Your step-by-step guide

From choosing a program to enrolling in Germany — here's the whole journey, broken into nine friendly steps.

1. 1

   Choose your programs

   Shortlist 3–6 programs that match your background. Check whether they are taught in English or German, and note each deadline — winter semester applications usually close between March and July.

   • Use our program finder to filter by language and tuition
   • Mix ambitious and safe choices
2. 2

   Check your university entrance qualification (HZB)

   Your school-leaving certificate must be recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur. Check the anabin database or ask uni-assist. Some applicants need a Studienkolleg (preparatory course) first.

   • Search your certificate in the anabin database
   • If not directly recognized, look into Studienkolleg + Feststellungsprüfung
3. 3

   Get your APS certificate (if required)

   Applicants from several countries (including China, India, and Vietnam) need an APS certificate verifying their documents. Apply early — processing can take several weeks.

   • Check whether your country requires APS
   • Book your APS appointment as soon as you decide to apply
4. 4

   Prove your language skills

   English-taught programs usually want IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80–90. German-taught programs require TestDaF (4x4), DSH-2, or Goethe C1. Book your test early — results take weeks.

   • Take the test at least 3 months before deadlines
   • Some universities accept medium-of-instruction certificates — ask
5. 5

   Apply via uni-assist or directly

   Many universities use uni-assist, a central service that checks your documents. You upload everything once and can apply to multiple universities. Others have their own portals.

   • Create your uni-assist account early
   • First application ~75 EUR, each additional ~30 EUR
6. 6

   Prepare your documents

   Typical requirements: passport, certified copies of certificates and transcripts, motivation letter, CV in German format, language certificate, and APS. Our Documents page helps you build your motivation letter and CV.

   • Get certified translations for non-English/German documents
   • Tailor each motivation letter to the program
7. 7

   Open a blocked account (Sperrkonto)

   For your visa you must prove funds — currently about 11,904 EUR for one year, deposited in a blocked account. Providers like Expatrio or Fintiba make this fully digital.

   • Open it right after admission
   • You can withdraw a fixed monthly amount in Germany
8. 8

   Apply for your student visa

   With your admission letter and blocked account confirmation, book an appointment at the German embassy in your country. Bring health insurance proof and your documents.

   • Embassy appointments fill up fast — book early
   • Processing takes 4–12 weeks depending on country
9. 9

   Enroll and move

   Once in Germany: enroll at the university (Immatrikulation), register your address (Anmeldung), activate health insurance, and open a German bank account. Welcome to Germany!

   • Pay the semester fee to receive your student ID and transit ticket
   • Register your address within two weeks of moving in