## How to apply for German universities at a glance:

1. Select German universities and degree programmes that match your goals, using the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for guidance.

2. Understand the admission requirements of each university, such as the need for higher education entrance qualifications or Studienkolleg attendance.

3. Prove language proficiency in the instruction language—German or English—through standardised tests.

4. Gather necessary application documents, including a high school diploma, language proficiency proof, and a motivation letter.

5. Submit applications via direct university channels, Uni-assist, or the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung, as appropriate.

6. Adhere to application deadlines—typically July 15th for winter and January 15th for summer—and verify them with each university.

7. Accept an offer, confirm your place, obtain a student visa, secure health insurance, and arrange accommodation.

8. Complete in-person enrolment, pay the semester fee, and begin your studies in Germany.

Planning to pursue your studies in Germany, the heart of innovative education and cultural diversity? You're making a wise decision! As the preferred destination for ambitious students globally, Germany offers unparalleled academic and career prospects - it's truly a great study abroad destination. At IU, you have the added advantage of a higher education institution that allows you to prioritise your studies along with work.

*Ensure that your mandatory in-person lectures are compatible with your working hours.

APs Application Process

## 1. Choose the Right University and Programme

Ready to start your university application in Germany? The first step is key: choosing the right university and university degree that fit your academic and career goals. Wondering where to start?

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a helpful tool.
It gives you a detailed database of programmes and schools across Germany. Whether you’re into engineering, business, arts, or sciences, you will find DAAD provides thorough descriptions to help you make your decision.

Are you also looking for programmes in English with an easy application process? When it comes to public universities in Germany, the options for English taught higher education programmes are quite limited. IU International University of Applied Sciences is your go-to option here. IU is a private university focused on providing quality higher education to international students, offering career-focused programmes in English. Our goal is to make German quality standard higher education accessible and available to foreign students. Our application process is more straightforward than many public universities, allowing you to get started with your studies quicker and more easily.

### IU’s Quick Application Process in a nutshell

IU's application process is quick, easy and stress-free, in contrast to most German universities! Don't believe us? Here's the breakdown:
1) Get to know us and our programmes.

2) Choose your desired programme.

3) Online application. Find out the application requirements based on whether you are choosing a bachelor, master or MBA programme.

4) Upload your documents.

5) Document review for eligibility check.

6) Book your 15-minute online interview, you’ll receive an invitation from our admissions team.

7) Sign your study contract and pay your one-time campus registration fee.
We do not charge any processing fee and there are no extra hidden costs when you apply to IU!
IU offers a brilliant array of English-taught courses designed with global job markets in mind, setting you on a direct path to career success after graduation.

Download the brochure

## 2. Check Admission Requirements

Each university in Germany has its own set of admission requirements and application documents tailored to their programmes. Therefore, it’s critical to check what is specifically needed for the programme you're interested in. Usually, you need a Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB), or a higher education entrance qualification, like your high school diploma or its equivalent.

Dealing with International Qualifications

What if your academic background is from outside the EU? In that case, there may be admission restrictions and your qualifications might require additional assessment. Often, this involves undergoing an entrance examination after you complete a preparatory course, known as Studienkolleg. This step ensures that your previous education aligns with German higher education standards.

Preparing in advance for these requirements can greatly smooth your application process. Make sure to gather the correct documents and understand what’s expected. Are your qualifications ready and valid for studying in Germany? Ensuring you meet these criteria is your key to a successful application.

## 3. Navigating Language Requirements

When applying to a German university, demonstrating proficiency in the German language is crucial. For most undergraduate programmes taught in German, international students must pass language proficiency tests such as TestDaF or DSH. But what about programmes in English?

For English-taught programs, the common requirements include TOEFL or IELTS test scores to assess your English language proficiency. At IU, our programmes (bachelors, masters and MBAs) are English-taught, and all our student-facing communication is in English.

### Simplified Language Requirements at IU

At IU, we've streamlined our language requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible. Here, the emphasis isn’t just on meeting the criteria—we focus extensively on supporting your successful integration and academic success, whatever your native language.

For IU's bachelor, master and MBA programmes, our skills would need to match the B2 level of the Common European Framework (CEF). To asses this, we accept the following English language skills certificates*:

Bachelor programmes:

- IELTS (at least 6.0 points)

- TOEFL (at least 80 points)

- Cambridge certificate (B2 First with min. score of 169)

Master and MBA programmes:

- IELTS (at least 6.5 points)

- TOEFL (at least 90 points)

- Cambridge certificate (B2 First with min. score of 176)

*Proof cannot be older than 2 years.

Thinking of applying but worried about language tests? Let IU help you overcome those hurdles and guide you towards excelling in your chosen field.

## 4. Gathering Your Application Materials

To ensure a smooth application process, it's essential to prepare and organise all the documents. Here's a checklist of the typical documents most universities require:

- A certified copy of your high school diploma or any prior degrees.

