Planning to Study in Germany: How to Apply to German Universities

If you are planning to study in Germany, applying to universities in Germany can seem daunting. But with careful planning , attention to detail and a good guide , you can successfully study in Germany and achieve your dream to study abroad in Germany. 

At Study Smart as overseas education consultants, we are happy to help students on their study abroad journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through each step.

 

1. Study in Germany : Choose Your Course and University

The first step is to select the right course and university. Germany offers a wide range of programs in various fields, so take your time to research and find a program that aligns with your interests and career goals. Many courses are taught in German, so improving your language skills is crucial. You can use resources like the DAAD database to check if your qualifications are recognized in Germany.

 

2.  Study in Germany : Check Eligibility Requirements

Each university and program has specific eligibility criteria. Generally, for undergraduate programs, you need a recognized secondary school leaving certificate. For master’s programs, a recognized bachelor’s degree is required, and for PhD programs, a relevant master’s degree and a research proposal are necessary.

Language proficiency is also a key requirement. For English-taught programs, IELTS (6.5 or higher) or TOEFL (90+) is usually required, while for German-taught programs, TestDaF (Level 4) or DSH-2 is needed.

 

3. Study in Germany : Gather Required Documents

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, gather all necessary documents. Common requirements include:

• Academic transcripts 
• Proof of language proficiency 
• A letter of motivation 
• Letters of recommendation 
• A CV 

Ensure all documents are translated into English or German and are certified copies. Many abroad education consultants can help you prepare your application documents accurately if needed.

 

4. Study in Germany : Apply to Universities

Most German universities accept applications through uni-assist, a centralized platform for international students.

 

Standard Application through uni-assist

1. Sign Up and Check Requirements: Visit the uni-assist website and check the specific requirements for your chosen university. 
2. Prepare and Upload Documents: Gather all required documents, including certified translations, and upload them to your uni-assist account. 
3. Submit Application: Create your online application for the universities you’re interested in and pay the processing fees. The fee for the first application is €75, and each subsequent application costs €30. 

Applications with Preliminary Review Documentation

Some universities require a Preliminary Review Documentation. This process involves sending your documents to uni-assist for evaluation. After paying the processing fees, uni-assist will review your documents and provide an evaluation report, which you can use for your applications.

It is quite possible that this process might seem overwhelming to you. Talk to expert study abroad consultants Study Smart to have a smooth and hassle-free experience. 

 

5. Study in Germany : Receive Your Admission Letter

If your application is successful, you will receive an admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid) from the study in Germany university. This letter is crucial for your visa application and contains details about your course start date and any enrollment conditions.

An experienced overseas education consultant can guide you through interpreting your admission letter and next steps.

 

6. Study in Germany : Open a Blocked Bank Account

International students who wish to study in Germany need to demonstrate financial stability. One common way to do this is by opening a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) with a minimum balance of €11,646.50.

This amount is withdrawable in monthly installments to cover living expenses. Recommended providers include:

• Deutsche Bank
• Fintiba
• Expatrio

7. Study in Germany : Apply for a Student Visa

With your admission letter and blocked account confirmation, you can apply for a student visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. Required documents include:

• Admission letter
• Valid passport
• Proof of financial resources
• Health insurance coverage
• Proof of language proficiency

Start the visa process 3–4 months before your program begins to allow for processing times. Overseas education consultants can assist in organizing your visa file to avoid any delays.

 

8. Study in Germany : Arrange Health Insurance

All students in Germany must have health insurance to enroll in universities. Public health insurance is available for students under 30 years old, while private health insurance options exist for those over 30.

Popular health insurance providers include:

• TK (Techniker Krankenkasse)
• AOK
• Barmer
• Mawista
• DR-WALTER
  Having proper health coverage is essential for your study abroad experience in Germany.

9. Study in Germany : Find Accommodation

Finding housing in Germany can be challenging, especially in major cities. Start your search early and consider:

• University-provided accommodations
• Online housing portals
• Student networks

Websites like Studentenwerk, WG-Gesucht, and Immobilienscout24 can be helpful.

Many students consult abroad education consultants for tips on finding affordable housing when they plan to study abroad in Germany.

 

10. Study in Germany : Travel to Germany and Enroll

Once you arrive in Germany, remember to:

• Register your address at the local Bürgeramt within 14 days
• Open a German bank account if required
• Enroll at your university
• Apply for a residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde if necessary

Congratulations! By following these steps carefully, you can successfully study in Germany and start an enriching academic journey. As you take expert advice from an  experienced overseas education consultant , it is crucial to understand that the right preparation is the key to a smooth transition.