Application Process
Applying to a German University
uni-assist or direct application, the deadlines that matter, the two kinds of admission letter, and what has to be ready before you submit.
- Winter semester deadline
- 15 July
- Summer semester deadline
- 15 January
- First uni-assist application
- €75
- Each further application
- €30
Winter semester deadline
Summer semester deadline
First uni-assist application
Each further application
Two Ways to Apply
Germany has two application routes and the university decides which one applies. The same student may apply to one school through uni-assist and to another directly.
Through uni-assist
Most universities accept international applications through uni-assist, a central pre-evaluation service.
- Your documents are converted into the German grading system.
- One set of documents covers applications to several universities.
- The first application costs €75; each further one in the same term costs €30.
Directly to the university
Some universities take applications through their own online portal (TUM and LMU, for example).
- Documents are uploaded straight into the university's own system.
- A VPD (preliminary review document) from uni-assist may still be required.
- With no intermediary, the process usually moves faster.
Key Application Deadlines
The dates below are the standard German calendar. Some universities, and master's programmes in particular, close considerably earlier.
- Winter semester (Wintersemester) — starts in October
- 15 July
- Summer semester (Sommersemester) — starts in April
- 15 January
- Master's programmes that close early
- 15 May – 15 June
- Recommended lead time for uni-assist
- 6 – 8 weeks ahead
Admission Letters (Zulassungsbescheid)
Once your application is assessed you receive an admission or a rejection. If you are admitted, the type of letter decides your next step.
Unconditional admission (Unbedingte Zulassung)
Confirms you meet every academic and language requirement. You can go straight to the visa application and enrol at the university.
Conditional admission (Bedingte Zulassung)
Your academic qualification is accepted but something is missing — usually language proof. The university grants you a deadline or a preparatory course to close the gap.
Ready Before You Submit
Make sure translated and, where required, certified copies of these documents are in hand.
- High-school diploma and transcript
- National placement exam result (for bachelor's applications)
- University degree and transcript (for master's applications)
- Language certificate (TestDaF, DSH, IELTS, TOEFL)
- Motivation letter, where the programme asks for one
- CV (Lebenslauf)
- Passport copy and biometric photo
Dates and fees vary by programme
Application Process
Follow the application step in your journey
Your Dreemli journey lists the application stage, the documents your target programme wants and the deadlines that apply to your own case.