Study in Germany: A detailed guide to studying at German universities

Do you want to study in Germany? Are you a student planning to study in Germany next year? Are you confused about what to do or how to get started? Do you have a number of questions that need answers? Here is a detailed guide to studying at German universities.

See: Best Countries to Study in Europe (List of Top 10 Countries))

Steps to study in Germany

Below are the most important steps you should follow if you are planning to begin your study journey in Germany.

1- Choosing a German university

You can simply type "German universities" into a search engine like Google and search for the best results yourself. Or you can save yourself the overwhelming amount of information and start smart with a university database. EDUBAONot only can you view all information about universities and study programs, but you can also read reviews from top students coming from your country.

Additionally, consulting friends or alumni who have already attended the German university or program you are interested in may also give you a better idea of the curriculum and academic environment before making your final decision.

2- Choosing the language of study

Choosing a study program based on the language of instruction is extremely important, as it determines whether you will understand the lessons. Most universities in Germany offer the majority of their courses in German, so it is essential to reach a certain proficiency level in German. However, there are also many internationally oriented courses taught in English. For more information on the German language, see this article.

3- Academic specialization in Germany

After confirming the language of study, you should review the other admission criteria for that study program to determine whether you are suitable for the program. Academic requirements are largely related to your previous educational qualifications, as evidenced by a school-leaving certificate, and your language proficiency. We have summarized the general requirements for each level of German universities below.

4- School graduation certificates and academic requirements

• Foundation level (Studenkolleg): Abitur Certificate or high school graduation certificate and/or University recognition (in your country) and Certificate of 1-2 semesters of a higher education course Or a university degree in your country.
• University studies: You complete the Studienkolleg by passing an assessment exam (Feststellungsprüfung) – excellent students may be able to go beyond this;
• Master's degree: Abitur certificate or certificate High school graduation, appropriate bachelor's degree , recognized by the German International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) or I completed a course of treatment If your bachelor's degree is not recognized in Germany, in some cases: an interview and additional tests, such as the GMAT, GRE, etc.

5- English and German

• Foundation level (Studienkolleg): In most cases, Level B1 in German ؛ IELTS 6.5 overall or equivalent ؛
• University study: In most cases, Level DSH-2 (equivalent to C1) in German In most cases, IELTS score 6.5 Or an equivalent certificate;
• Master's degree: The required level depends on the university and the course you have chosen, usually if you are studying in German, Level C1 in German and B2 in English If you study in English, IELTS score of at least 6.5 .

However, the above information only provides basic information. The full requirements that apply to you may vary depending on your country and school leaving certificate. You can find your individual requirements and admissions possibilities on your individual universities' official websites.

Most importantly, regardless of your academic ability, the study program you choose should align with your interests, budget, and career aspirations. So, take your time to make the right decision when studying in Germany.

Admission requirements to German universities

To enroll in a German university, you must have an educational qualification equivalent to an Abitur degree in Germany. This can be proven by a school-leaving certificate or proof of admission or attendance at a university program in your home country.

Certificate equivalency in Germany

The answer varies depending on your country of origin, the origin of your school diploma, and the program you've chosen. However, here are the steps to check:

Your country of origin/where your graduation certificate was issued

Students from the EU, Iceland, or Norway, and students graduating from a German high school, can apply directly to a German higher education institution.

note Students from China can also apply to a German university after completing the Gaokao program, as long as their high school diploma was issued after 2019. Further information for Chinese candidates is available on anabin and uni-assist.

Admission restrictions

Admission restrictions are called "Zulassungsbeschränkung" in German. They stem from the fact that, in some courses, the number of applicants always exceeds the number of places German universities can offer. Therefore, the number of applicants admitted to these courses is regulated by a system called "Numerus clausus" (NC).

Germany limits the number of admissions nationwide for popular subjects such as medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and dentistry, a practice known as "National NC." Furthermore, some universities and higher education institutions also limit the number of admissions to their degree programs, calling them "Local NC."

