Application Form:

There are various ways for International Students to apply to a university in German. The best option for you as International Student depends on the subject you wish to study and your country of origin. The requirements and deadlines for the submission of application vary from university to university and also the subject. 

Where do I apply?

This depends on two things: where you took your school-leaving qualification and what subject you wish to study. Three different institutions are responsible for applications:

• Foundation for Admission to Higher Education (StiftungfürHochschulzulassung),
• University Application Service for International Students (Arbeits- und ServicestellefürInternationaleStudienbewerbungen, uni-assist) and
• University itself.

Where you need to submit your application will depend on the restrictions on admissions for your subject. That is why you should first find out whether your subject has restrictions on admissions or not?

The Employment and Service Centre for international student applications is a centre that reviews international certificates. It establishes for the universities to make sure your certificate is sufficient to pursue a course of study in Germany. Uni-assist is a non-profit association, without receiving government funds. Therefore, there is a fee for reviewing your documents. You can apply as early as possible for the review in order to apply to several universities at the same time. The review may take four to six weeks. Your admission is always decided by the higher education institution itself.

The Foundation for admission to higher education allocates study places in subjects which have a locally or centrally restricted admission policy (NC). A special selection procedure is used for allocating study places for first-semester students at public universities.
If you have to submit your application to the Foundation for admission to higher education, register with them on their website, in which you can also submit your application(s). Further you can monitor their status and adjust the priorities of your desired subject(s) of study.

Admissions Restrictions

Even if you fulfill the general requirements for academic studies in Germany, it is not easy to enroll yourself in your chosen subject. The reason for this is that in Germany there are many more applicants than places for many degree programmes. The admissions restrictions determine who is allowed to study the subject. It may be regulated locally, which means it only applies to individual universities in Germany. Admission restriction can also be determined throughout Germany, i.e. on a nationwide basis, in which case it applies to all the universities.

Courses Nationwide and locally restricted

Medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, dentistry and geo- information management are very popular courses of study in Germany therefore there are restrictions on admission at all universities in the country (nationwide). This is a specified minimum grade required for your school leaving certificate. Study places are awarded by the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung (Foundation for University Admissions). You can apply there for admission to these courses.

Some degree programmes only have admission restrictions at particular universities which is local restriction. They also have an NC, but this is determined by the university. NC is an abbreviation for the Latin “numerus clausus”, which means “limited number”. Applicants sometimes have to qualify tests or attend selection interviews. These criteria differ based on higher education Institution and study programmes.

The Hochschulkompass (Higher Education Compass) will advise you as to whether your chosen subject is restricted. 

If a subject has a numerus clausus (NC),it meansthat these courses are offered only a limited number of places. International applicants need to have a specific overall average grade in order to get admitted to study the subject. It is therefore not possible to say how high the NC for a particular semester will be, because this is set every semester based on the supply (intake) and demand (no. of application) for places. But the numbers from the previous semesters are a good starting point.

Five tips for dealing with the numerus clausus (NC):

• Submit multiple applications to have a greater chance of success.
• Choose lesser-known places to go to the classic university towns.
• Gain additional points on matter of social commitment through aptitude tests.
• Try your luck through lottery procedure.
• Start in the summer semester as there are fewer applications than in the winter semester.

What happens if I come from another country?

Asan International Student in case you have leaving certificate from another country, you will always apply through uni-assist.  If the university is not a member, you can apply directly to the university - even if your subject has an NC.

Application Cost

International student should estimate the cost of any certifications and German language tests that they might have to appear. There are often fees for the application itself. If you apply through uni-assist, an assessment of your certificates and a preliminary review of your documents costs is 75 EUR for the first higher education institution. Each additional application within a semester costs 15 EUR per university. Universities will charge an administration fee for examining the application documents. The application will be processed provided the cost is paid. Application to the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung is free of charge.

When do I need to submit the Application?

You need to submit the application within the deadline, which is normally several months before the commencement of the semester. The university will only accept your application provided duly filled in application is submitted to the university within the stipulated application deadline. The earlier you contact the foreign student’s office, the better is the chance. As you will then have plenty of time to obtain missing documents.

