# Apply to German Universities via uni-assist
Start your journey to studying in Germany with confidence. This step-by-step guide explains how to apply through **uni-assist**, the central platform used by many German universities to process international applications. 

## What is uni-assist?

In simple terms: it’s your first step to getting accepted into a German university. uni-assist is a centralised application platform used by 150 German universities to evaluate your previous international qualifications. It ensures your documents meet German academic standards before passing them on to universities. 

## What types of programmes can you apply for?

You can search and apply for the following types of study programmes:

- Bachelor
- Staatsexamen - A specific type of degree in Germany for medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacology, law, food chemistry and teaching degrees
- Master
- Studienkolleg – preparatory courses for undergraduate studies
- Preparatory German language course
- Introductory courses (e.g. a Propädeutikum) to prepare you for future studies
- Studying in Germany as a refugee

## Step-by-step application process

The process with uni-assist follows **6 key steps:**

### 1. Collect information in advance

- Research your chosen programme(s) and confirm that the university uses [uni-assist](https://www.uni-assist.de/en/tools/uni-assist-universities/#tablink-35395a393615112c5180111261)
- Check the entry academic and language requirements for each programme
- Each university sets its own criteria, so always check their website directly first. 

### 2. Plan your application

- Check application deadlines
- Prepare for additional requirements (e.g. VPD – preliminary review of document)
- Apply early - minimum 8 weeks before the official deadline

### 3. Prepare your documents
Typical documents include:
- Academic certificates and transcripts 
    - You can submit one or more of the following: 
        - school leaving certificate
        - proof of having passed a university entry exam in your country
        - certificate or a diploma for previous university studies from outside Germany, and information regarding the grading system used by your university for that degree
- Language certificates 
    - All universities accept the following language certificates for German:
        - DSH
        - TestDaF
        - Certificates issued by the Goethe-Institut
        - The DSD German language diploma
    - The following certificates are accepted for English:
        - IELTS - Universities require a certain minimum score for the IELTS
        - TOEFL - There are 3 different types of TOEFL. Universities require a minimum score for each of them
        - Cambridge English language certificates FCE, CAE, and CPE
        - Proof that English was the language of instruction at your university / previous degree 
    - CV and letter of motivation (if required)
You may also need:
- Certified copies
- Official translations
Requirements vary by programme and university, so please double-check for each application you plan to submit.

### 4. Apply online via the My assist Portal

Register and create your personal My assist account with your own uni-assist applicant number. You will use this account for all your applications, including applications for multiple semesters. 
- Fill in your personal and academic details
- Choose your universities and programmes
- Upload all required documents
You can apply to multiple programmes, but each requires a separate application. 

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[uni-assist](https://my.uni-assist.de/)
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### 5. Pay all application fees

- Processing starts only after payment is received
- Fees apply per application (first + additional applications)
- Cost for the first chosen course of study: EUR 75.00 
- For each additional chosen course of study: EUR 30.00 
- Payment methods
- Visa or Mastercard
- Online bank transfer
- Refunds - you can receive credit in the following cases:
- You paid too much.
- You paid for the processing of an application that is free of charge for you.
- You have withdrawn your application before we have processed it.

### 6. Submit Documents & Track Your Application

Some universities require **submission of certified copies per post**
- Track your application status in your account
- Processing usually takes **4–6 weeks**

Once reviewed, uni-assist forwards your application to the universities.

## How long does it take?

- Preparation: 2 - 6 weeks
- uni-assist processing: 4 - 6 weeks
- University decision: varies

**Total: Plan at least 2 - 3 months**

## Important tips for success

- Not all universities use uni-assist – always check first
- Some universities require a VPD, meaning you apply both via uni-assist and directly to the university
- Apply early (at least 8 weeks before the programme’s deadline)
- Documents are not returned, so never send originals
- Make sure translations are officially certified

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## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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  {{< faq_item question="What is a VPD?" >}}
A VPD (Vorprüfungsdokumentation) is a pre-evaluation of your qualifications required by some universities before applying directly to them.
  {{< /faq_item >}}
  {{< faq_item question="Can I apply to multiple universities?" >}}
Yes, but each application requires a separate submission and fee.
  {{< /faq_item >}}
  {{< faq_item question="How long does uni-assist take to process applications?" >}}
Typically 4–6 weeks, but it can take longer during peak periods.
  {{< /faq_item >}}
  {{< faq_item question="Do I need to send physical documents?" >}}
Some universities require certified hard copies - others accept digital uploads only.
  {{< /faq_item >}}
  {{< faq_item question="Why apply via uni-assist?" >}}
The benefit of using uni-assist is that you can apply to multiple universities easily. This ensures your documents meet German standards and reduces errors and delays in applications.
  {{< /faq_item >}}
  {{< faq_item question="How much does an application cost?" >}}
The fee for your first chosen course of study is EUR 75.00, and every additional one costs EUR 30.00.
  {{< /faq_item >}}
{{< /faq >}}