Start your journey to studying in Germany
Germany is one of the most popular destinations for international students thanks to its low or no tuition fees, high-quality education, and global career opportunities. But before you get there, you need to successfully navigate the application process.
👉 This guide walks you through every step.
Ste-by-step: How to apply to German universities
1. Choose your programme & university
Start by researching:
- There are over 21k degree programmes to choose from (Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.): Degree programmes in Germany
- Decide on the preferred language of instruction (German or English)
- Check the admission requirements for each programme you have selected
Tip: Some programmes have restricted admission (Numerus Clausus – NC), meaning selection is very competitive.
Start your journey to studying in Germany
Germany is one of the most popular destinations for international students thanks to its low or no tuition fees, high-quality education, and global career opportunities. But before you get there, you need to successfully navigate the application process.
👉 This guide walks you through every step.
Ste-by-step: How to apply to German universities
1. Choose your programme & university
Start by researching:
- There are over 21k degree programmes to choose from (Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.): Degree programmes in Germany
- Decide on the preferred language of instruction (German or English)
- Check the admission requirements for each programme you have selected
Tip: Some programmes have restricted admission (Numerus Clausus – NC), meaning selection is very competitive.
2. Check entry requirements
To apply, you generally need:
- A recognized, officially translated and certified school or university certificate, including a transcript of your classes and grades → check eligibility here: Database on admission requirements
- Language certificate (German or English depending on the programme)
- For Master’s programmes, you usually also need a relevant Bachelor’s degree
- Up-to-date CV and motivation letter
- A passport and a passport photo
- Important: Only officially certified copies are accepted.
3. Understand where to apply
Depending on your situation, you may apply:
- Via uni-assist (most common for international students with 150 universities in that platform)
- Directly to the university
- Via the Foundation for University Admissions (for certain subjects): Bewerbung zum Studium in Deutschland: Hochschulstart
Important: Most international applicants must apply through uni-assist or the university itself.
4. Apply via uni-assist or a specific university portal
| If your university uses uni-assist: | If you apply directly via the university |
|---|---|
| - Create your “My assist” account | - Register on their application portal |
| - Upload your documents | - Submit the application form and upload all required documents |
| - Select programmes | - A processing fee is also charged before checking and administering your application documents. |
| - Pay application fees (€75 for the first application, €30 for every additional application) | |
| - You can submit multiple applications via uni-assist at the same time. They will evaluate your qualifications and forward your application to the universities. | Most German universities require one application per programme. Even within the same university, you often need to apply multiple times. |
5. Make sure not to miss a deadline
Typical deadlines:
- Winter semester: applications close between May and 15 July
- Summer semester: applications close between December and 15 January
Tip! Start your research up to a yearn advance and apply early - processing via uni-assist for example can take 4–6 weeks.
6. Wait for admission decision
After submission:
- uni-assist checks your documents and forwards them to the university
- Universities review your application directly
- You receive an acceptance or rejection letter
Application timeline overview
| Timeline for summer semester start | Timeline for winter semeester start |
|---|---|
| Research & preparation - start 1 April the year before or earlier | Research & preparation - start 1 October the year before or earlier |
| Application processing - start 9 months back | Application processing - start 9 months back |
| Application deadline - Dec-15 January | Application deadline - May-15 June |
| Admission decision - January - March | Admission decision - July - September |
| Visa process - start checking requirements and booking date in December-January | Visa process - start checking requirements and booking date in June-August |
| Semester start - 1 April | Semester start - 1 October |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying too late and a missing deadline
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Not checking if uni-assist is required
- Missing language requirements
- Not certifying or translating all necessary documents
Pro Tips to increase your chances
- Apply to multiple universities and programmes
- Start early (at least 8 weeks before the application deadline)
- Carefully check each university’s requirements
- Double-check document formatting
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do all German universities require uni-assist?
No. Some universities accept direct applications. Always check the programme website.
What is uni-assist and why is it needed?
uni-assist evaluates your academic documents and ensures they meet German standards before forwarding them to universities.
How long does the application process take?
Typically 2–4 months, depending on preparation and processing time.
Can I apply to multiple universities?
Yes. Applying to multiple programmes increases your chances of admission.
Do I need German language skills?
It depends on the programme. Some are taught in English, others require German.
What is a Numerus Clausus (NC)?
It’s an admission restriction where places are limited, and applicants are selected based on grades and criteria.