Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for German Universities
- Admin Abyaas
- Oct 11
- 4 min read
Planning to study in Germany ? That’s a great decision — Germany offers world-class education, globally recognised degrees, and affordable tuition fees. But before you get there, you’ll need to navigate an application process that’s structured, document-heavy, and time-sensitive.
This guide will walk you step by step through the complete admission process for German universities, including APS certificate verification, Uni-Assist applications, and visa planning.
At Abyaas Institute, we not only help you learn German — we also guide you through the university application process to ensure you meet every requirement on time.
Step 1 – Understand the Academic Calendar
German universities usually have two major intakes:
💡 Tip: Most Indian students apply for the Winter intake (October) because it aligns with graduation timelines and offers more program choices.
If you’re targeting Winter next year, you should start preparing by September this year.
Step 2 – Choose the Right Program & University
Germany offers 17,000+ degree programs — in both English and German.Choose your program based on:
Field of study (Engineering, Management, Sciences, etc.)
Language of instruction (English-taught or German-taught)
University type (Public, Private, Fachhochschule, Technische Universität)
Resources to Explore:
DAAD Database
Uni-Assist Course Finder
University websites
Public vs Private Universities
Public universities are tuition-free but have stricter requirements and longer APS verification times.
Private universities charge fees (€8,000–€20,000/year) but tend to process APS and admission decisions faster, which helps students who start late in the cycle.
Step 3 – Collect and Verify Your Academic Documents (APS Certificate)
For Indian students, the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certificate is mandatory for applying to any German university.
What is APS?
APS verifies your Indian academic documents and confirms their authenticity for German universities.
How to Apply for APS (India):
Visit https://aps-india.de/
Create an account and fill in your details.
Upload required documents:
10th, 12th, and Bachelor’s transcripts
Degree certificate / provisional certificate
Language proficiency proof (if any)
Pay the fee (₹18,000 approx.)
Courier the hard copies to APS India (New Delhi).
Processing Time:
Public universities: Usually 6–8 weeks.
Private universities: Often processed sooner (within 3–4 weeks) as they directly coordinate with APS for faster admission cycles.
💡 Pro Tip: Apply for APS before December this year if you’re targeting the October next year intake.
Step 4 – Apply for German Universities via Uni-Assist or Directly
Most public universities use the Uni-Assist portal to evaluate international applications.
How Uni-Assist Works
Uni-Assist acts as a centralised application service that checks your documents for eligibility.
You can apply to multiple universities with one account.
Documents You’ll Need:
APS certificate
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
CV and Motivation Letter
Language certificates (English or German)
Passport copy
Apply early! It can take 4–6 weeks for Uni-Assist to process your file.
Step 5 – Meet Language Requirements
Language plays a key role in your application and visa approval.
Even if your course is in English, universities strongly recommend A2 or B1 German for communication and integration. At Abyaas Institute, we prepare you for both Goethe and TELC certifications (A1–B2), ensuring your language skills meet admission and visa standards.
Step 6 – Get Admission Offer & Blocked Account
Once you receive your admission letter, you can start your visa preparation.
You’ll need to open a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) to prove you can support yourself financially.
💶 Current requirement (2025):€11,208 per year (approx. ₹10–11 lakhs)
Popular providers:
Expatrio
Fintiba
Coracle
Make sure to also arrange health insurance and accommodation proof as part of your visa documents.
Step 7 – Apply for a German Student Visa
Once APS and admission are ready, book your VFS or Embassy appointment.
Required Documents:
Admission Letter
APS Certificate
Blocked Account Confirmation
Health Insurance
Passport
Language Certificates
Proof of Financial Means
Statement of Purpose
Visa interviews often include questions about your motivation, language level, and study plan — so be well-prepared.
Step 8 – Plan Your Departure & Pre-Arrival Checklist
Confirm accommodation (university dorm or private flat)
Attend pre-departure orientation (offered by DAAD or Abyaas)
Carry copies of all academic and visa documents
Have a few printed resumes for internship fairs
Bonus: How Abyaas Helps You Through the Process
At Abyaas Institute of Foreign Languages, we don’t just teach German —we mentor, guide, and prepare you for every step of your study-abroad journey.
We help you:
Learn German (A1–B2) with live classes and exam prep
Understand the APS process and Uni-Assist application
Shortlist universities (public & private)
Guide you to Prepare your SOP, LOR, and resume
Get visa guidance and document review
Our goal: To make your journey from India to Germany smooth, confident, and 100% guided.
Conclusion – Start Early, Stay Ahead
Applying to German universities isn’t complicated — it’s structured.If you start early, plan smartly, and meet each step on time, you can secure admission easily for the intake.
Remember: APS first, Uni-Assist next, and visa after — with German language learning running in parallel. “In Germany, those who plan early and prepare well always have the smoother journey.”
🔗 Next Step:
Continue your journey with 👉 Timeline for Admission to German Universities: Plan Month by Month
Join
to get both language and university guidance under one roof.
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