Which ways can I use to apply to German universities as an international student?
International students can apply to German universities in three ways: through uni-assist, directly through the university's own portal, or by first getting a VPD from uni-assist. The method depends on the university and course, so check the official admissions page before you start.
International students can apply to German universities in three ways, and the method depends entirely on the university and the course you choose. Always check the official admissions page of your preferred university first.
The Three Application Routes
| Route | How it works |
|---|---|
| uni-assist | A central service that evaluates your international qualifications and forwards your application to the university |
| Direct application | You apply through the university's own online admission portal |
| VPD from uni-assist | Some universities need a VPD (Vorprüfungsdokumentation) from uni-assist before you complete the university application |
Steps for Each Route
- uni-assist: create an account, select your university and programme, upload documents, pay the applicable fee, and wait for verification before it forwards your application.
- Direct: register on the portal, upload transcripts, language test scores, CV, SOP and other documents, then track your application there.
- VPD: submit your documents to uni-assist, receive the VPD, upload it on the university portal, then wait for the decision.
My Advice
Read the admission instructions of each university carefully, because every university follows its own process. Make a checklist per university so that you do not mix up routes.
Confused about SOPs, transcripts and documents?
Step-by-step German application support from an expert.
More Universities & admissions questions
- When are the spring and fall application deadlines for South Korean universities that I should plan for?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- If I apply to two courses at the same university, do I need separate letters of recommendation for each course or can I use the same letter for both?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
More Germany questions
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- Why is the dMAT subject module called Battery Science and Technology in Engineering?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Can I target Germany, Italy, or the Netherlands for a master's in computer science without a computer science background?
- Is it possible to get a fully funded scholarship if he scores seven or above (seventy percent) in the third year in Germany?
- Does my 12th grade percentage affect my master's application in Germany/France for a Bachelor's?
- Would you suggest me to give IELTS first before starting the application process in Germany/Italy for a Master's?
