portal updates.
• Respond quickly if documents are missing.
• Prepare student visa documents.

After admission

• Accept the offer if required.
• Pay the semester contribution or tuition fee.
• Complete health insurance steps.
• Apply for a student visa or residence procedure.
• Start housing search immediately.
• Complete enrolment before the university deadline.

14. Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying without checking whether your certificate gives direct admission.
• Assuming every German university uses the same application system.
• Starting uni-assist too close to the deadline.
• Forgetting that VPD can take 4 to 6 weeks.
• Uploading documents without certified translations when required.
• Applying to a master’s programme without checking required subject credits.
• Choosing only famous cities where competition and housing pressure are high.
• Ignoring tuition exceptions in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, TUM and private universities.
• Confusing admission requirements with student visa requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources to check before applying

• DAAD application process
• DAAD admission database
• DAAD Studienkolleg guidance
• uni-assist
• uni-assist VPD guidance
• anabin recognition database
• Hochschulstart

This is starter guidance and changes often — always confirm on the official source before applying.