Checklist · Germany
Documents you need to study in Germany
What German universities typically ask for — Bachelor's or Master's, from application to enrolment. Tick items off as you go; your progress stays in this browser. Requirements differ by programme, so compare with your programme's own list. Each item links to the official source.
Checked against official sources: October 2026
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Before you apply
0/4Depending on the university, you apply directly, through uni-assist, or — for medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and dentistry — through hochschulstart.de. Your programme's page tells you which.
Source: uni-assist · DAAD
Often 15 July for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester, but many programmes set their own dates. If you apply through uni-assist, submit at least eight weeks before the deadline: the review takes 4–6 weeks.
Source: DAAD · uni-assist
German-taught programmes require at least B2, often C1. English-taught programmes ask for IELTS or TOEFL. Each programme sets the certificate and the score it accepts.
Source: DAAD
Application documents
0/8A certified copy. For a Master's, also your Bachelor's degree certificate.
Source: DAAD
A certified copy of the overview of your subjects and grades from school or university.
Source: DAAD
If a document is not in German or English, add a translation by a sworn (court-certified) translator. Submit the original-language document as well.
Source: uni-assist
German: commonly accepted are DSH-2, TestDaF (level 4 in every part), Goethe-Zertifikat C2, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule and DSD II. English: IELTS or TOEFL. Check which ones your programme accepts.
Source: DAAD
Part of almost every application.
Source: DAAD
If requested
Motivation letter
Often required for Master's and English-taught programmes. In Germany it is a formal, factual letter — our guide explains the format.
Only if it applies to you
A tabular CV (Lebenslauf), usually one to two pages. Often asked for Master's programmes.
Some programmes ask for one or two academic references. Ask your referees early.
Depending on your situation
0/4€75 for the first programme and €30 for each additional programme in the same semester. Your application is only processed once you have paid.
Source: uni-assist
uni-assist evaluates your certificates and converts your grade to the German scale. You then apply to the university yourself with the VPD. It is valid for one year.
Source: uni-assist
If you apply from China, India or Vietnam, the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) verifies your documents first — the certificate is a requirement for applying. Start early.
Source: uni-assist
Places in medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and dentistry are allocated nationwide by the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung.
Source: hochschulstart.de · DAAD
After admission: visa and money
0/4Only for applicants from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland.
Keep it safe: you need it for the visa and for enrolment.
Source: DAAD
Apply for a national (D) visa for study at the German embassy or consulate in your country. Citizens of some countries — for example the USA, Canada or Japan — can enter without a visa and apply for the residence permit in Germany.
Source: Auswärtiges Amt
Usually a blocked account (Sperrkonto) with €11,904 for one year — €992 a month (as of October 2026). The amount is adjusted from time to time, so check the current figure on your German embassy's website. Opening the account costs about €70–150.
Source: Auswärtiges Amt · DAAD
You need it for the visa and for enrolment. Under 30, statutory student insurance costs about €120–130 a month. Students from the EU/EEA can often keep their home insurance.
Source: DAAD
After arrival
0/3Within two weeks of moving in, at the residents' registration office. Bring your passport and your tenancy agreement or a confirmation from your landlord.
Source: DAAD
Only if it applies to you
At the foreigners' office (Ausländerbehörde), before your visa expires. Usually needed: passport, certificate of enrolment, registration certificate, proof of funds and health insurance. The fee is up to €100.
Source: DAAD
Questions
Is this list complete for my programme?
No list can be. It shows what German universities typically ask for; your programme may add items — a portfolio, a GMAT score, an interview — or leave some out. Always check the programme page and the documents list in its application portal.
How much does applying cost?
Through uni-assist, €75 for the first programme and €30 for each further one in the same semester. Add certified copies, sworn translations and language tests — their prices depend on your country.
Do EU citizens need a visa or a blocked account?
No. Students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland need no visa, no blocked account and no residence permit. After arrival they enrol and register their address.
Will the blocked account amount change?
It is based on the maximum BAföG rate for German students, so it changes when BAföG changes. As of October 2026 it is €992 a month; an increase is planned for 2027. Check the current amount on your German embassy's website before you transfer money.