Your country of origin or the origin of your school-leaving qualification, as well as the type of admission restriction (national or NC Local), determines which portal you should submit your application to. In the following table, international students can see where you should submit your university application if you are applying for a program with admission restrictions:

* Students from an EU country, Liechtenstein, Iceland or Norway, and students holding a German school leaving certificate:

• NC Topics Nationally: Admission to the Foundation for Higher Education
• Local NC Topics: Case 1: Submit the application to Uni-assist if your university cooperates with Uni-assist; Case 2: Submit the application directly to your university

* Other students who are not in groups (1) and (2)

• NC Topics Nationally Case 1: Submit the application to Uni-assist if your university cooperates with Uni-assist; Case 2: Submit the application directly to your university

Note: Enrollment in a non-admission study program (“zulassungsfrei” in German) is usually possible without prior application within the specified period and is only possible before the specified deadlines. Master's programs may require an advanced application process to verify admission requirements. Please inquire at the relevant faculty whether your chosen university is responsible for assessing your documents, or at uni-assist (if the university cooperates with it).

Results of acceptance of study applications in Germany

There are 3 options for students applying for a bachelor's degree or studying in Germany:

1. Your evaluation results are positive and you are eligible for direct application to the university.
2. You are not eligible for direct application to a university, but you are still eligible for a university preparation course (Studienkolleg), which will last two semesters. After passing the final exams at the Studienkolleg, you may be eligible for university admission.
3. I am not eligible for university studies or to study at a Studienkolleg.

Master's in Germany

1. Your evaluation results are positive and you are eligible for a master's degree.
2. You are not eligible for a master's degree.

Study documents in Germany

Below, we've included the most important documents required by various German universities. You'll need to provide these documents if you decide to study in Germany for undergraduate studies.

German language certificates

Language requirements and preferred language certificates vary between universities and study programs. For German language courses, Study colleges Typically, at least a B1 level of German is required, while most universities require a C1 level. Below is a list of German language certificates typically recognized by German universities:

• DSH-2 (German-Language University Entrance Examination for International Applicants)
• TestDaF 4 (Test of German as a Foreign Language)
• C2 Goethe Institute Certificate
• ZOP (Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung = Central Advanced Language Test) issued by the Goethe-Institut
• KDS (Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom = Junior German Language Diploma)
• GSD (Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom = German Language Diploma)
• DSD II (Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz = German Language Diploma of the Conference of German Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs)
• Telc German C1
• Assessment test (Feststellungsprüfung) for a German preparatory college (Studienkolleg)

For English language majors, most universities require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or other equivalent certificates if accepted by the university (TOEFL, Cambridge language certificates, proof of English as the language of instruction in previous education)

You should plan to prepare for these language tests well in advance so that you will receive your test results 6 to 9 months before the application deadline.

note Language certificate requirements can vary from university to university. Please check which language certificates are recognized. In general, the TestDaF and DSH are always recognized at each university.

Special documents: TestAS and APS certificate

Some study programs only accept applicants with a TestAS certificate. Additionally, students from China, Vietnam, and Mongolia must pass the APS exam to be admitted to a German university. You'll need to determine whether you need these documents.

TestAS (Test for Academic Studies) It is a “centrally standardized scholastic aptitude test” supported by the DAAD, which measures a student’s intellectual abilities for university studies.

It consists of two parts:

• Main Test - General Knowledge Test
• Subject-specific test – measuring abilities in specific areas of study.

The APS exam, which is conducted by the Akademische Prüfstelle (Academic Assessment Centre) At German embassies, this is particularly required for students from China, Mongolia, and Vietnam. The Akademische Prüfstelle will certify academic documents and interview candidates, if necessary, to confirm their eligibility for study. Following this examination, the Akademische Prüfstelle will issue an APS certificate, which you can use for your university application and visa application.

General documents for applying to German universities

Different universities, programs, and institutions (uni-assist or Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung) will require different documents from applicants. You'll find information about the documents and application process relevant to you on the websites of the universities, programs, and institutions you're applying to.

