Study in Germany — the complete guide
From choosing between public and private universities to uni-assist, APS, deadlines, the blocked account, your visa and the path from graduation into work — with links to official sources at every step.
Public vs. private vs. universities of applied sciences
Public universities (Universität) are research-oriented and usually tuition-free (you pay only a semester fee of roughly €150–400; Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500/semester). Universities of applied sciences (Hochschule/HAW/FH) are practice-oriented, also mostly public and low-cost. Private universities charge tuition (often €5,000–20,000/year) but offer more English-taught programmes, rolling admission and smaller classes.
A Studienkolleg is a one-year foundation course for applicants whose school-leaving certificate is not directly recognised for German university entry.
How applications work: uni-assist, VPD & direct
Many public universities process international applications through uni-assist, which checks your documents and converts your grades. Some ask uni-assist only for a VPD (a preliminary documentation / grade conversion) and then you apply directly. Others take direct applications through their own portal. Each application has handling fees (uni-assist ≈ €75 for the first, €30 for each further). Always follow the specific university's instructions.
Grade conversion usually follows the "modified Bavarian formula", turning your GPA into the German 1.0–4.0 scale (1.0 is best). Deadlines cluster around 15 July for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester, but vary by university and programme.
Requirements: recognition, language & APS
- Degree recognition: check your school/university in anabin; unclear cases need a ZAB Statement of Comparability.
- Language: English-taught programmes usually need IELTS ~6.5 or TOEFL ~90; German-taught programmes need TestDaF (≈ TDN 4) or DSH-2, roughly C1.
- APS certificate: mandatory for applicants from some countries (e.g. China, India, Vietnam) before a study visa — check your APS office's rules.
- Certified translations of your certificates by a sworn translator are usually required.
Funding, blocked account, insurance & the student visa
For the student visa you prove funds — usually a blocked account of €11,904 for one year (2026), releasing ~€992/month. You also need health insurance (student public insurance under 30, otherwise expat/private). DAAD lists scholarships. After you receive an offer you apply for the visa via the Consular Services Portal, then enrol on arrival.
After the offer & common rejection reasons
Once you have an offer: accept it, pay the semester fee, apply for the visa, arrange the blocked account and insurance, book accommodation, then enrol. Common rejection reasons are missing or uncertified documents, grades or language scores below the cut-off, missed deadlines, an unrecognised qualification, or an incomplete uni-assist file — the official checklists below help you avoid them.
Where to go next
Use the official sources below to search programmes, check recognition and confirm requirements. You apply directly with the university or via uni-assist — no account or agent in between.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Is GermanyBound uni-assist or an authority?
No. GermanyBound is not uni-assist, and not a German authority or university. We provide independent, source-based information only.
Do you apply for me or arrange admission?
No. GermanyBound does not currently offer paid application or placement services. You apply yourself, directly with the university or via uni-assist.
Do you guarantee admission, a scholarship or a visa?
No. Those are decided solely by universities and authorities.