Will my students be accepted by a German university?
Will your students’ high-school qualification grant them admission to a university course in Germany? And which of the many application platforms should they use?
Angela Collins
As in many countries, applications to Germany are a matter of “it depends”.
While there are some general guidelines and truths to the system, it is often best to consult with the local or state authorities before applying. These are called Zeugnisanerkennungsstelle (or ZAK for short), and each state has its own. These offices assess a student’s qualifications and give an equivalency or statement of comparison to the German Abitur (school-leaving qualification).
The Kultur Ministerium (KMK) operates at a federal level and has released documents identifying which courses are required in order for high-school students to receive qualification comparisons or equivalency. The basics of the German education system are explained here.
The 2022 document outlining the IB course selections that allow for direct university admission in Germany are attached to this guide. It is worth noting that this document can be updated at any time, and a newer version might already be available.
Studying in Germany: how to apply
In order to search for options to study in Germany, one must understand that there are several platforms available. German students typically use the HochschuleStart platform for the application process, and they can also use it for planning. German and international students can use Hochschulkompass and DAAD to search for various opportunities.
All international students (including any German student who has studied and will graduate from an international school – unless it’s a German school abroad) complete their applications via Uni-Assist. Uni-Assist can also help students gain a VPD (a preliminary documentation review), and it is an excellent tool to help foreigners understand the application process.
According to DAAD’s search engine, there are 351 English-taught undergraduate degree programmes in Germany. These include private and public post-secondary institutions.
The DAAD site allows students to take a closer look at the programmes, entrance requirements and costs involved.
Costs and scholarships
Tuition at German public universities ranges from the cost of student-union fees (these can be as low as €300 [£256] and are inclusive of transport costs in the region) to a tuition fee that is dependent on the programme requirements.
While scholarships to German universities aren’t as common as they are in many other countries, some are available. Typically, most funding is offered for those at postgraduate level, although there are some that are searchable on the site for those at the undergraduate level. Bear in mind that some of these are nationality specific and linked to particular government initiatives to assist those from marginalised populations.
Application timeline
The timeline for German applications is different from that in North America and some other European countries, such as the UK or Ireland. German applications typically open in March of the calendar year of attendance and close in July.
Students might not receive notification until days before (or, in some cases, after) the start of the semester. This can make finding housing a challenge, because campus-based housing is virtually unheard of. Students find housing through social media sites or via student services offices on campus. These are called VGs (pronounced vay-gay), from which many students will rent apartments or houses together for reasonable fees.
Once a student has their acceptance to a full-time university or Studienkolleg (this is a preparatory year for direct entry to a programme), they can apply for their visa. A number of documents need to be prepared. An extensive list, with guidance on the application process, is available here.
Seeking specialist advice
The process for applying to study in Germany and ensuring that courses are lined up to prepare a student for success can seem overwhelming. With that in mind, it’s often best to seek assistance from guidance counsellors and post-secondary advisers in Germany.
One of the best places to gain access is through Facebook, where there is a group called Germany Higher Education Counselling and Admissions. It’s a private group, which means that you’ll have to be invited by an existing member – but it’s worth asking around to see if any colleagues are members. Members of the group are exceedingly helpful and respond swiftly to queries.