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You can study in Germany in eight simple steps. Take the first one, and the others will follow. It’s always important to find the courage to begin!Ìý

Here’s a step-by-step process on what applying to study in Germany looks like:

1. Find Your Program

• Winter Intake: January – March
• Summer Intake: July – SeptemberÌý

Whether you’re applying for the winter or summer intake, finding a program is always the first step.Ìý

If you do not know where to begin, you can make a list of your preferred universities based on ranking, location, size, type, language of instruction, cost, etc. You can then search these universities’s websites to see if they have any programs you’d be interested in.Ìý

But if this seems like too much work, there are online databases where you can search for specific programs in Germany:

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When you find a program that has potential, you can head over to the next step — check eligibility & requirements.

2. Check Eligibility & »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵֱ²¥Ìý

• Winter Intake: January – March
• Summer Intake: July – SeptemberÌý

Once you find your program, checking requirements and eligibility is pretty simple. You just have to see what the university program page lists. If such information is not available in detail, you must contact the university for further information via email.

Some students might have to attend a Studienkolleg, a one-year preparatory program for those whose qualifications do not match the direct entry requirements to German universities. To see if your qualifications match, you can check the . The page is in German, but you can right-click and choose the ‘Translate to English’ option.Ìý

3. Enter Language TestsÌý

• Winter Intake: April – May
• Summer Intake: October – NovemberÌý

The third step is entering language tests. Now, if the program you have chosen is in English, you must show proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. If English was the language of instruction at your previous university, you can provide proof of this without having to submit any test scores.

On the other hand, if the program you are interested in is taught entirely in German, you must show proof of German proficiency. Some of the certificates that German universities accept are:Ìý

• DSH (proficiency level DSH II is usually sufficient).
• TestDaF.
• Goethe-Institut Certificates.
• The DSD German language diploma.

Remember that the proficiency level depends on each institution and program of study, so you will have to confirm this with your chosen university.

So, this is a good time to enter any tests, if necessary, so you can be fully prepared when the application period approaches.

4. Prepare Your Application

• Winter Intake: April – May
• Summer Intake: October – NovemberÌý

Start preparing your application, make sure you have the important documents, including:

• University application form (filled out).
• Academic transcripts.
• Letter of Motivation.
• Letter of Recommendation.
• Proof of language proficiency (where required).
• Valid passport & passport photo.

If needed, you may have to submit translated versions of your documents.Ìý

Just make sure to always check with your university to see whether you need to submit any other specific document.

5. Submit Your Application

• Winter Intake: May – July (by July 15th)
• Summer Intake: November – January (by January 15th)

This, check. That, check! Make sure you submit all necessary documents. You have spent a lot of time preparing you application and getting ready, so this part is important.Ìý

Contact your university to see how you can submit your application. Most German universities are part of the national university online application platform known as UniAssist. In addition to this, there are universities that run their own online admission platform on their website.

You must submit your application once the call for application is opened and then wait for the admission letter. Depending on what level of studies you’re pursuing in Germany, the application procedures vary slightly. But we’re prepared:

• How To Apply For A Bachelor’s Degree in Germany?Ìý
• How To Apply For A Master’s Degree in Germany?
• How to Apply For A PhD in Germany?

6. Receive Admission Results

• Winter Intake: July – September
• Summer Intake: January – MarchÌý

You can expect your admission results after the deadline for applications closes (some time in the following month, depending on the university). If you find that you have gotten in, this is the perfect time to start preparing for the visa application process.

7. Get Your German Student Visa

• Winter Intake: July – September
• Summer Intake: January – MarchÌý

If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, you will need a visa to study in Germany (with some exceptions — read our detailed guide on student visa requirements for international students in Germany).Ìý

Two main requirements of the student visa in Germany are proof of financial means and proof of health insurance:

Proof of Financial Means

You must have a minimum of €11,904 which is estimated to be enough for you to cover the cost of living for the first year of your studies. This amount of money needs to be deposited into a German Blocked Bank Account.Ìý

Instead of a German blocked bank account, you can also present a document showing your parent’s income and financial status, a Scholarship Certificate, a Letter of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung), or a bank guarantee.

Proof of Health InsuranceÌý

Along with other documents, the German embassy/consulate in your home country will also require you to get a travel health insurance policy before granting you a student visa.

8. Prepare for Departure & Arrival

• Winter Intake: September
• Summer Intake: March

This is one of the best parts of the whole process, although it can be a little stressful.Ìý

Secure Accommodation

You know you’ve gained admission, you got the visa, and now all that’s left is securing accommodation so you have a place to stay once you get to Germany.

There are three main types of student accommodation in Germany:Ìý

• Student Halls of Residence (Dormitories)
• Shared Apartments (WG)
• Private Rentals

Regardless of which one you prefer, with the first one being the cheapest and the last one being the most expensive, you must start your accommodation search early!Ìý

For example, most dormitories have online applications which you can send as early as six months in advance. So, if that’s your preference, know that it can get competitive — but it is not impossible.Ìý

> We have a detailed guide on student accommodation in Germany; be sure to read it carefully.

After Arrival

There are three main things you need to do once you arrive in Germany:

• Sort Out Health Insurance.
• Enroll at University.
• Register Your Address & Get Your Residence Permit.

Winter Intake in German Universities TimelineÌý

If you want to apply for your studies in Germany during the winter intake, here’s what the process will look like on a month-to-month basis:

Summer Intake in German Universities Timeline

If you want to apply for your studies in Germany during the summer intake, here’s what the process will look like on a month-to-month basis:

Conclusion

Has studying in Germany started to feel quite realistic now? I’m pretty sure it has!

When you want to achieve your dreams, it may feel difficult at the beginning, but all that matters is that you take it one step at a time. Soon, you will realize that it wasn’t so difficult after all!

»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵֱ²¥ for »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵֱ²¥: 9 Important Steps