How to Apply for German Universities in 2027?

Applying to a German university is different from applying to universities in many other countries. Depending on the institution, you may need to apply through uni-assist, directly on the university's admission portal, or by obtaining a VPD (Preliminary Review Documentation).

Germany continues to attract thousands of international students every year because of its high-quality education, research-focused universities, and comparatively low tuition fees at many public institutions. Whether you are planning to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree, understanding the university application process is essential to improve your chances of admission. Unlike many countries where a single admission portal is used, German universities follow different application methods depending on the institution and programme.

Some universities accept applications through uni-assist, while others ask students to apply directly through their own admission portals. Certain universities also require applicants to obtain a VPD (Vorprüfungsdokumentation) from uni-assist before submitting their final application. In addition, international students may need documents such as an APS Certificate, proof of English or German language proficiency, academic transcripts, and other supporting documents, depending on their country of origin and chosen programme.

This guide explains how to apply to German universities, the different application methods, uni-assist fees, required documents, important deadlines, and what happens after submitting your application. It also covers useful tips to help international students avoid common mistakes during the admission process.

University Applications in Germany: Quick Overview

Before applying to a German university, it is important to understand how the admission process works. Unlike many countries, Germany does not have a single application system for all universities. Depending on the institution, you may apply through uni-assist, directly through the university's website, or by submitting a VPD issued by uni-assist. The table below provides a quick overview of the German university application process for international students.

Ways to Apply to German Universities

International students can apply to German universities in three different ways. The application method depends entirely on the university and the course you choose. Therefore, always check the official admissions page of your preferred university before starting the application process.

1. Apply Through uni-assist

uni-assist is a central application service used by many German universities to evaluate international qualifications before forwarding applications to the university. It verifies whether your academic documents meet German admission standards.

• Create an account on the uni-assist portal.
• Select your university and programme.
• Upload all required academic and supporting documents.
• Pay the applicable application fee.
• Once your documents are verified, uni-assist forwards your application to the university for further evaluation.

2. Apply Directly Through the University

Some German universities manage their own admissions and ask applicants to submit documents directly through the university's online application portal.

• Register on the university's admission portal.
• Upload academic transcripts, language test scores, CV, SOP, and other required documents.
• Track your application directly through the university portal.
• Receive admission updates from the university's international office.

3. Apply Using a VPD (Preliminary Review Documentation)

Some universities require applicants to obtain a VPD (Vorprüfungsdokumentation) from uni-assist before completing the university application.

• Submit your academic documents to uni-assist.
• Receive the VPD after your qualifications are evaluated.
• Upload the VPD along with your application on the university's admission portal.
• Wait for the university's admission decision after document verification.

Since every university follows its own admission process, applicants should carefully read the admission instructions before submitting their application.

How to Apply to a German University as an International Student?

Applying to a German university involves several important steps, from choosing the right course to obtaining a German student visa after receiving your admission offer. Although the exact admission process may differ from one university to another, most international students follow a similar application journey. Planning early and preparing the required documents in advance can help you avoid delays and improve your chances of admission.

Step 1: Choose Your Course and Check Eligibility

The first step is to select the university and programme that matches your academic background and career goals. Before applying, carefully review the admission requirements published on the university's official website.

• Search for suitable bachelor's or master's programmes.
• Check whether your previous qualifications meet the university's admission requirements.
• Verify if your academic qualification is recognised in Germany.
• Review programme-specific requirements such as minimum grades, language scores, portfolio, or entrance tests.

If your qualification does not meet the required academic standard, you may need to complete a preparatory programme before becoming eligible for admission.

Step 2: Obtain Your APS Certificate (For Indian Applicants)

If you are applying from India, obtaining an APS Certificate is one of the most important steps before applying to German universities. The APS (Academic Evaluation Centre) verifies the authenticity of your academic documents and is required by most German universities as well as during the student visa process.

Starting with applications for the Summer Semester 2027, selected Indian students applying for master's programmes are also required to take the Digital Master Test (dMAT) as an additional part of the APS process. This requirement currently applies to applicants whose bachelor's degree is in fields such as Engineering, Commerce, Accounting, Finance, Economics, and Business/Management, unless they qualify for an official exemption. The dMAT certificate becomes part of the APS documentation and must be submitted before the APS certificate can be issued. It does not replace the APS document verification process.