These are the deadlines:

For courses starting in the winter semester (usually October)

• Application deadline: from the end of May to the 15 July
• The letter of acceptance will be sent in August/September.
• Notification of rejection will be sent in September and October.

For courses starting in the summer semester (March/April):

• Application deadline: from beginning of December to the 15 January
• The letter of acceptance will be sent in February/March.
• Notification of rejection will be sent in March/April.

Some universities in Germany have different deadlines. Sometimes there is only admission to the winter semester, and some deadlines will be closed earlier than shown here. You find out the exact deadline for the application and the start of the semester at your chosen university well in advance.

Documents / Certificates required:

In the foreign students’ office (Akademischen Auslandsamt) at your university, you will learn how the application process works and the documents you need to submit. Forms and information material will vary according to the application procedure for the university. The applications are available on the uni-assist application portal or from the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung (Foundation for Admission to Higher Education).

You will normally need the following:

• A certified copy of the higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife)
• An overview of your subjects and grades (certified and including an official translation)
• Certified copies of your previous higher education certificates, if required
• A passport photograph
• A photocopy of your passport (name and photograph)
• Certified copies of language certificates

Only officially certified copies and translations are accepted as proof. You can collect these from the German Embassy in your home country. Some higher education institutions also accept documents in English and French. 

You can submit any other document as non-certified copies only once, even if you wish to use it to apply to multiple universities. You can simply upload this using My-assist.Find out from your chosen university which documents they require.

Other documents include:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Some universities require a CV without any omissions which is current up to the date of application. List curricular, co-curricular and other achievements you have done up until now. Start with your first school.

Do not leave out any time period. If you were not enrolled at a university for a time or did not work, write down “no special activities / no studies”.

A CV must include:

• personal data (name, address, date of birth, place of birth, nationality),
• education, university studies and professional development,
• practical and on-the-job experience, and
• Additional qualifications (such as languages spoken, IT skills, etc.)

Letter of Motivation

Letter of Motivation is a letter to be prepared by international student in one or two pages. It explains why you are applying to a specific university and for a specific course of study, and why you are especially qualified. Name the University of your choice as well as the course of study you are applying to, visibly and in bold print, at the very top of your letter of motivation. Otherwise My-assist will not be able to link your letter of motivation to the right university.

Letter of Recommendation

Letter of Recommendation is drawn up by your former professors or university teachers. It evaluates you positively and recommends you for your course of study.

Record of Name Change

If you have changed your name – for example, because you got married – please include a record of your name change in your application. This will explain why your certificates show a different name.

Internships / Job Experience

Some universities require proof of internships or proof of job experience. You can submit certificates highlighting internships or job experience as non-certified copies in German or English. If not, you need to submit an additional non-certified copy of a certified translation into German or English.Translation must be made by a person or institution authorized to make translations under oath or admissible in court.In Germany, these persons are called "vereidigteÜbersetzer" (court-certified translators).

Doctor’s Note

In some cases, you need to prove that you are physically fit for your chosen course in a University in Germany. This is important especially for sports medicine courses. Consult your university to find out doctor’s notes you need and what specialized medical doctors are qualified to issue the note required.

Proof of having passed an Aptitude test or entrance exam

In artistic orientation courses, you have to prove your suitability. This is usually determined in an aptitude test, which generally takes place before you apply to the university.

Eligible Exams:

1. TestAS:

The TestAS is intended for international students who wish to apply for admission to an undergraduate degree programme in a University at Germany.

Advantages:

Advantages for students:The test results can identify your strengths. Further, it will help you choose a field of study as per your abilities. Following the test, you gain a more realistic perspective of your chances of earning a degree in your desired subject area. You can also compare your performance with others who appeared in the test.

Advantages for universities:The TestAS offers universities a standardized method for comparing the scholastic aptitude of their overseas applicants. The test evaluates the applicants’ suitability for their desired degree programme regardless of their country of origin or its grading system. Each university can then select those students who possess the necessary prerequisites for the degree programme in question.

Recognition

TestAS recognition varies from university to university. TestAS is an obligatory prerequisite for admission to some universities, but it is not required in some other universities, however they may recommend it.

