Question 1

Is this program taught in English or German?

Accepted Answer

The language of instruction is listed on the program card. English-taught programs still ask for A2–B1 German for daily life and the residence permit.

Question 2

Do I need an APS certificate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your qualification is from Turkey: APS Ankara has covered Turkish applicants since November 2022. The Akademische Prüfstelle also covers China, India, Mongolia and Vietnam. APS verifies your documents — recognition itself is decided by anabin, uni-assist and the university.

Question 3

How much money must I show for the blocked account?

Accepted Answer

For 2026 the blocked account amount is around €11,904 for twelve months, plus tuition or semester fees where they apply.

Question 4

When should I start my application?

Accepted Answer

Start six to nine months before the deadline: sworn translations, language certificates, the uni-assist check and the visa appointment are the slowest steps.

Question 5

Step 1 — Which German state and city should I target?

Accepted Answer

Germany has 16 federal states and each one runs its own admission office and residence-permit rules. Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg host most technical universities, NRW has the largest number of study places, and eastern cities like Leipzig or Dresden offer the lowest rents. Pick two states, not one, so your shortlist stays realistic.

Question 6

Step 2 — How do I check that my diploma is recognised?

Accepted Answer

Look your qualification up in the anabin database, then let uni-assist or the university confirm it — they issue the VPD and make the recognition decision. There is no APS office for Türkiye; the Akademische Prüfstelle covers China, India, Mongolia and Vietnam. A Turkish Lise Diploması on its own is usually not enough for direct Bachelor entry: you normally need a YKS placement plus one or two semesters at a Turkish university, or a Studienkolleg year.

Question 7

Step 3 — Do I apply through uni-assist or directly?

Accepted Answer

Most universities route international applications through uni-assist, which checks documents and issues the VPD. A few universities take direct applications on their own portal. The program page always states which route applies, and the fee is €75 for the first application, €30 for each further one.

Question 8

Step 4 — Which documents must be certified and translated?

Accepted Answer

Diploma, transcript, passport page and language certificates need certified copies (beglaubigte Kopie) plus a sworn translation into German or English. Notaries, the German consulate and Turkish public offices can certify; keep at least three sets.

Question 9

Step 5 — What happens between admission and the visa?

Accepted Answer

Accept the offer, open a blocked account with €11,904, take out health insurance, then book the national visa appointment. Consulate waiting times in Türkiye run four to ten weeks, so book on the same day your admission arrives.

Question 10

Step 6 — What do I do in the first weeks after arrival?

Accepted Answer

Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt within two weeks, activate your insurance, unlock the blocked account, enrol at the university, then apply for the residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde. Dreemli's arrival checklist keeps the order.

Studienkolleg NRW

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