Admission Requirements
Applying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Germany requires a clear understanding of academic qualifications, language certificates, application documents, and strict semester deadlines. This guide summarizes everything you must prepare to stay organized and avoid last-minute problems when submitting your application.
Academic Requirements
Germany evaluates whether your previous education gives you the right to study at a German university.
For Bachelor Applicants
You generally need:
• a recognized high school certificate
• Gaokao score (for some universities)
• APS certificate (for many Chinese applicants)
• in some cases, one year of university study is required if your high school diploma alone is not sufficient
Some countries qualify applicants directly; others must go through Studienkolleg.
Always check your specific country requirements on the university site.
For Master Applicants
You typically need:
• a recognized Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• transcripts showing required modules
• minimum GPA (varies, commonly 2.5 German scale or better)
• proof that your previous degree matches entry requirements
Important:
Many German Master’s programs are strict about subject relevance.
If your major does not match, your application may be rejected even with good grades.
Language Requirements (German or English)
Germany requires official, standardized language certificates.
For German-taught Programs
Common accepted certificates:
• TestDaF (usually 16 points or higher)
• DSH-2
• Telc C1 Hochschule
• Goethe C2
Some programs accept B2 for application, but require C1 at enrollment.
For English-taught Programs
Accepted certificates typically include:
• IELTS (usually 6.0–6.5)
• TOEFL iBT (80–95)
• Cambridge certificates
Universities rarely accept:
• Duolingo
• school-issued English statements
Language certificates must be valid on the date of application.
Required Application Documents
Most German universities ask for the following items:
• passport
• academic transcripts
• graduation certificates
• APS (if required for your nationality)
• official translations (German or English)
• CV (tabular format, very common in Germany)
• motivation letter
• language certificates
• internship/work certificates (if relevant)
• portfolio (arts / architecture / design programs)
Tip:
German applications must be extremely clear and structured.
Avoid long paragraphs in your CV or motivation letter.
Motivation Letter Requirements
The letter should briefly explain:
• why you chose the program
• how your academic background fits
• your career goals
• your motivation to study in Germany
German universities prefer concise, factual, well-structured writing.
Common mistake:
Writing a story-like letter instead of directly addressing academic and professional goals.
CV (Lebenslauf)
A German-style CV is:
• 1–2 pages
• chronological
• clear and factual
• with dates written as MM/YYYY
Include:
• education
• internships
• part-time jobs
• language skills
• relevant software skills
You do not need a photo unless the program specifically requests it.
Deadlines (Very Important)
German universities have two main intakes:
Winter Semester (WS)
• starts in October
• application deadlines: May–July
• most popular programs only open for winter
Summer Semester (SS)
• starts in April
• application deadlines: November–January
• fewer programs available, mostly Master’s
If your university uses Uni-Assist:
You must apply 6–8 weeks early, because Uni-Assist processing time is not included in the deadline.
APS Requirement (Only if applicable)
If you are from certain countries (e.g., China, India, Vietnam), APS may be mandatory.
You must complete APS before applying:
• via Uni-Assist
• directly to universities
• for VPD requests
APS delays can cause you to miss a whole semester, so start early.
Program-Specific Extras
Some programs require additional documents:
• Engineering / CS: programming languages, lab experience
• Economics / Business: math or statistics modules
• Design / Architecture: portfolios and project descriptions
• Medicine / Psychology: strict recognition rules, very limited spots
Always check the program page, not just the general university requirements.
Summary
To apply successfully to a German university, you must prepare early and understand all key components:
• recognized academic certificates
• valid language proof
• organized transcripts and translations
• strong CV and motivation letter
• APS (if required)
• careful attention to summer/winter deadlines
A well-prepared application not only improves your chances of admission but also prevents stressful delays and last-minute document issues.