The TestAS offers you advantages at some 40 universities throughout Germany. At six universities in North Rhine-Westphalia, the test serves as an admission examination for applicants who have not qualified a university entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur). Candidatesqualifying the TestAS,are exempted from foundation course. Several universities in Brandenburg also provide similar individualized admission procedures.

The TestAS certificate is recognized by German universities which have integrated the TestAS into their admission policies. Each university is permitted to evaluate the weightage of TestAS results. You are required to enquire at the university / faculty of your choice as to whether the TestAS is considered in the admission decision or not.

Structure

You can take the TestAS in either English or Germany. The test is comprised of three components: the “onScreen” language test, the Core Test, and the “subject-specific test modules”.

You may select one of four subject-specific modules:

• Humanities, Cultural Studies and Social Studies
• Engineering
• Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences
• Economics

The TestAS certificate is valid indefinitely.

Preparation and Requirements

The TestASassess your cognitive skills instead of quantum of knowledge.  You will find sample questions on the TestAS website. The TestAS Institute strongly recommends that all applicants shouldwork sample questions before taking the test.

To qualify the language component of the TestAS, your language skills should be equivalent to level B1 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages. B1 is below the level required if you wish to study in Germany.

Based on your results of the “onScreen” language test, TestAS generates a relative score comprised of your language skills and the results of the individual subtests.  You may note that “onScreen” does not replace the recognised language examination required for admission to a degree programme, such as the TestDaF.

2. German tests

You can prove your knowledge of German with two different exams. 

• "DSH" ("German Language Examination for University Entrance of Foreign Applicants")
• "TestDaF" ("German as a Foreign Language Test")

You do not need to do any of these exams if any of the following applies to you:

• You have graduated from a German-language school,
• You have qualified the new Goethe-Zertifikat (C2: GroßesDeutschesSprachdiplom) or one of the previous exams (Kleines und GroßesDeutschesSprachdiplom) or the ZentraleOberstufenprüfung of the Goethe-Institut (until 2011), or you have the Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Great German language diploma (since 2012)
• You have the German Language Diploma (Level II) of the Conference of Ministers of Education or
• You passed the exam "telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule".

TestDaF

You may take the TestDaF in your home country. The test is offered not only in Germany, but also in over 90 countries of the world. It is conducted 6 times and 3 times in the People`s Republic of China every year. For details on exam locations, dates, costs, application possibilities and much more information, you may visit the official website of the TestDaF.

DSH (German Language Examination for University Entrance)

The DSH is a language examination which testifies whether you are capable to study in a University in Germany. You have to qualify this examination before the commencement of the studies in the universities concerned. The exam is in written and oral form.

• DSH:

The DSH you can only drop in Germany. Many colleges offer this exam. You will find the dates at the International Office of your university.

• DSH - General / DSH and their structure:

The DSH Exam has two parts: written and oral. In both parts ofthe exam, you will be tested to see whether you have sufficientlanguage skills to take up studies in Germany.

Listening and reading comprehension will test your on Generalknowledge and scientific topics which assess your ability toexpress yourself in written and oral form.

In order to pass the DSH successfully, youhave to prepare based on learning resources for which specialexpert knowledge is not required.

DSH exam: Written Part- 70% and Oral Part – 30&

If you fail in the written partof the exam, you cannot take the oral exam, even if yourskills have been graded as very good and good.

TestDaF and the DSH have several levels of performance. If you achieve the intermediate level in all part examinations (TestDaF is the TDN 4, DSH is the DSH-2), you will be admitted to the university without restriction.

Whether a lower level of language is sufficient for admission in individual parts of the examination depends on the regulations at the individual universities.

Both, DSH and TestDaF, require you to pay a fee to take the exam. The cost depends on the institution and the country you take the exam in.

Immigration Policy:

Germany has been regarded as the fifth most favorable destination to migrate. This is due to its well-performing economy, education system, and employment opportunities. People from all over the world wish to pay visit to Germany for various purposes including studies. For this purpose, you are required to acquaint yourself with the immigration policy prevalent in Germany from time to time.

