Jurisdiction, requirements and limitations

Where you send your application depends on two factors: where you graduated from high school, and which subject you want to study. There are three different institutions that are responsible for applications: the , (Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung ), the (Arbeits- und Servicestelle für Internationale Studienbewerbungen (uni-assist) and the higher education institution itself.

Admissions restrictions

Even if you meet the overall requirements for studying in Germany, it does not mean you will automatically be granted a place in your desired programme. For many programmes there are far more applications than places.

Admission restrictions (Zulassungsbeschränkung) set forth who is qualified to specific fields of study. They can be adjusted locally, and only apply to certain universities. However, restrictions can also be determined nationwide.

Five tips to a successful application

Documents, costs and deadlines

At the international office of your university or college, you can find out how the application process works, and which documents you need to submit. Depending on the application, forms and information material are available at the university, in the application portal or at the University Admissions Foundation, .

What do applications cost?

Remember to plan costs for the certifications and German exams that you may still have to take. There are also often fees for the application itself. If you apply via uni-assist, the certificate evaluation and the first preliminary examination of the documents cost 75 euros. Each additional application in one semester costs 15 euros, per university.

At the school itself, a processing fee is also charged for checking and administering you application documents. Your application can only be processed after you have paid the fee. Applying to the University Admissions Foundation (Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung) is free of charge.