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 does not want to evaluate them itself.
•Some Fachhochschulen and large 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 sufficient.
Types of VPD
Not all VPDs are the same. When you request one, Uni-Assist will ask what you intend to study.
The VPD can be:
•For Bachelor or for Master – they are different.
•For a specific university – many universities require 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. a Bachelor VPD while applying for a Master’s program) or the wrong university, your VPD may be unusable for your actual 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 aspects.
•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 slightly more flexible but may still prefer a university-specific VPD.
To avoid problems:
•Always check the FAQ or admission page of each university.
•If it is 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 may 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 the following summer intake, as long as it remains within the validity period.
•However, if you wait too long or skip a semester, you may need to request a new VPD.
Always check the university page for statements such as:
•“VPD must be valid for the current admission period.”
•“Older VPDs are not accepted.”
How to read your VPD
When you receive your VPD, do not 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 the institution where you are applying?
If anything looks incorrect (especially your GPA or qualification level), contact Uni-Assist as soon as possible and request clarification or correction.
VPD-specific pitfalls
These are issues that occur specifically with VPDs:
•Requesting a VPD for the wrong university and later realizing your actual target university does not accept it.
•Assuming one VPD works everywhere and discovering too late that your preferred university requires a new one.
•Forgetting that a VPD has an expiry period and attempting to reuse an outdated document.
•Not noticing that your VPD states you only qualify for Studienkolleg while planning to apply directly for a Bachelor program.
•Uploading the VPD too late to the university portal, assuming “Uni-Assist already sent everything.”
If you plan to apply to several VPD-requiring universities at the same time, it is often smarter to:
•Decide on your priority universities first.
•Request VPDs specifically for those institutions.
•Only request additional VPDs if truly necessary — each extra one costs time and money.
Summary
This page is meant to complement your main Uni-Assist guide. The general application process remains 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 monitor 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 recurring source of stress.
