What documents do I need to apply to a German university from India?
You need six core documents: your APS certificate, academic transcripts and degree, an English test score like IELTS or TOEFL, your passport, a CV or Lebenslauf, and a Letter of Motivation. APS is mandatory for every Indian applicant and takes three to five weeks.
Your application stands or falls on a small set of documents, and the APS certificate is the one that trips up most Indian students because it is now mandatory and takes weeks to issue. Get your transcripts, English test, and motivation letter polished alongside it so nothing holds up your submission.
Core Application Documents
Document | Detail |
|---|---|
APS certificate | Mandatory for India, fee Rs. 18,000, 3-5 weeks |
Transcripts and degree | All semester marksheets and provisional or final degree |
English test | IELTS 6.5 (TUM 7.0) or TOEFL 88-90 (TUM 100+) |
Passport | Valid throughout your study period |
CV (Lebenslauf) | German-style, reverse chronological |
Letter of Motivation | Program-specific, links your background to the course |
Where These Get Submitted
Route | What Happens |
|---|---|
Uni-Assist | Verifies and forwards, EUR 75 first, EUR 30 each extra |
Direct university portal | Some universities take applications directly |
My Advice
Start the APS process first, because it gates everything else and delays peak between January and April. While you wait, draft a distinct Letter of Motivation for each of your 6-10 programs rather than reusing one, since German admissions committees read closely for genuine fit with the specific course.
More expert answers
Having your documents ready well in advance avoids last-minute delays, especially since some documents such as APS and language test scores take weeks to arrive. Here is the typical set you should prepare for a Germany intake.
Document Checklist
| Document | Applicable for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Academic transcripts and certificates | UG and PG | All semesters; attested copies |
| APS certificate | All Indian students | Start 3 to 4 months before the deadline |
| Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) | English-medium programs | Scores should typically be recent (within 2 years) |
| Proof of German proficiency (TestDaF/DSH) | German-medium programs | TestDaF 4 or DSH 2 |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | PG applicants | Around 500 to 800 words; program-specific |
| Letters of Recommendation (LOR) | PG applicants | 2 to 3 LORs from academic or professional referees |
| Updated CV/Resume | PG applicants | Include academic and work experience |
| Copy of valid passport | All applicants | Must be valid for the duration of your studies |
| Proof of financial resources | Visa stage | Blocked account of EUR 11,904 per year (approx INR 12.70 L) |
| Provisional / degree certificate | All applicants | Provisional acceptable if final not yet issued |
Timing Tips
- Start the APS certificate early, typically 3 to 4 months before the deadline.
- Book your language test in time, because scores can take weeks to arrive.
- Prepare an SOP and LORs for each program if you are a PG applicant.
My Advice
Make a checklist by program and tick each document off with a target date. Requirements differ by university, so confirm the exact list, test score validity and financial amount on the official university and visa pages.
Confused about SOPs, transcripts and documents?
Step-by-step German application support from an expert.
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