Applying for a Bachelor’s degree in Germany requires careful planning, proper documentation, and an understanding of special rules for international qualifications. This guide explains the required documents, language requirements, application routes, timelines, and important steps for international students.
Who Can Apply for a Bachelor’s Degree in Germany
Bachelor admission requirements depend largely on your high school certificate and whether it is recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur.
You can apply directly if:
• your high school diploma is fully recognized
• you meet the program’s language requirements
• you satisfy subject-specific requirements (e.g., math for engineering)
You need Studienkolleg if your diploma is not equivalent.
Your APS or Uni-Assist result will tell you which path applies.
Required Documents
Bachelor applications usually require:
• passport
• high school diploma
• high school transcripts
• university transcripts (if you already studied elsewhere)
• APS certificate (if required in your country)
• certified translations (if your documents are not in German/English)
• CV (German-style, short and factual)
• language certificate (German or English)
• motivation letter
• portfolio (only for design/architecture programs)
Documents must be clear, readable, and properly certified.
Language Requirements (German or English Programs)
German-Taught Bachelor Programs
Most require C1 German:
• DSH-2
• TestDaF 16+
• Telc C1 Hochschule
• Goethe C2
Some universities accept B2 for application, but require C1 before enrollment.
English-Taught Bachelor Programs
Less common, but growing.
Typical requirements:
• IELTS 6.0–6.5
• TOEFL iBT 80–95
• Cambridge B2/C1
Medium of instruction letters are not accepted in most cases.
Application Routes: Direct vs Uni-Assist
Bachelor applications in Germany use one of two routes.
1) Direct Application (University Portal)
You apply through the university’s own system if they do not use Uni-Assist.
2) Uni-Assist Application
Many universities require international students to apply through Uni-Assist.
Uni-Assist will check:
• document authenticity
• GPA conversion
• qualification status
• language certificates
If the university requires a VPD, you must request it before applying to their portal.
Special Rules for International Qualifications
Germany evaluates foreign certificates based on country-specific recognition rules.
Examples:
Chinese Applicants
• APS is mandatory
• Gaokao may be required for some programs
• high school diploma alone may require Studienkolleg
Indian Applicants
• CBSE/ISC accepted under certain conditions
• some state board certificates require additional proof
• APS may be required depending on policy updates
American Applicants
• need AP exams or SAT/ACT depending on the state
• high school diploma alone is rarely enough
UK Applicants
• A-Levels accepted
• combination rules apply (must include certain core subjects)
If your certificate is not recognized, you must attend Studienkolleg.
Application Timeline (Very Important)
Germany has two main intakes:
Winter Semester (WS)
• Begins in October
• Application deadline: May–July
• Most Bachelor programs are only available in WS
Summer Semester (SS)
• Begins in April
• Application deadline: November–January
• Very few Bachelor programs available
If applying through Uni-Assist
Add 6–8 weeks processing time
→ submit earlier than the official deadline.
Entrance Exams (Only for Certain Programs)
Some programs require additional tests, such as:
• Math or logic placement tests (engineering)
• German writing assessments
• Portfolio exams (design/architecture)
• Internal university aptitude tests
Always check program-specific admission pages carefully.
After Submitting Your Application
You may receive:
• conditional admission
• direct admission
• request for missing documents
• rejection based on qualification or capacity
Once admitted, you must:
• confirm your seat
• pay semester fee
• prepare for enrollment
• open a blocked account (if needed)
• book your visa appointment
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• applying too late for Uni-Assist
• misunderstanding whether Studienkolleg is required
• submitting incomplete documents
• uploading low-quality scans
• missing subject requirements (e.g., math for engineering)
• using unofficial translations
• wrong version of language certificates (IELTS General instead of Academic)
Summary
A successful Bachelor application in Germany requires:
• recognized academic qualification
• valid language certificate
• certified documents and translations
• careful reading of program requirements
• understanding whether you apply directly or via Uni-Assist
• early submission, especially with APS or VPD requirements
With correct preparation, international students can smoothly navigate the application process and begin their academic journey in Germany.