How to Apply for Bachelor’s Programmes in Germany: The Ultimate Guide

According to the latest report by DAAD, Germany is the second most popular destination after the US, with 380,000 international students enrolled in the 2023/24 winter semester—a three percent increase from the previous year. Notably, Indian students constitute the largest group, with approximately 49,000 individuals. This trend highlights Germany’s world-class education reputation and vibrant and inclusive academic community. If you’re considering undergraduate studies in Germany, this guide will help you navigate the application process. 

Germany’s higher education system

Germany’s higher education system is renowned for its academic rigour, research opportunities, and practical focus, making it a top choice for students worldwide. But what truly sets Germany apart is its unique structure. Understanding this system is key to making informed decisions. 

Germany’s credit system: 

Germany uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). At its core, ECTS represent the workload required to complete specific learning activities such as lectures, projects, internships, or independent study. One academic year typically corresponds to 60 ECTS credits, with one credit equating to 25 to 30 hours of work. This consistency allows students to understand the demands of their academic programmes better and plan their studies accordingly. Additionally, ECTS credits are linked to learning outcomes, ensuring that they reflect the skills and knowledge students are expected to gain.

One key benefit of ECTS is that it supports lifelong learning and makes it easier for qualifications to be recognised across Europe. It helps universities explain the value of their courses and gives students a straightforward way to track their academic progress. This system not only encourages collaboration between universities in different countries but also helps graduates show their qualifications in a standardised way. 

Degrees available in Germany: 

• Bachelor’s degree: Students complete 180 to 240 ECTS credits over three to four years. The curriculum focuses on practical skills integrated with a robust theoretical framework, preparing students for professional careers or further studies.
• Master’s degree: Following the bachelor’s, a master’s degree involves 60 to 120 ECTS credits, completed over one to two years. It allows for specialisation and advanced study in a chosen field.
• PhD (Doctorate): The highest academic degree focuses on original research and contributing new knowledge to a specific discipline. The duration varies but typically spans three to five years.
• Diploma and Magister Degree: While Germany has primarily transitioned to the Bachelor/Master system under the Bologna Process, some institutions may still offer traditional German qualifications like Diplom, Staatsexamen, and Magister degrees. D 

Germany’s academic calendar: 

The German academic year is divided into two semesters:

• Winter Semester (Wintersemester): Typically starts in October and ends in March, with lectures usually running from mid-October to mid-February.
• Summer Semester (Sommersemester): Generally begins in April and concludes in September, with lectures from mid-April to mid-July.

Between these lecture periods are semester breaks (“Semesterferien”), during which students may undertake internships, intensive courses, or prepare for examinations.

Types of German universities

Germany has approximately 400 state-recognised higher education institutions, offering diverse options. Unlike most countries, the German education system is uniquely rooted in a tradition of government-funded public universities. In contrast, private universities are a relatively recent addition to Germany’s higher education landscape. According to DAAD, approximately 60 percent of higher education institutions in Germany are funded by the Federal Government, while 30 percent are state-approved private universities. Additionally, 10 percent of higher education institutions are run by churches. Together, they offer approximately 20,000 different study programmes. Higher education institutions are further categorised into the following:  

1) Universities:

Universities in Germany are called Universitäten. They are higher education institutions that focus on teaching and research across various academic disciplines. They are known for their theoretical and research-oriented approach and have the authority to confer doctoral degrees. Many German universities, such as the University of Heidelberg, are internationally renowned for their contributions to education and research. A specialised subset of these institutions is Technische Universitäten (Technical Universities), which concentrates on engineering, technology, and natural sciences. There are 20 such technical universities in Germany, collectively enrolling approximately 290,000 students. Notably, nine of the most prestigious technical universities have formed the TU9 alliance. 

2) Universities of Applied Sciences:

In Germany, Universities of Applied Sciences, known as Hochschulen für Angewandte Wissenschaften (HAW) or Fachhochschulen (FH), emphasise practical and application-oriented teaching and research. They focus on technology, engineering, economics, design, and social sciences. A distinctive feature is their strong collaboration with industry partners, providing students with internships and practical semester opportunities, enhancing their career prospects. Over the past decade, their popularity has grown, with around 40 percent of all students, including international students in Germany, currently enrolled in these institutions. The Technische Hochschule (Technical Universities of Applied Science) are a subset within this category, focusing on STEM subjects. Germany has 17 institutions that fall into this category and that offer nearly 100 programmes in the English language across Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. 

