How to Apply to Universities in Germany (2027): Step by Step

Bachelor's

1. Check whether your school-leaving qualification is recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur, using the anabin database or the university's own recognition tool. If it is not fully equivalent you may need a year at a Studienkolleg (preparatory college) first.
2. Choose a programme and check whether it is taught in German or English, and whether it has a restricted number of places (Numerus Clausus) or open admission.
3. Prepare a language certificate: a German test such as TestDaF or DSH for German-taught programmes, or an English test such as IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught ones.
4. Apply either directly to the university or through uni-assist, depending on which the university uses, within its published deadline.
5. Once admitted, apply for a student visa if you are from outside the EU/EEA, arrange health insurance, and open a blocked account if you are using one as proof of funds.
6. Travel to Germany, enrol in person during the enrolment period stated on your admission letter, and register your address.

Master's

1. Confirm your Bachelor's degree is recognised as equivalent to a German Bachelor's, usually three to four years long, sometimes with a minimum grade.
2. Check the specific programme's own admission rules, since these vary far more between programmes than at Bachelor's level.
3. Prepare a language certificate, a CV, a letter of motivation and, for some programmes, a statement of purpose or references.
4. Apply through uni-assist, the university's own portal, or a subject-specific portal, before the deadline. Competitive programmes often close earlier than open-admission ones.
5. After admission, follow the same visa, health insurance and enrolment steps as for a Bachelor's degree.

PhD

1. Contact a professor directly to agree a research topic and supervision, or apply to a structured doctoral programme or graduate school.
2. Confirm your Master's degree, or equivalent, is recognised for doctoral study.
3. Apply to the graduate school or faculty, or register with the university once a supervision agreement is in place. There is no single national deadline for doctoral admission.
4. Arrange funding. Most doctoral candidates in Germany are paid as university employees or hold a scholarship rather than paying tuition.
5. Apply for a visa and residence permit for doctoral study if you are from outside the EU/EEA.

Applying through uni-assist is not free. uni-assist charges a handling fee of EUR 75 for the first application in a semester and EUR 30 for each further application in the same semester. The fee is not refunded whatever the outcome, and some universities cover it for their applicants. See https://www.uni-assist.de/en/how-to-apply/pay-all-fees/handling-fees/ (checked 7 September 2026).