- A translated summary of course modules and grades.

- Evidence of language proficiency such as language certificates —make sure to have your test results certified!

- A motivation letter, where you'll express your reasons for choosing the programme and your future aspirations.

- A clear copy of your passport along with a recent passport-sized photo.

- An application fee, if required by the university.

## 5. Submit Your Application

### Where to Apply (German Universities):

- Directly to the University: This is common for programmes without admission restrictions. Simply send your documents straight to the university’s admissions office.

- Through Uni-assist: For a streamlined application process, many German universities utilise Uni-assist
  . This platform consolidates your application materials and forwards them to the universities of your choice.

- Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung (Foundation for University Admissions): This is especially relevant for nationally restricted courses, such as medicine or pharmacy, where admissions are highly competitive.

It's helpful to be aware that resources like DAAD, Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung are more useful to find German-taught, rather than English-taught programmes and to research about any local admission restrictions for your programme in Germany. You could also reach out to their international office for details.

Remember, universities like IU often have a different, more straightforward application process compared to public universities. This can ease the burden significantly for international applicants.

Discover our degree programmes

IU International University of Applied Sciences offers 10 programmes with over 15 specialisations in Bachelor's, Master's and MBA degrees.

On campus Bachelor's On Campus Master's On Campus MBAs

## 6. Keeping Track of Application Deadlines

Staying on top of application deadlines is crucial for a successful university application. However, it's important to note that these deadlines may vary depending on the university and programme. Beginning your application process well in advance offers you plenty of time to gather all necessary documents and address any unexpected challenges or requests for additional information.

At IU, we have two intake periods: October and April. Keep your calendars marked, and plan your application process accordingly.

## 7. Accept Your Offer and Prepare for Your Move

Congratulations on your acceptance! Here are the key steps to take next:

1. Confirm Your Acceptance and Pay Tuition Fees: Promptly confirm your spot and complete any necessary fee payments to secure your enrolment.

2. Apply for a Student Visa: Depending on where you're from and how long you plan to stay, the requirements for a student visa can vary. Visit the German consulate or embassy website for the most accurate and detailed information.

3. Secure Health Insurance: In Germany, health insurance is compulsory for all students. Make sure to arrange this before your arrival to be covered from day one.

4. Find Accommodation: Housing in university towns can be scarce and tends to fill up quickly. Start your search early to find a suitable and convenient place to live. Consider both university dorms and private housing options.

## 8. Enrol and Start Your Classes

Once you've paid the fee, travelled to Germany and settled into your new home, your next step is to officially enrol at the university. Usually, this involves physically submitting your documents to the administration. After enrolment, you’re all set to start attending classes and embarking on your new academic journey! Remember, the early days are a perfect chance to explore the campus, meet peers, and acclimate yourself to the new academic environment.

Take a peek at our campuses in Cologne and Berlin!

### How to Apply for German Universities: Closing Thoughts

Applying to a German university can be a detailed and stringent process, but it's manageable with the right information and preparation. For an easier transition and application process, consider options like IU International, where the focus is on equipping you with the skills needed for a global career landscape.

#### Why IU’s Application Process is Simple:

In brief, here's why applying to IU is considerably easier and more efficient:

- Free and Online: Traditional universities often have application and processing fees that can drain your finances upfront. In contrast, IU’s entire admission process is free.

- Minimal Documentation: While many public universities require certified physical copies of your documents, affecting your convenience and timeline, IU aims for minimal doc checks, favouring online uploads instead.

- No Hidden Costs: Unlike the often-obscure fee structures of traditional systems, there are no extra hidden costs when you enrol with IU.

- Quick Contract Processing: You can immediately focus on your studies post-contract with IU, unlike long notification times at some universities.

IU radically streamlines your transition from applicant to student. By trimming unnecessary red tape and shortening the timeline between application and nagging administrative tasks, we place our students at the forefront, right where they belong.

Embark on an educational journey with IU—it’s simple, swift, and student-centric. Experience first-hand why our process is all about enhancing, not encumbering, your academic ambitions!

## VFS Global Education Services

Navigating visa applications can feel overwhelming, VFS Global Education Services can help streamline the process by simplifying your visa applciation and ensuring you meet all requirements. Here is what VFS Global Education Services can do for prospective IU students:

- Comprehensive Visa Assistance – VFS Global Education Services supports you with your visa application, including form completion, financial verification, and document preparation.

- Personalized Support – Within 48 hours of your admission, you’ll receive expert guidance via email and/or WhatsApp to ensure a smooth application process.

- Free of Charge – All services, including document reviews, compliance checks, and visa appointment scheduling, are completely free for you.

- Reapplication Support – If your visa gets refused, VFS Global Education Services helps you with one free reapplication to improve your chances of approval.

For more details on how VFS Global Education Services supports IU students, visit our Visa Assistance page.

This article was last updated in January 2026.

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