Key takeaways
  • Many German universities use uni-assist to check international applications.
  • Some universities ask for a VPD, a preliminary review document, which you then submit to them.
  • Deadlines for the winter semester are often between 31 May and 15 July.
  • Apply at least six weeks before the deadline, because checks take time.

If you apply to German universities from India, you will probably meet uni-assist. It is a service that checks international certificates for many universities, so each university doesn't have to.

Two ways uni-assist works

  • Full application: you apply through uni-assist, it checks your documents and forwards the application to the university.
  • VPD (preliminary review documentation): uni-assist checks your documents and issues a VPD with your converted grade. You then apply directly to the university with it.

The programme page of your university says which one it uses. Some universities don't use uni-assist at all.

How to apply

  1. Shortlist programmes and check their method. Write down for each: uni-assist or direct, deadline, language test, documents.
  2. Prepare certified documents. Degree, transcripts, school certificates, APS certificate and language test.
  3. Create your uni-assist account and upload. Select each programme, pay the fee and submit.
  4. Track the status. Answer quickly if uni-assist asks for missing documents.

Deadlines

Many universities close winter semester applications between 31 May and 15 July, and summer semester applications around 15 January. Restricted programmes can close earlier. uni-assist recommends applying well before the deadline, because the check itself takes weeks.

Common mistakes

  • Uploading uncertified copies when certified ones are required.
  • Waiting for final results instead of applying with current transcripts.
  • Applying to a programme whose required subjects you don't have.

Common questions

Is the uni-assist fee per university?

There is a fee for the first application and a lower fee for each additional one in the same semester. Check the current fees on the uni-assist site.

Can I apply to the same university through uni-assist twice?

You can apply to several programmes, but each has to be selected separately.

Does uni-assist decide my admission?

No. It checks your documents; the university decides.

Sources

Written by Swapnil (Samadhan Mule)

I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.