What Are the Steps for International Students to Get Admission to a German College?

Hi Rahul,

In Germany, “college” usually means a higher education institution such as a university, university of applied sciences, private university, or art/music university—with the distinction that undergraduate degree programmes in Germany last at least six semesters. The exact admission process depends on the university and the study programme, but the general steps are usually the same.

1. Choose the right type of programme. First decide whether you want to apply for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, preparatory course or another programme. Admission rules are different for each level. You can start by comparing programmes in the Studyfinder. If you are specifically interested in online or distance-learning options, you can also use the fernstudi.net Coursefinder.
2. Check whether your previous qualification is recognised. For a Bachelor’s degree, you normally need a university entrance qualification (“Hochschulzugangsberechtigung”), equivalent to Abitur in Germany. This means your school-leaving certificate must qualify you for university study in Germany. As a rule of thumb: If you're allowed to enter university in your country, probability is high you are also allowed to enter in Germany. You can make a first, non-binding check with the DAAD admission database. The final decision is always made by the university or by the official application service involved.
3. Check whether you need a Studienkolleg. If your school certificate is not sufficient for direct admission to a German Bachelor’s programme, you may need to attend a Studienkolleg, which is a preparatory institution comparable to high school in the American system. After that, you take an assessment exam called Feststellungsprüfung. If you pass it, you can apply for suitable degree programmes.
4. Check the programme-specific requirements. Each university can set additional requirements. These may include a certain grade average, subject-specific previous knowledge, entrance tests, interviews, a portfolio, work experience or a relevant Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programmes. Always check the admission page of the exact programme, not only the general university website.
5. Check the language requirements. Most German-taught programmes require proof of German language skills, often at least B2 level or higher. Common certificates include TestDaF, DSH or Goethe certificates, depending on the university. English-taught programmes usually require proof of English instead, for example IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted test. The required level and accepted certificates vary by programme.
6. Prepare your documents early. Common application documents include your school-leaving certificate, transcripts of grades, previous university certificates if available, language certificates, passport copy, passport photo, CV, letter of motivation and sometimes recommendation letters. International applicants often need officially certified copies and official translations. Some applicants, for example from India, China or Vietnam, may also need an APS certificate, so this should be checked very early.
7. Find the correct application route. Depending on the university and programme, you may apply directly through the university, through uni-assist, or in some cases through hochschulstart.de for nationally restricted subjects such as medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine or dentistry. If you are a non-EU applicant, many universities use uni-assist to check your documents before the university makes its admission decision.
8. Watch the deadlines. Many programmes starting in the winter semester have deadlines around 15 July, and many programmes starting in the summer semester have deadlines around 15 January. However, deadlines can be earlier, especially for Master’s programmes, Studienkolleg applications, private universities or international applicants. Always follow the deadline shown on the official programme page.
9. After admission, complete enrolment and visa steps. If you receive an admission letter, you normally still need to enrol officially. This may include paying the semester contribution or tuition fees, submitting health insurance proof and providing original or certified documents. If you need a student visa, check the German embassy or consulate in your country. Visa requirements can include proof of financial resources, health insurance, admission documents and other country-specific documents.

Yes, the process can be different for international students. The biggest differences are usually the recognition of foreign certificates, certified translations, language proof, possible use of uni-assist, visa or residence permit requirements, proof of financial resources and, for some countries, additional document verification such as APS.

So, useful official starting points are the DAAD admission database, the uni-assist website and, for further reading, the Study in Germany application guide (by DAAD).

If you need help narrowing down suitable programmes or contacting university student advisory services, you can turn to our virtual student advisor, Sophie, at any time—24 hours a day.