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Application process
If you want to apply for a place at a German higher education institution, there
are some rules you will have to observe. How and where to apply depends on
the subject you want to study. You should bear the following checklist in mind
when applying for a degree programme in Germany:
1. Does the subject have admission restrictions?
Even if you meet the general requirements (/en/studying-in-germany/requirements/) and have chosen your desired
subject, you will frequently not be able to enrol directly. For many degree programmes in Germany there are more
prospective students than study places, so applicants first have to take part in an admission procedure . There are two
types of admission restrictions: those determined locally, which means they only apply at certain higher education insti‐
tutions, and those that apply throughout Germany. If your intended degree programme has no admission restrictions,
you can usually enrol directly.
2. Do the admission restrictions apply locally or throughout Germany?
Germany-wide admission restrictions: Degree programmes such as medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and den‐
tistry are so popular that admission restrictions apply at all German higher education institutions. They have what is
known as a numerus clausus (NC) . Study places are awarded by the
Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung ([Link] (
Foundation for University Admissions ) for applicants from Germany and other EU member states as well as applicants
from Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway (available only in German).
Local admission restrictions: Some degree programmes only have admission restrictions at particular higher education
institutions. These are frequently described as NC degree programmes. In addition to an overall average grade, higher ed‐
ucation institutions can specify further criteria they will consider when selecting applicants, such as a letter of motivation,
tests or selection interviews. These criteria differ between higher education institutions and between study programmes.
TIP: Contact the International Office of your higher education institution directly for information before applying. You
can find the academic counselling offices on the
Higher Education Compass website (/en/studying-in-germany/universities/all-degree-programmes/) .
3. Where do I apply?
Foreign students have to apply to the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung, directly to the higher education institution, or to
the University Application Service for International Students ( uni-assist ([Link] ) – this
depends on which country they come from, what higher education entrance qualification they hold, and what subject
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they want to study. The following diagram [jpg-file]
([Link] shows how you should proceed in the various
cases:
(/en/)
4. Which documents will I need?
The International Offices (/en/studying-in-germany/advisory-service/international-office/) of the higher education in‐
stitutions can help answer this question. They will tell you about the application process and which documents have to be
submitted. The application form is available from your chosen higher education institution, from
uni-assist ([Link] or from the
Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung ([Link] (only in German).
As a general rule, you will need the following documents:
An officially certified copy of your higher education entrance qualification
An overview of your subjects and grades (with official translation)
Certified copies of your previous higher education certificates, if applicable
A passport photograph
A photocopy of your passport (name and photograph)
Certified copies of language certificates
Please note: Only officially certified copies and translations are accepted for the application process. Official certifications
can be issued for example by the German embassy in your home country. Some higher education institutions also accept
documents in English and French.
There is a fee for getting a document certified. Additionally, there is often a fee for the application itself. The processing
fee depends on where you apply. If you apply via uni-assist ([Link] , an assessment of your
certificates and preliminary review of your documents costs 75 EUR for your first choice of study and 30 EUR for each ap‐
plication to further courses of study in the same semester.
The process by which the application form for a higher education institution (for example, the institution that appears in
the chart) is submitted can take place in various ways, for example, with a form that can be filled out on the Internet and
then printed out, or with an online form. Please enquire directly at the international office of the higher education institu‐
tion to which you are applying.
5. When does the application have to be completed?
At most higher education institutions, the application phase for the winter semester starting in September/October be‐
gins in early May and ends on 15 July. For the summer semester starting in March/April the application period runs from
early December to 15 January. Letters of acceptance are sent out in August/September and in February/March.
Rejections are often sent a little later. Private universities may have other deadlines.
FIVE TIPS FOR DEALING WITH THE NUMERUS CLAUSUS (NC)
Write multiple applications: Submitting more applications to different higher education institutions in‐
creases your chances of success.
Choose less popular locations: Most students want to study in major cities or traditional university
towns. We recommend applying to higher education institutions at less popular locations.
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Gain additional points: The grades on your higher education entrance qualification are not always the
only criterion for awarding a study place. Sometimes certain grades are weighted more heavily or there
are aptitude tests.
(/en/)Try your luck: Higher education institutions award some study places by lottery because the originally
selected applicants turn down their offered place. It is important to know the dates and conditions of
this lottery.
Start in the summer semester: Around one quarter of all Bachelor's programmes can also be started
in the summer semester.
MORE INFORMATION
The Right Degree Universities Overview
Programme
Whether Bachelor, Master, state Here you will find information Embarking on a German educa‐
examination or doctorate: the on the different types of higher tion journey? Check require‐
range of courses and degrees education institutions in ments, language proficiency,
available in Germany is wide. Germany (universities, universi‐ and application processes.
It's worth knowing how they ties of applied sciences, art Navigate smoothly with our
differ. colleges) comprehensive guide!
More More More
The Main Subject Groups Contact
Engineering, nutritional sciences, (veterinary) Do you have any questions about studying and re‐
medicine, STEM, art and music - here you will find in‐ searching in Germany? Please send us an e-mail us‐
formation on numerous subject groups. ing our contact form. We are happy to help you.
More More
ADDRESS
Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst e.V.
Kennedyallee 50
53175 Bonn
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