One can immigrate to Germany for a valid reason which includes:

• Germany immigration for education
• Germany immigration for employment
• Germany immigration for entrepreneurs
• Germany immigration for family reunions
• Germany immigration residence permits

Germany Immigration for Education

Germany offers education either free of cost or at lower rates. It is unlike other countries such as US, Canada, Australia, etc. which have enormous tuition fee. Germany is a popular destination to immigrate for education purposes. International students except the students from notified countries must obtain VISA to study in Germany.

You can stay in Germany in search of jobs for a specific period of time. In case you find a job during that time, you are allowed to stay in Germany. Around 54% of students who complete a degree in Germany stay in the country and find a job.

General Requirements for Immigration to Germany

The Government of Germany has laid down the policies relating to general requirements for immigration and they are as follows:

• Prove financial stability:

Each different immigration purpose, including studies in Germany, has a financial threshold which international students need to fulfill. You have to prove that you are able to meet the cost of your education, cost of living and cost of living of the family members.

• • Income and asset records
  • foreigners Authority
  • (Escrow)
  • Bank guarantee
  • Scholarship from a recognized scholarship provider.
• Health Insurance:

International students cannot immigrate to Germany without valid health insurance coverage, preferably German Health Insurance.

In Germany, statutory insurance from the following countries is valid:

Member States of the European Union, from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iceland, Israel, Lichtenstein, Morocco, Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia, Tunisia and Turkey.

You clarify on the health insurance before your departure to Germany for the enrollment in a university / institution and the application for the residence permit; for which you must submit a confirmation of your health insurance. You can proper advice relating to health insurance from your country and the International Office in Germany.

• Basic Proficiency in German:

You need to know German which will help you live in the country to transact in day to day life. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages has three levels of language proficiency, A, B and C. Each one has two parts. So the language proficiency is divided in A1/A2 or basic, B1/B2 or proficient in the language, and C1/C2 or advanced language skills. To be allowed to immigrate in Germany, you will need to appear for the exams and qualify yourself up to either A1 or B1. If you want to get a permanent residence, you will need a higher proficiency of C1 or C2.

German Residence Permits

When you get one of the visas for immigration, you will also get a residence permit. The residence permits can be temporary and permanent. Temporary residence permits allow foreign nationals to stay in Germany for a specified period of time and then return to their home countries. Permanent residence permits mean that the foreign national can stay in Germany as long as they want to, can leave and return to the country whenever they want to. However, a permanent residence permit does not mean that you get a German citizen. That is another process entirely. In general, Germany has two temporary residence permits and one permanent.

• Standard residence permit:

This type of residence permit is used for all purposes of immigration noted above as well as for others, such as completing training courses, for former Germans who want to return to Germany, and those who go to Germany for political and humanitarian reasons. The standard residence permit is valid for some time and can be extended.

• European Union (EU) blue card:

The EU Blue Card is given to foreign national workers (who are not citizens of EU countries) who have high qualifications and want to work in Germany and apply those skills. High qualifications mean that the person has an undergraduate or graduate degree in any given field. To qualify for the EU Blue Card, you will need to have already found a job in Germany, and the minimum annual salary must be 50,800 Euros.

The EU Blue Card grants its holders the right to stay in Germany for four years, with a possibility of changing their residence permit into a permanent settlement.  To qualify for permanent settlement the person must show enough German proficiency, meet certain financial requirements, as well as must have worked in Germany for more than 33 months in their place of employment which requires the skills gained with the highest qualifications.

• Settlement Permit or Permanent Residence Permit:

The permanent residence permit in Germany is called the Settlement Permit. This is given to those who have had either a standard residence permit or an EU Blue Card for at least 5 years and meet certain language requirements.

VISA Process:

People from other countries have to make sure whether they require VISA or not before they enter into Germany. The Government of Germany has given exemption to the people of some countries who can enter into Germany without VISA. However, they have to obtain residence permit. All other third country nationals must submit a visa application to the nearest German Embassy or Consulate prior to entering Germany.

Kinds of VISA in education

• Visa for studying
• Visa for vocation and training
• Visa for Research
• Visa for study-related internship

1. Visa for Studying

A German degree awarded by various universities is widely accepted all over the world. Therefore there is a great demand for such degrees. International students should be able to obtain a visa to study in Germany.

