Study path
Your route to a German university, in seven steps
From choosing a program to your Anmeldung appointment. Each step lists when it happens and which documents it produces for the next one.
- Ideal preparation window
- 14 mo
- Stages
- 7
- Winter intake deadline
- 15 Jul
- Summer intake deadline
- 15 Jan
Ideal preparation window
Stages
Winter intake deadline
Summer intake deadline
Your First Personal Result
See the general requirements for studying in Germany right away — no sign-up needed.
What are you aiming for?
Let's start with a few questions so we can point you the right way.
- 01
University selection
12–14 months beforeProgramShortlist 6–8 programs across safe, realistic and ambitious tiers. Check NC, language of instruction and whether a Studienkolleg year is required.
- Compare Uni vs Fachhochschule
- Check NC and admission restrictions
- Confirm intake: winter or summer
- 02
Preparing documents
10–12 months beforeRequirementsDiploma, transcript, passport and certified translations — the set everything that follows waits on. Applicants from Turkey have needed an APS certificate since November 2022; APS also applies to China, India, Mongolia and Vietnam.
- Notarised translations (DE or EN)
- APS application, and an interview where the country's procedure requires one (Turkey, China, India, Mongolia, Vietnam)
- Motivation letter and CV
- 03
Language exam
8–10 months beforeRequirementsTestDaF, DSH or telc for German-taught programs; IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught. Book the exam slot before you feel ready — dates fill up.
- TestDaF 4x4 or DSH-2
- IELTS 6.5 for English tracks
- Keep a B1 certificate for the visa file
- 04
University application
6–8 months beforeApplicationMost applications run through uni-assist, some go directly to the university portal. Winter intake closes 15 July, summer intake 15 January.
- uni-assist VPD if required
- Upload certified copies
- Track each application status
- 05
Visa process
3–5 months beforeVisaBlocked account, health insurance, VIDEX form and the consulate appointment. Processing takes 6–12 weeks after the interview.
- €11,904 blocked account
- Health insurance from entry date
- Book the consulate slot immediately
- 06
Accommodation
2–3 months beforeArrivalStudentenwerk dorms are cheapest but have waiting lists. WG rooms need a convincing message and a Schufa-free explanation.
- Apply to Studentenwerk early
- WG-Gesucht and Wunderflats
- Never transfer money before viewing
- 07
Arrival & settling in
First 90 daysArrivalAnmeldung within two weeks, bank account, blocked account unlock, enrolment, semester ticket and the residence permit appointment.
- Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt
- Enrolment (Immatrikulation)
- Residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde
Track all seven steps in your dashboard
Every stage becomes a checklist with document slots, status icons and deadline reminders — so you always know what is missing.