How to Request VPD
This page adds extra details about VPD that go beyond the general Uni-Assist guide. It focuses on practical questions: when you really need a VPD, which type to choose, how long it stays valid, and how to avoid VPD-specific mistakes.
When do you actually need a VPD?
You only need a VPD if your target university explicitly says something like:
• “Please submit a VPD issued by Uni-Assist.”
• “Bewerbung mit VPD (Uni-Assist).”
Typical situations where a VPD is required:
• The university uses its own portal, but still wants Uni-Assist to check your documents first.
• You are applying with non-German certificates and the university doesn’t want to evaluate them itself.
• Some Fachhochschulen and big universities use VPD for Bachelor applicants from non-EU countries.
If the program description only says “Apply via Uni-Assist”, and never mentions VPD, then you usually do not need to request a separate VPD — the normal Uni-Assist application is enough.
Types of VPD (and how not to pick the wrong one)
Not all VPDs are the same. When you request one, Uni-Assist will ask you what you want to study.
The VPD can be:
• For Bachelor or for Master – they are different.
• For a specific university – many universities want a VPD that is addressed to them.
• Sometimes for a specific program group (e.g. “Bachelor in Engineering”, “Master in Economics”).
If you select the wrong level (e.g. Bachelor VPD while applying for a Master’s program) or the wrong university, your VPD may be useless for your real application.
Very important:
Always double-check on the university website which type of VPD they accept and for which degree level.
Can you reuse one VPD for several universities?
This is one of the most confusing parts.
• Some universities accept a VPD that was originally issued for another university.
• Others require a VPD that is addressed specifically to them.
Typical pattern:
• Public universities are often strict: “VPD must be issued for [University Name].”
• Some Fachhochschulen are a bit more flexible but still may prefer a university-specific VPD.
To avoid trouble:
• Always check the FAQ or admission page of each university.
• If it’s unclear, email the international office and ask:
“Do you accept a VPD issued for another German university?”
How long is a VPD valid?
In most cases, a VPD is valid for one year from the issue date. Some universities explicitly state:
• “VPD must not be older than 12 months.”
• A few might be even stricter (e.g. valid only for the current application cycle).
That means:
• You can often use the same VPD for both winter and next summer intake, as long as it’s within the validity period.
• But if you wait too long or skip a semester, you may need a new VPD.
Always check the university page for lines like:
• “VPD must be valid for the current admission period.”
• “Older VPDs are not accepted.”
How to read your VPD (what matters and what to check)
When you receive your VPD, don’t just upload it blindly. Check:
• Your personal data – name, date of birth, nationality.
• Your converted GPA – is it roughly what you expect?
• Your qualification level – e.g. “Qualifies for direct access to Bachelor studies in Germany” or “Only for Studienkolleg”.
• The university name on the VPD – does it match where you are applying?
If anything looks wrong (especially your GPA or qualification level), contact Uni-Assist as soon as possible and ask for clarification or correction.
VPD-specific pitfalls (these were not covered in the Uni-Assist guide)
These are problems that happen only with VPDs:
• Requesting a VPD for the wrong university, then realizing your real target university doesn’t accept it.
• Assuming one VPD works everywhere – and finding out too late that your dream university wants a new one.
• Forgetting that VPD has an expiry period, and trying to reuse an old document.
• Not noticing that your VPD says you only qualify for Studienkolleg, while you were planning to apply directly for a Bachelor.
• Uploading the VPD too late to the university portal, thinking “Uni-Assist already sent them everything”.
If you are planning to apply to several VPD universities at once, it is often smarter to:
• Decide your priority universities first.
• Request VPDs specifically for those institutions.
• Only request additional VPDs if you really need them — each extra one costs money and time.
Summary
This page is meant to complement your main Uni-Assist guide. The general application process is the same, but VPD adds an extra layer of complexity:
• You must choose the correct VPD type.
• You must align it with each university’s rules.
• You must watch validity periods and reusability.
If you handle these points carefully, requesting a VPD becomes a one-time step that supports several successful applications instead of a repeated headache.