As an overseas student, you are required to apply for residence permit. You  take part in preparatory measures, such as language courses, attending preparatory colleges or similar facilities, or doctoral studies as part of a full time program at a German higher education institution, prior to attending a higher education institution

The requirements to issue a study visa:

• Proof of acceptance given by an officially recognised higher education institution in Germany. 
• Proof of a secondary school diploma enabling you to study at a higher education institution, or proof of a recognised degree or diploma from a higher education institution.
• Proof of cost of living for the duration of studies (with at least EUR 10,236 per year; amount valid for 2020), scholarships or a declaration of commitment.
• Proof of required language skills with at least a B2 level in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Opportunities offered by study visa:

• You can get residence permit for study purpose for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years. Residence permit is extendable if you do not the complete the degree.
• You can work 120 full days or 240 half days throughout your studies.

Staying in Germany after your education

After successfully obtaining your degree, you can extend your stay in Germany by applying for a residence permit for jobseekers. The residence permit is issued for up to 18 months as a means to find qualified employment in Germany. You are allowed to perform any job while searching for qualified employment. Once you get a job, you can apply for residence permit, so that the visa for study purpose can be converted into work permit.

Mobility arrangements for international students

Student visa from another EU member state, if willing to complete a portion of studies in Germany within 1 year, do not require residence permit. However, you must inform the responsible authority in the other EU member state, in addition to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), about your plans to stay in Germany for study purposes.

Various documents must be presented when informing the authorities about your plans study elsewhere.

Visa for the purpose of applying for a course of study

International students, who are not yet admitted to a higher education institution in Germany, may also apply for VISA, for which they have to fulfill certain requirements as follows:

• Proof of a post-secondary school diploma that enables you to study at a German university or a college-level institution.
• Fulfill the language requirements for the course of study. Consult your local German Embassy or Consulate to find out which documents are required.
• Proof of cost of living by opening a blocked account or submitting a declaration of commitment.

Opportunities do a visa for the purpose of applying to a course of study offer?

You can get residence permit up to 9 months (not extendable). During this time, you can apply to a higher education institution and take part in university preparatory classes (language classes).

2. Visa for Vocational Training

Vocational training in Germany helps you to prepare yourself to take up work in Germany. This visa will enable you to complete the vocational training for which a residence permit can be obtained.

Requirements to issue a visa for vocational training

• Provide proof of being accepted to a school-based or company-based training program in Germany.
• Possess the requisite language skills for the qualified vocational training with a minimum level of B1 in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).  This is applicable if the training facility has not yet tested your language skills, or you have yet to complete a preparatory German language course. 
• Proof of cost of living during your stay of training program by opening a blocked account or submitting a declaration of commitment. If you are seeking to take part in a company-based training program, you will receive a training salary.

 Opportunities does a visa for vocational training offer

• A corresponding residence permit will be issued for the period of least two years,to complete school-based or company-based training 
• With this residence permit, you can take up secondary employment outside your training program for up to 10 hours per week. 
• You can stay in Germany upto 12 additional months provided you have successfully completed your vocational training. The extension will allow you to get employment that corresponds to your vocational training.

Visa for the purpose of applying for training

The people from overseas country who are looking to complete a qualified training program in Germany but yet to find training position can also apply for visa.

Once they get visa, they can go to the country and find out suitable training positions.

Requirements to issue a visa for the purpose of applying for training

• You must be less than or 25 years of age.
• Proof of a post-secondary school diploma that enables you to attend a higher education institution, or proof of a diploma from a German school abroad.
• Provide a proof of German language skills, not below B2 level in accordance with the Common European Framework or Reference for Languages (CEFR). 
• Cover the living costs for the entire duration of your stay. 

 Opportunities do a visa for the purpose of applying for training offer?

• This visa will enable you to enter into Germany upto 6 months so that you can apply for training position
• During this period, you cannot try for employment.

3. Visa for Research

What are the requirements to issue a visa for research?

• You have a work contract with a research institute in Germany.
• The research institute undertakes to bear your cost of living and travel expenditure back to your home country.
• The research institute’s commitment applies for a maximum of 6 months after completion of the research.