3) Colleges of Art and Music:

In Germany, Kunst- und Musikhochschulen (Colleges of Art and Music) are specialised institutions that cultivate artistic talent in visual arts, design, performing arts, and music. Admission to these colleges is highly competitive, requiring applicants to demonstrate exceptional creative ability and motivation through rigorous entrance examinations. Prospective students in visual arts may need to submit a portfolio of their work, while music applicants might undergo auditions and written tests. Students receive comprehensive training in their chosen disciplines, benefiting from an environment that fosters creativity and individual artistic development. 

General application requirement for a bachelor’s degree in Germany 

Gaining admission to a bachelor’s programme in Germany requires meeting specific application requirements. Here are some of the things applicants need to navigate their applications: 

1) Academic qualifications:

To qualify for bachelor’s studies, an applicant’s previous education (A Levels, the IBDP, or high school diplomas) must be equivalent to the “Hochschulzugangsberechtigung” (HZB), Germany’s higher education entrance qualification. The German Abitur is the most common type of HZB, qualifying students for admission to almost all university programmes in Germany. Other subject-specific qualifications, such as the Fachhochschulreife (specialised higher education entrance qualification), may grant access to universities of applied sciences or specific study programmes.

If the qualification is not equivalent, international students may need to attend a Studienkolleg (preparatory college) for one year and pass the Feststellungsprüfung (aptitude test) to obtain the HZB. However, some qualifications, such as the IB Certificates, do not qualify for the Studienkolleg. In that case, students keen on studying in Germany must complete year one of the bachelor’s course in their home country. 

2) Language proficiency: 

The necessity of German language proficiency when applying for an English-taught bachelor’s degree in Germany varies by university and programme. Generally, German language skills are not required for admission if the course is entirely in English. However, some institutions may recommend or mandate basic German proficiency to help students navigate daily life in Germany. 

All German universities offering English-taught programmes that do not require basic German proficiency accept IELTS and TOEFL. Remember that all German universities do not recognise other well-known English language certificates, like the Cambridge Assessment of English.

Institutions that require basic German proficiency generally accept certifications at the A1 or A2 levels (beginner levels) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Recognised tests include the Goethe-Zertifikat A1/A2 and the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ), which assesses language skills needed for everyday situations.

It’s crucial to review each university’s and programme’s language requirements, accepted tests and minimum scores, as they can differ. Detailed information is typically available on the respective institutions’ official websites. 

3) Standardised tests:

Some German universities may require international students to take the TestAS (Test for Academic Studies). This supplementary qualification typically measures general and subject-related abilities and helps German universities make fair, objective, and accurate decisions in their selection process. Taking the TestAS may improve an applicant’s chances of admission and demonstrate academic readiness and suitability for studying in Germany. 

However, many universities and programmes do not require the TestAS and prefer to focus on educational qualifications and language proficiency. Therefore, it is essential to individually review each university’s and programme’s admission requirements to determine whether the TestAS is mandatory. This information is typically available on the university’s official website or in its admission guidelines.

4) Additional documents: 

Students applying for bachelor’s degrees in Germany must submit the following documents. 

• Transcripts and certificates: Officially translated and certified copies of your academic records if they aren’t German or English
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): A detailed essay explaining your motivation, career goals, and reasons for choosing the programme.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting academic achievements, internships, and extracurricular activities. The Europass format is recommended.
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs): These letters, written by teachers or mentors, emphasise your academic potential and personal qualities. However, they are not required for public universities. 

Application process for a bachelor’s programme in Germany

Having reviewed the general requirements for pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Germany, it is time to explore the application process in detail. Understanding it is crucial for ensuring a smooth and successful experience.

1) Research universities and programmes:

Selecting the right programme and university is crucial for achieving academic and career goals. The  DAAD Database is a valuable resource for researching bachelor’s programmes in Germany, including those taught in English. It provides comprehensive information on programme content, admission requirements, and application deadlines. University websites also play an important role, offering detailed insights into programme specifics, faculty expertise, and campus facilities. Reviewing these resources enables prospective students to determine whether a programme aligns with their academic and professional aspirations. Here are a few factors to consider while conducting research:

• Programme accreditation: Ensure the programme is accredited by recognised German education authorities to guarantee the quality and international recognition of the degree.
• Academic reputation: Review university rankings and faculty research to evaluate the institution’s standing in the chosen field.
• Location and cost of living: Consider the trade-off between urban universities, which may offer better internship opportunities but have higher living expenses, and rural campuses, which are typically more affordable.
• Faculty profiles: Investigate faculty profiles carefully to assess faculty members’ qualifications and research interests at shortlisted universities. Students who engage with professors whose expertise aligns with their academic interests have a higher chance of selecting the best-fit institution and programme. 

