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Apply to German Universities via uni-assist

Your Complete Guide for International Students

Start your journey to studying in Germany with confidence. This step-by-step guide explains how to apply through uni-assist, the central platform used by many German universities to process international applications.

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What is uni-assist?

In simple terms: it’s your first step to getting accepted into a German university. uni-assist is a centralised application platform used by 150 German universities to evaluate your previous international qualifications. It ensures your documents meet German academic standards before passing them on to universities.

What types of programmes can you apply for?

You can search and apply for the following types of study programmes:

  • Bachelor
  • Staatsexamen - A specific type of degree in Germany for medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacology, law, food chemistry and teaching degrees
  • Master
  • Studienkolleg – preparatory courses for undergraduate studies
  • Preparatory German language course
  • Introductory courses (e.g. a Propädeutikum) to prepare you for future studies
  • Studying in Germany as a refugee

Step-by-step application process

The process with uni-assist follows 6 key steps:

1. Collect information in advance

Research your chosen programme(s) and confirm that the university uses uni-assist Check the entry academic and language requirements for each programme Each university sets its own criteria, so always check their website directly first.

2. Plan your application

  • Check application deadlines
  • Prepare for additional requirements (e.g. VPD – preliminary review of document)
  • Apply early - minimum 8 weeks before the official deadline

3. Prepare your documents

Typical documents include:

  • Academic certificates and transcripts
    • You can submit one or more of the following:
      • school leaving certificate
      • proof of having passed a university entry exam in your country
      • certificate or a diploma for previous university studies from outside Germany, and information regarding the grading system used by your university for that degree
  • Language certificates
    • All universities accept the following language certificates for German:
      • DSH
      • TestDaF
      • Certificates issued by the Goethe-Institut
      • The DSD German language diploma
    • The following certificates are accepted for English:
      • IELTS - Universities require a certain minimum score for the IELTS
      • TOEFL - There are 3 different types of TOEFL. Universities require a minimum score for each of them
      • Cambridge English language certificates FCE, CAE, and CPE
      • Proof that English was the language of instruction at your university / previous degree
    • CV and letter of motivation (if required) You may also need:
  • Certified copies
  • Official translations Requirements vary by programme and university, so please double-check for each application you plan to submit.

4. Apply online via the My assist Portal

Register and create your personal My assist account with your own uni-assist applicant number. You will use this account for all your applications, including applications for multiple semesters.

  • Fill in your personal and academic details
  • Choose your universities and programmes
  • Upload all required documents You can apply to multiple programmes, but each requires a separate application.

uni-assist

5. Pay all application fees

  • Processing starts only after payment is received
  • Fees apply per application (first + additional applications)
  • Cost for the first chosen course of study: EUR 75.00
  • For each additional chosen course of study: EUR 30.00
  • Payment methods
  • Visa or Mastercard
  • Online bank transfer
  • Refunds - you can receive credit in the following cases:
  • You paid too much.
  • You paid for the processing of an application that is free of charge for you.
  • You have withdrawn your application before we have processed it.

6. Submit Documents & Track Your Application

Some universities require submission of certified copies per post

  • Track your application status in your account
  • Processing usually takes 4–6 weeks

Once reviewed, uni-assist forwards your application to the universities.

How long does it take?

  • Preparation: 2 - 6 weeks
  • uni-assist processing: 4 - 6 weeks
  • University decision: varies

Total: Plan at least 2 - 3 months

Important tips for success

  • Not all universities use uni-assist – always check first
  • Some universities require a VPD, meaning you apply both via uni-assist and directly to the university
  • Apply early (at least 8 weeks before the programme’s deadline)
  • Documents are not returned, so never send originals
  • Make sure translations are officially certified

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A VPD (Vorprüfungsdokumentation) is a pre-evaluation of your qualifications required by some universities before applying directly to them.
Yes, but each application requires a separate submission and fee.
Typically 4–6 weeks, but it can take longer during peak periods.
Some universities require certified hard copies - others accept digital uploads only.
The benefit of using uni-assist is that you can apply to multiple universities easily. This ensures your documents meet German standards and reduces errors and delays in applications.
The fee for your first chosen course of study is EUR 75.00, and every additional one costs EUR 30.00.
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