A Quick Guide to College Application in Germany

Germany is a popular study destination for many international students worldwide. 

Aside from having one of the best education systems in the world, top-notched universities, and high education standards, studying in Germany is also accessible. In fact, most of its public universities have abolished tuition fees. In addition, everyone is eligible for it, from German students, EU/EEA students, and non-EU/EEA students.  

Planning to pursue higher education in Germany? 

Here’s a quick guide and some of the things you should know for your college application in Germany. 

Where to Start

The first thing you have to do is look for higher education institutions (HEIs) that offer the study program you want to pursue. 

After choosing the program and HEI, the next stage is to check whether you are eligible to study in Germany’s schools. You can apply for a review of your certificates or high school diploma at the Employment and Service Centre’s international student applications (Arbeits- und Servicestelle für Internationale Studienbewerbungen). Remember to do this as early as possible, as a review may usually take four to six weeks. 

Process of Applying for a Degree Programme in Germany

In Germany, there are usually more applicants than places for its subjects. Those subjects with a limited number of places are called numerus clausus (NC). 

Thus, the place where you can submit your application depends on the subject you chose to study in Germany. 

These are the three places where you can apply for a degree program in Germany:

• Through the Foundation for Admission to Higher Education (Stiftung fĂĽr Hochschulzulassung) 
  • For students who came from the EU/Liechtenstein/ Iceland / Norway, or those who have gotten their entrance qualification from a German school and want to study a subject with a nationwide NC

• Through Uni-Assist 
  • For all international students who don’t want to study a subject with a nationwide NC
  • For international students who are not from the EU/Liechtenstein/Iceland Norway, Germany, but want to study a subject with a nationwide NC

• Through the University 
  • For all international students who don’t want to study a subject with a nationwide NC
  • If the university is not a member of the uni-assist 

What Documents Do You Need to Pass

The required documents vary per institution. Thus, it is important to check first the website of your chosen institution, the processes for the uni-assist application portal, or the Foundation of Admission to Higher Education to make sure you will pass all the needed documents. 

Moreover, here are the common requirements international students have to pass. 

• Certified copy of the higher education entrance qualification, also known as the Hochschulreife
• Overview of your subjects and grades
• Certified copies of your higher education certificates (if applicable)
• Passport photograph 
• Photocopy of your passport 
• Certified copies of your language certificates 

Remember that all official documents that you have should have certified copies and translations to be accepted. 

When it comes to the cost of application, it differs per institution. Moreover, for the Uni-assist assessment of your certificates and preliminary review, it may cost you around EUR 75. 

After preparing the needed documents for your college application in Germany, and knowing where you should apply, you also have to check the deadlines for submitting your papers because some universities have different deadlines. 

Learn more practical tips and information about studying in Germany by checking our articles at MSM Unify.