• Apply for your APS Certificate as early as possible because processing may take several weeks.
• If your degree falls under the affected disciplines, register for the dMAT and submit the certificate as part of your APS documentation.
• Keep your APS Certificate ready before submitting university applications.

Step 3: Meet the Language Requirements

International students must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction. The required language test depends on whether the programme is taught in English or German.

• English-taught programmes: IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted English language test.
• German-taught programmes: TestDaF, DSH, or another recognised German language qualification.
• Some universities may also require entrance exams, interviews, GRE, GMAT, or TestAS for selected programmes.

Always check the official programme page because language score requirements vary between universities.

Step 4: Submit Your University Application

Once your documents are ready, submit your application using the method specified by the university.

• Apply through uni-assist, if required.
• Apply directly through the university's admission portal where applicable.
• Submit a VPD (Preliminary Review Documentation) if the university requests one.
• Upload all mandatory supporting documents before the application deadline.

After submitting your application, you can usually track its progress through the application portal.

Step 5: Arrange Your Finances

Students planning to study in Germany should also prepare their financial documents before applying for a student visa.

• Arrange funds to cover tuition fees (if applicable), living expenses, and travel costs.
• Open a German Blocked Account if required for your visa application.
• Keep proof of financial support ready for visa processing.

Step 6: Accept Your Admission Offer and Apply for a Student Visa

After receiving your admission letter from the university, complete the enrolment process and begin your student visa application.

• Accept the admission offer before the university deadline.
• Complete the enrolment formalities.
• Arrange health insurance as required by German regulations.
• Book your student visa appointment.
• Prepare all visa documents before your interview.

Once your visa is approved, you can make your travel arrangements and begin your studies in Germany.

Documents Required to Apply to German Universities

Although document requirements vary between universities and programmes, most international applicants are asked to submit the following documents during the admission process.

• Completed university application form.
• Valid passport.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• APS Certificate (where applicable).
• English or German language test score.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Statement of Purpose (SOP).
• Letters of Recommendation (if required).
• Portfolio (for design, architecture, or similar programmes).
• Proof of work experience (where applicable).

Always refer to your chosen university's official admission page because additional documents may be required depending on the programme and level of study.

After Applying Through uni-assist: What Happens Next?

Once you submit your application through uni-assist, your documents are checked to ensure they meet the admission requirements of your chosen German university. During this stage, you can log in to your My assist account to track your application status. If any documents are missing or additional information is required, uni-assist will notify you through the portal.

The status shown on your account helps you understand the progress of your application before it is forwarded to the university.

German Universities Accepting Applications Through uni-assist

More than 170 German universities use uni-assist to process international applications. However, not every programme at these universities is necessarily available through uni-assist. Applicants should always check the official admissions page before applying.

German Universities That Accept Direct Applications

Many German universities process international applications through their own admission portals instead of uni-assist. In such cases, applicants upload all required documents directly on the university's website and receive admission updates from the university itself.

Note: Some universities may use different application methods for different programmes. Always verify the application process on the official university website before submitting your application.

Benefits of Applying Through uni-assist

For international students applying to multiple universities, uni-assist offers a convenient way to manage applications from one account. It checks your academic qualifications before forwarding them to participating universities, helping reduce document-related errors.

• Submit applications to multiple participating universities using one account.
• Academic qualifications are checked before they are forwarded to universities.
• Track the status of every application through a single dashboard.
• Receive notifications if additional documents are required.
• Obtain a VPD for universities that require preliminary document evaluation.
• Pay one standard processing fee instead of completing separate verification procedures for participating universities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to German Universities

Many applications are delayed because of incomplete documents or missed deadlines. Avoiding these common mistakes can improve your chances of a smooth admission process.

• Waiting until the application deadline to begin the admission process.
• Uploading incomplete or incorrect academic documents.
• Ignoring programme-specific admission requirements.
• Applying without an APS Certificate where it is mandatory. Check some German universities where APS certification is not required.
• Submitting expired language test scores.
• Choosing the wrong application method (uni-assist, direct application, or VPD).
• Missing important emails or portal notifications requesting additional documents.

Preparing your documents early and carefully reviewing the university's admission guidelines can help avoid unnecessary delays during the application process.

How to Apply for German Universities FAQs