How to apply for Admission in a German University?

Today, there are scores of students aspiring to be a graduate from a foreign university. Now, is it just for a foreign tag, or for the value the course really adds, only they can tell. However, for all the aspirants out there, the whole process can be quite intimidating, especially if it is your first time abroad or first time living on your own.

In brief, you will have to look into the list below:

1. Choose a University: This includes choosing your subject based on course content, university rank and location. The course language also plays an important role.

2. Applications: You need have all your documents ready and apply within the deadlines for either the winter or summer semesters. As part of the applications, you will need to pass the prescribed language proficiency tests. Most universities have now moved to Uni-Assist, a centralized application submission portal

3. Finances: German Universities now, charge a minimum fee for international students. However, if you are an outstanding student, it is possible to get scholarships. Nevertheless, studying in Germany will require you to open a blocked account with a minimum balance, which you can operate once you are in Germany. This is to show that you have sufficient funds to cover living costs.

4. Insurance: A number of providers offer both travel and health insurance to cover your stay in Germany. This will be needed before you apply for the visa too.

5. Visa: Visit German Missions in India for the Visa requirements. Also read Moving to Germany from India, a starter guide!

6. Accomodation: Your best bet would be finding accommodation through online portals. Joining relevant facebook pages also may give you leads. Beware of fraudulent offers, which confirm accommodation for a fee. Note that in Germany, accommodation is given only after signing a contract.

That being said, the sudden increase you see in the price you pay for day to day activities in Germany from India will surely burn a hole in your pocket. The best you can do to sustain comfortably is look out for part time jobs, which are available in plenty.

Wishing you all the very best for a new start!

Courtesy: Free Admission in German University

1 Like

Linking Germany post for ease of access https://iabroad.co/tags/germany

Choosing a University

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a very useful website to search from

1. Choose the right subject: Do thorough research and be 100% sure about your subject. Check your course contents on Google. DAAD website will be also helpful to you in this case.

2. University rankings: You may also like to consider the latest rankings of the universities while making your decision, or check the latest World University Ranking by Subject to find the top German institutions in your field.

3. Course content: You can check the course content on the university website. If there’s an area within the subject you’re particularly interested in, check whether the university has it “on its menu” or not. Alternatively, you can contact the university directly, and I am sure they will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.

4. Admission requirements: Before applying, check that your current qualifications are recognized by your chosen university. You’ll also need to check the language requirements in which language your course will be offered. Universities will usually state the score/s they require on their websites.

Courtesy: Free Admission in German University

Applications

For most subjects, you can apply directly to the international office of the university. Alternatively, you can use the website www.uni-assist.de , a centralized admissions portal for international students, run by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), although not all universities use this. You may wish to apply for numerous courses and universities separately to increase your chances of being admitted.

At many German universities it’s possible to apply for admission twice a year – to commence studies either in the winter or summer semester. Application deadlines vary between institutions, and the same institution may set different deadlines for each program – be sure to carefully check the specific dates for your chosen course.

It’s recommended to submit applications at least six weeks before the deadline, to ensure time for corrections or additions if any information is missing.

The specific documents required and application process will be set by each institution, but you’ll typically be asked to submit:

  • A certified copy of your previous degrees, and any other relevant qualifications.
  • A translated overview of your course modules and grades (transcript)
  • A passport photo
  • A copy of your passport (personal information and photo ID page)
  • Proof of language proficiency (a test certificate or online equivalent)

You might also need to pay an application fee. (not in all the universities)

Information for Uni-Assist:

Step I: Go to uni-assist applicant portal and register yourself. Once you register, you will get your uni-ASSIST applicant number.

Step II: Login to the portal with your username and password.

Step III: Fill in the standard form for your application and save it for later use. Upload all the required documents for university admission (certificates, passport copy, IELTS scorecard etc.)

Step IV: Print your completed application form and Submit it electronically.

Step V: If you are planning to apply for multiple universities, You need to fill in multiple Application forms one for each university.

Step VI: Pay the processing fee. For this, you can do an International bank transfer. Don’t forget about comments in payment description. If you prefer credit/debit card payment, the procedure is a bit strange. You need to fill out this credit card form and send it to uni-assist along with your application documents.

Step VII: Group the documents specific to the respective universities (e.g. SOP, LORs) along with application forms. Group the common documents (e.g. Certificates) separately.

Step VIII: Label the groups accordingly, include your email address and post them to uni-assist.

Step VIIII: Once your documents reach uni-assist, you will receive a confirmation mail. If your application is complete and meets all requirements, uni-assist will inform you and forward your applications to the chosen universities. After few weeks you will receive the result of your application by e-mail and/or by the post.

Essential documents for the admission in German University

If one wants to get admission in University of Germany the following documents are needed:

  • Certified copy of your Bachelor Degree
  • Certified copy of Grade Transcript
  • SOP (State of Purpose)
  • Original copy of LOR from HOD of your college/University
  • Original copy of LOR from Professor of college

In addition to the above, if the course is in english, you will need IELTS certificate and Basic German level A1 (Goethe Institute is standardized). If the course is in German, you’ll need DSH certificate or Test DAF (German language test like IELTS).

about DSH exam:

DSH means Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang. After having a B2 level of German course certificate, one is eligible for DSH exam. This exam can be given after coming here in Germany. Most of the German Universities conduct DSH exam by taking exam fee varies from 50 – 200 euros depending on University.

Score Level of DSH exam as followed,

  • DSH-1 below 66%, you might get conditional admission in some University
  • DSH-2 between 67% and 79%, essential for getting confirm admission
  • DSH-3 is more than 80 %, essential for getting confirm admission

about Test DAF exam:

There are four parts in it- Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. You have to get through all these levels and score equally. The exam pattern is almost similar as IELTS. The benefit of this exam is, it is recognized internationally and can be given anywhere in all over the world. Even in India, there are several Test DAF exam center like Pune, Bangalore, New Delhi etc.

Score level of Test DAF exam,

  • Test DAF-3 is almost similar as German B2 level
  • Test DAF-4 valid for 80% to 90% of universities
  • Test DAF-5, one will get definitely admission in German course

(NOTE: If you are good at grammer, go for DSH and if you good at German verbs then go for Test DAF)

For more Information about the criteria of German universities please click here.

Courtesy: Free Admission in German University

Finances

A blocked account is a (savings) bank account created in the name of the aspirant, to which a certain minimum balance needs to be transferred. Currently, this minimum balance is set to be €8,640(there will be some changes in the amount from year 2020.) euros for the duration of one year By the German Embassy/Consulate. Once the amount is been transferred into block account it will remain blocked until the student reaches Germany and activates his account. . After you come here in Germany, you have to do first your city registration within 2 or 3 weeks in city registration office by taking your passport, house contract and matriculation letter.

A blocked account is one of the ways by which you can prove to the German embassy that you have sufficient means to support yourself during your stay in Germany. Thus, in general, blocked account confirmation is an important document which you need to secure before going for the Visa Interview. Collect the information to compare different options ( e.g. fintiba, Deutsch Bank, Coracle, etc).

The amount to be transferred to the blocked account doesn’t include the college tuition fee. It is only for the living expenses in Germany.

Courtesy: Free Admission in German University

Insurance

Before you leave your home country you should ensure you’ve purchased health insurance to cover you during your stay in Germany. This is required both before you enroll and before you get a student visa and/or residence permit. One of the options to get insurance is TK or AOK. The price for both is similar and both are well known in Germany.

Courtesy: Free Admission in German University