Opportunities does a research visa offer

• The visa or residence permit for research is issued for at least one year.
• The residence permit may enable to work in the concerned research institute or you can take up teaching position in such institute.
• The residence permit is extendable if you are able to fulfill the requirements.
• You can conduct research and take up teaching for a limited period of time in other EU states except United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark.
• After four years, you can receive a settlement permit in Germany subject to the fulfillment of requirements for such permit.

After completion of research, you can find alternative positions in Germany based on your qualification for which nine month time would be given. In case you succeed in it, you will get residence permit as per the rules imposed.

Mobility arrangements for international researchers

International researchers may undertake a part of their research in Germany. For that purpose, they can stay in Germany as follows:

• A residence permit for short-term research stays in Germany is not required, provided you already hold a residence permit from another EU state for the purpose of research. Using the same residence permit, you can stay in Germany upto 180 days over 360 days of the research project. The concerned research institute in Germany has to inform the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) about the planned research.
• Residence permit for mobile researchers: If you are planning to take up a research for the period of minimum 180 days and maximum one year, you require residence permit for mobile researchers as per the law. For this purpose, you must fulfill the following requirements: 
  • Valid residence permit of another EU member state for research purposes. 
  • Copy of a valid passport or travel document issued in lieu of a passport.
  • Concluded a hosting agreement or a contract with a research institute in Germany. 

For this purpose, you must apply for the residence permit at your nearest Foreigners Authority at least 30 day prior to the start of your stay in Germany. The application can also be submitted to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).

4. Visa for a study-related internship EU

You can learn about the everyday working life in Germany, collect work experience and establish contacts with potential employers through academic internship for which this visa will be of great importance.

What are the requirements to issue a visa to complete an academic internship?

• Proof of an internship agreement with a Germany facility.
• Proof of the admission at a university abroad or degree should have been obtained at least two years before the visa application was successfully completed. 
• The internship corresponds with your course of studies.
• The facility commits itself in writing to cover your costs of living and travel costs to your country of origin. If not, it needs to be covered by public funds. This commitment applies for a period up to six months after the internship.

Opportunities does a visa for a study-related internship EU offer

• You can get visa or residence permit to complete internship for a maximum of 6 months.
• You may not obtain employment during this time.

Applying for VISA

Step 1: Check the requirements

If you wish to stay in Germany for various purposes, you are required to check the various visas, which will be issued by German Embassy or the German Consulate.

Step 2:  Requesting an appointment at the German Embassy or Consulate

If you fulfill the requirements for a visa, you must gather all the necessary documents for your visa application through website of the German Embassy or the German Consulate. You should also request for an appointment to submit your visa application. The documents include:

• valid passport
• Certificate confirming health insurance coverage
• Proof of financial resources
• Certificates of past academic work and achievements
• Certificate of German language proficiency or proof that you intend on attending a language course in Germany, or English language skills for a degree programme taught in English
• For a prospective student visa: university entrance qualification recognised in Germany
• For a student visa: letter of acceptance from your German university (or a statement from the university confirming that you have a good chance of being admitted).
• a health certificate 

Step 3: Apply for a visa in your country of residence

You can submit your visa application to local German Embassy in your country of residence. Ensure that you are applying for a visa which justifies the purpose of your stay in Germany, which in turn will help you get residence permit.

For your visa application, you will need to select the visa application form that corresponds to the purpose of your stay.

For all types of visas issued for long-term stays in Germany, you are required to pay an entry visa fee of € 7500 (non-refundable) will be charged which has to be remitted as per the local currency.

Step 4: Coming to Germany

Once the visa is issued by the German Embassy, you can plan for your long-term stay in Germany. You are advised to bring all your personal documents such as birth certificate, documents regarding educational qualifications, driver’s license, marriage certificate, health insurance policy which is to be shown on your entry into Germany.

Step 5: Apply for your residence permit

The visa issues by German Embassy will allow you to enter the country. You may note down that the visa is valid for upto 6 months. During this time, you need to get residence permit, so that you can stay in Germany for a long time. You may contact local Foreigners’ Authority and find out the documents required to be submitted to get residence permit.