What does it mean when a German university says an application will be decided on a case by case basis?
A case by case decision means your profile does not fully match the standard criteria, but the university wants to manually review your file rather than reject you automatically. It usually follows small credit gaps or a borderline grade, and you can expect a wait of four to eight weeks.
When a German university flags your application for a case by case decision, it means something in your file does not neatly fit the standard criteria, but the admissions team wants to look closer rather than reject you outright. This is often good news, not a red flag.
What Usually Triggers This Flag
| Common Trigger | What It Means For You |
|---|---|
| Missing a few ECTS credits | Your degree needs a closer subject match check |
| Borderline grade point average | Your other strengths may offset it |
| Unusual degree structure | Needs manual equivalency review |
What Happens Next
- Your file moves forward to the department rather than being rejected at the automated stage.
- Professors or advisors review your coursework, motivation letter, and any relevant experience closely.
- You may still receive a conditional offer that requires a bridge course in your first semester.
My Advice
Use this waiting period productively. Email the department a short, polite note highlighting your closest matching coursework or projects, since a manual reviewer genuinely reads these details, and expect your final answer within four to eight weeks of the deadline closing.
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