Documents required to study in Germany include, but are not limited to, the following:

• A certified copy of your higher education entrance qualifications (Hochschulreife)
• Overview of your materials and grades (certified and includes an official translation)
• Certified/authenticated copies of previous higher education certificates, if applicable
• Recent passport photo
• A certified copy of your passport
• Certified copies of your language certificates

If your documents are not in German, you must submit officially certified/notarized copies and translations. Documents in French or English may also be accepted if applicable.

**Note: How much budget should I plan for my studies in Germany?**

You can divide all the money into two parts:

1. Administrative costs: such as your translation fees, language test application fees, document certification and translation costs, German student visa application fees, etc.
2. Proof of funds for your student visa application: The maximum amount required for your studies in Germany is a blocked account of €10,332 per year (€861 per month). You must provide proof of funds for your studies in Germany. This new regulation applies to all visa applications submitted from January 1, 2025. This amount must exclude other bank charges.

However, there are also other possibilities, such as scholarships, parents, bank guarantee, friends in Germany, etc.

Registration at German universities

Now that you've chosen a study program you're eligible for and prepared all the necessary documents and budget, the next step in studying in Germany is to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.

The application period varies depending on the university and degree, but usually revolves around these registration sessions:

• Winter registration: mid-April to mid-July. Acceptance letters will be sent in August or September. Applications for admission-free courses (depending on the university) can be submitted from mid-August to mid-October.
• Summer registration: From early December to mid-January. Acceptance letters will be sent in February or March.

However, be aware that many universities only recruit once a year. It is highly recommended that you check individual application deadlines on your university and degree-specific websites and submit your application well in advance, approximately 2 to 3 weeks before the deadline. Please note that it is crucial that your application be sent to the appropriate recipient: Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung, uni-assist, or your university.

German student visa

Students from certain countries do not need a visa to study in Germany. You can check whether you need a student visa for Germany here:

If you are a student from Vietnam, China, or Mongolia, you must pass the APS test as a prerequisite for obtaining a student visa to Germany.

There are two types of visas, depending on your admission status:

• Prospective Student Visa This visa is intended for students who have not yet received their university admission and are awaiting the final results of their applications. With this visa, you can enter Germany for 3 months and later extend your stay for up to 6 months to meet all the requirements for your school's admission (such as the entrance exam). Once you have received your admission, you can convert it to a student residence permit.
• Student visa This visa is for students who have already been accepted to a school in Germany. This visa is valid for three months. During this three-month period, you must apply for your residence permit at the Foreigners' Registration Office in your city.

Below we've compiled a list of common documents you may need. However, we recommend checking the specifics of the required documents with the German embassy in your country.

• Valid passport
• Health insurance coverage: If you already have health insurance, please ensure it is also valid in Germany. Otherwise, you must obtain German health insurance coverage.
• Proof of financial resources
• Certificates of academic work and previous achievements
• Language proficiency certificate
• For a prospective student visa: University entrance qualification recognized in Germany
• To obtain a student visa: Letter of acceptance from your German university
• health certificate

The final documents you must submit for your student visa application are listed on the German Embassy's website. We recommend you check the list of documents there first and submit your visa application as soon as possible, as processing can take months.

Arriving in Germany

If you enter Germany with a student visa, you must obtain admission as soon as possible, for example by completing an entrance exam or language course.

But if you're entering on a student visa, you can't rest easy either. You need to complete the following things one by one:

1. Activate your health insurance

note Students who have opened their health insurance account in EDUBAO can activate their accounts directly in the EDUBAO app.

2. University enrollment
3. Register your address at the Residents´ office
4. Residence permit application

note: The student visa you obtained from the embassy is valid for only 3 months. To extend your student visa, international students will first schedule an appointment at the Aliens Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) and submit the application along with the required documents, including a health insurance certificate, registration certificate, address registration certificate, etc. This is why we suggest you follow these steps in order.

Last but not least: We know that studying in Germany can be a long journey that requires patience, care, and determination. Just know that as you go through this process, you're setting yourself up for a wonderful future and an amazing adventure in Germany that you'll soon enjoy! We wish you the best in your studies and hope your application continues.

See also:

Source: edubao