Study in Germany: How to Apply for Public Universities

Studying abroad is more than just earning a degree. It is also about expanding your horizons with invaluable global exposure, and growing personally alongside your academic and professional journey. While it is commonly believed that an education abroad is associated with a hefty price tag (and not entirely without reason), it is equally true that international education is now becoming increasingly accessible even for students from middle income families. Dreaming of a world-class education without the burden of sky-high tuition fees? Study in Germany, home to 250+ public universities that offer 2000+ programs (taught in English and German), world-class academic and research infrastructure. The top universities in Germany host a thriving diverse global cohort, where students bring their unique insights and perspectives. This not only makes your education more interactive but also immersive, offering hands-on experiences that go beyond textbooks.

Most public universities in Germany are recognized worldwide. How is it that they are surprisingly affordable? That’s because these universities receive state funding and strongly believe in equal access to education. You can pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and even Doctoral programs through these public universities.

However, researching your way through is important before you decide where (and how) to apply. This blog walks you through the step-by-step process of how to study in Germany at one of the top public universities in the country. First things first; you must know which documents you’ll need before you take the first step.

Documents Needed

1. Proof of education qualification

   • For Bachelor’s, you must possess a Higher Secondary (12th grade) certificate. In case you are from the CBSE Board, you will need one year of undergraduate study after 12th. This is so because students in Germany complete 13 years of school before entering university. In case you do not have this undergraduate year, you may need what is called ‘Studienkolleg’, which is the preparatory course to bridge the gap between your academic level and the German university entry standard.

   • For Master’s, you will need a recognized undergraduate degree, equivalent to a German Bachelor’s. This must include mark sheets/transcripts of all semesters

2. Proof of Language Proficiency

   • For English taught programs, you must prove your English language proficiency through either IELTS (minimum score of 6.0–6.5), TOEFL (typically 80–100) or Cambridge English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency).

     Note: Some universities may waive this requirement if your previous education was entirely in English, for which you have to submit a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate.

   • For degrees taught in German, you have to prove your proficiency in the language either through TestDaF (level 4 in all sections), DSH (Level 2 or 3, depending on the university), Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or C2 or telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule.

     Note: Most Bachelor’s programs in public universities are taught in German, so this is essential unless you’re applying for one of the few English-taught ones.

3. APS Certificate

   The APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate is a document issued by the German Embassy, or its designated agency, that verifies the authenticity of your academic documents, and confirms your eligibility to study in Germany as per the country’ academic standards. It is a mandatory document required during the visa application process. Applying at the APS India website (https://aps-india.de/) for your document verification is the first step.

4. Health Insurance

   This is a legal requirement for all international students, to proceed with their University enrolment as well as for the Visa process when you plan to study in Germany.

   • Students below the age of 30 can get Statutory (Public) Health Insurance. Most students in Bachelor’s/Master’s programs at top universities in Germany choose this option

   • Students above the age of 30 can get Private Health Insurance. Usually those pursuing language courses or Studienkolleg students opt for this.

   • If you already possess a health insurance from your country, and offer the minimum coverage as mandated by the German University, it would usually suffice for the visa. However, most top Universities in Germany do not accept anything other than German-approved health insurance plans only. So, it is better to take a German insurance plan also because they offer better coverage for medical services, hospitalization, and emergencies during your stay, which is more commensurate with your requirements as a full-time student.

   • In some special cases, such as if your existing insurance policy offers equivalent coverage, you may apply for an exemption. However, this is subject to approval by a statutory health insurer in Germany. Policies may vary; so it is best to check.

5. Blocked Account

   A ‘Blocked Account’ (aka ‘Sperrkonto’) is a special type of bank account required by German authorities as proof of financial resources for international students; without this, your visa process to study in Germany cannot move forward. The account proves that you have enough funds to support yourself, covering living expenses like rent, food, insurance, etc, during your stay in Germany.

   A certain amount (€11,208 per year as on 2024-2025) is needed in this account. A blocked account is created in such a way so that only a portion of the amount can be withdrawn each month, for the living expenses.

   The blocked account is opened separately with approved providers. The amount released every month is then transferred to your ‘Girokonto’, which is the German equivalent of a ‘Savings Account’ in India. This amount can be used for everyday transactions. So you should know which bank to create the initial blocked account in, and which bank account to use for daily expenditure.

   Whom to ask where to open the blocked account in? For this, you can check the official website of the German Consulate in your country or your University’s International Office (some universities may have preferred partners). For such information, you can also contact DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service).

   Note: More on DAAD later in the blog.

6. Passport

   Needless to say, a valid passport is required for any international degree. Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Germany.

   A clear scanned copy of your passport photo and details page is required not only for the University application and Visa, but also for APS certificate application and setting up the Blocked Account.

7. Other documents

   Just like most international Universities, Public Universities in Germany also require a CV (Europass format is preferred), a Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Personal Statement and Letters of Recommendation (LORs). While a CV allows the Admission officer insights into your academic background, skills, and professional experience, an SOP gives them a chance to understand your passion and intention to pursue the intended program, and how you best fit the program requirement. It is also a great place to explain any gap you may have on your resume. LORs provide a trusted, third-party endorsement of your skills, character, and suitability for the program. Read to know the difference between LOR & SOP for university admissions.

Trusted Portals that assist international students

There are several platforms that can simplify the (otherwise overwhelming) process for international students. The following are some of the great places to begin.

1. DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) plays a major role in helping international students by offering a searchable database of public university programs, detailed application guidance, and information on scholarships. Use DAAD to find tuition-free public universities offering programs in your area of interest. It represents 365 German higher education institutions, from technical universities to colleges of music and art. Many universities offer English-taught Master’s programs, while Bachelor’s programs are often in German. Make sure the program is accredited and offered by a Public (Staatliche) university.

   It also provides valuable information on working and finding accommodation in Germany. It also provides short-term course options in case you want to learn German. In short, it makes life easy in Germany.

2. Study in Germany is an official government portal that provides comprehensive and reliable information about studying and living in Germany. It also includes a course finder tool to explore available programs at German universities. The portal is particularly useful for understanding the German higher education system, visa requirements, cost of living, accommodation options, and student life. The portal is beginner-friendly and offers step-by-step guidance.

3. MyGermanUniversity is another student-friendly platform that helps international students find Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at German universities. It offers detailed course information, application tips, and live webinars with university representatives. This portal is especially helpful for those who want personalized guidance and insights into university life in Germany.

How to apply

1. You may use Uni-Assist, which is a central application service used by many public universities to assess students’ applications. Besides checking university specific admission requirements, it verifies education certificates and general criteria for university studies in Germany. It also converts grades to the German grading system. Uni-Assist may be used by some universities but not all.

2. For the others, you may also apply directly, i.e. via the University Portal. Universities also have their own portal that offers step-by-step guidance for the program you are applying to. So please make sure you satisfy all the criteria like required documents, language eligibility tests, visa requirements, and other important criteria.

Now that we are armed with all the above information, it is worth remembering that all it takes is a little preparation and planning. However, there still might be some questions lingering in your mind. Here’s an attempt to address the most frequently asked ones.