2) Plan application submission as per timelines:

Meeting application deadlines is critical when applying for a bachelor’s programme in Germany. The country’s academic intakes operate on two primary timelines: 

Winter intake:

• Application period: Between May and July
• Notification: Between August and September

Summer intake:

• Application period: Between December and January
• Notification: Between February and March

Applicants must begin preparations well before the timeline to ensure they have all the requirements for submission. They must also confirm their chosen university’s deadlines, as some institutions may have extended or early deadlines for specific programmes. Timely submission is crucial for securing a spot, particularly for competitive fields. Early applications also provide sufficient time for corrections or adjustments, ensuring a smooth and successful process.

3) Apply via Uni-Assist:

IBDP and A Level students can apply online via Uni-Assist, a centralised platform for processing applications to over 170 German universities. Students with qualifications from Indian state boards like HSC, ISC, and CBSE must obtain an APS certification before applying via Uni-Assist. APS, a part of the German Embassy to India, evaluates applications to ensure they meet the universities’ admission criteria. This includes verifying documents, calculating grade equivalencies, and forwarding eligible applications to the respective institutions.

Applicants must confirm whether their chosen university is a Uni-Assist member and review its specific application requirements. The application process through Uni-Assist varies depending on the university’s requirements. Most universities that partner with Uni-Assist use the standard method. In this process, applicants submit their applications directly to the Uni-Assist, who evaluates them based on the university’s criteria. Following a positive evaluation, Uni-Assist electronically forwards the application to the chosen universities. The university makes the final admission decision and directly informs the applicant of the outcome. To apply to German universities through Uni-Assist, follow these steps:

• Register on My Assist: Create a personal account on uni-assist’s online portal, My Assist, which will generate a unique applicant number. 
• Complete applicant information: Enter accurate personal details and educational history to develop a My Assist profile.
• Select university and course: Use the “search courses of study” function to find and select the desired university and programme. Ensure all application questions are answered thoroughly.
• Upload documents: Upload all required documents, such as transcripts and certificates, to the My Assist account. Each document should be uploaded once and named clearly in German or English. Some universities may also require certified copies to be sent by post in addition to the online uploads. Verify each university’s specific requirements to ensure accuracy.
• Pay processing fee: After reviewing all details, pay the necessary handling fees. Once the payment and all required documents are received, Uni-Assist initiates the application’s processing.

4) Direct admissions: While many institutions use Uni-Assist for application: 

processing, others manage applications independently. For instance, the University of Europe for Applied Sciences allows direct applications through its admissions portal. Similarly, the International University of Applied Sciences guides students to apply directly to their programmes.

Given the diversity in application processes across German universities, applicants must consult the official websites of their target institutions. This ensures adherence to specific application procedures and requirements, facilitating a smoother admission process.

5) Tracking applications: 

Once an application is submitted through Uni-Assist, applicants can track its status on their My Assist dashboard. By logging into the portal, applicants can view updates on whether their documents have been received, evaluated, or forwarded to their chosen universities. Uni-Assist provides clear status updates, enabling applicants to determine whether additional actions are required or their application has progressed.

For direct applications to universities that do not use Uni-Assist, tracking depends on the specific system implemented by the institution. Most universities issue a unique application number upon submission, which allows applicants to log in to their admissions portal and monitor their application status. Applicants should retain their login credentials and regularly check the portal for updates to meet all requirements and deadlines.

Germany’s higher education system, structured yet diverse, offers students the opportunity to build a strong academic foundation while preparing for global careers. With careful planning, deadline adherence, and a proactive approach to the application process, students can seamlessly navigate the system. At The Red Pen, we guide students in exploring opportunities at leading German universities. From selecting the right programme to crafting a winning application, we support you every step of the way. Contact us, and let’s make your dream of studying in Germany a reality. Meanwhile, read our blogs: Study in Germany: 6 Compelling Reasons For International Students and 5 German Universities Offering English-Taught Bachelor’s Programmes: Everything You Need to Know.