How to apply to German universities

Applying to study in Germany is exciting, but it can feel overwhelming if you don’t know the steps. This comprehensive guide to how to apply to a German university answers key questions and explains the process from start to finish — including study requirements in Germany, timelines, documents, and essential financial proof like the blocked account.

What are the main steps in the German university application process?

What’s the typical timeline, and what documents do I need?

What are funding and blocked account basics?

How can PFH support your admissions journey?

Why choose PFH — and how do I apply?

Key statistics on studying in Germany

To apply to German university programmes, international students follow structured stages:

1. Research course options and universities: Decide what you want to study, and check whether the programme is taught in English or German. Many public universities teach in German, while private institutions offer more English-taught options.
2. Check study requirements Germany: You must have a recognised secondary or tertiary qualification equivalent to German standards. Some students may need to complete a preparatory year at a Studienkolleg.
3. Prepare application documents: This includes diplomas, transcripts, CV, motivation letter and proof of language skills.
4. Submit applications: You can usually apply online directly to institutions or via uni-assist, a central service for evaluating international credentials.
5. Receive an admission decision: If accepted, you’ll get a Zulassungsbescheid (official admission letter), which is crucial for your visa.

Pro tip: Apply to several programmes to improve your chances of success.

When to start: Many students begin preparing 12–18 months before they want to start studying.

Key timelines

• 10–12 months out: Take required language tests (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF).
• 8–10 months out: Collect and certify key documents.
• 6–8 months out: Submit applications before deadlines (e.g. 15 July for winter semester; 15 January for summer in many universities).
• After acceptance: Start your visa application and blocked account process.

Essential documents

• Certified copies of your academic certificates and transcripts.
• Proof of language proficiency (German or English).
• Curriculum vitae and motivation letter.
• Valid passport copy and photographs.

Note: All documents usually need official certification and translations.

International students often need to prove they can support themselves financially — this is part of your visa and enrolment requirements.

Blocked account explained

A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special German bank account used to demonstrate you have sufficient funds for living costs.

• Required amount: At least €992 per month, totalling €11,904 for the year (this is the standard requirement in 2026).
• The funds are “blocked” and released monthly to cover rent, food, insurance and everyday costs.
• If you have a scholarship or official sponsorship, this can sometimes replace the blocked account.

Other financial planning

Students should also budget for health insurance (mandatory for enrolment), travel costs and semester contributions.

At PFH (Private University of Applied Sciences), we offer personalised admissions support to help simplify the process:

✅Guidance on entry requirements and eligibility checks

✅Assistance with application documents and quality review

✅Expert advice on deadlines and submission routes

✅Support strategy for your blocked account and visa steps

With competitive programmes and practical student support, PFH can help take the stress out of applying to study in Germany.

If you’re ready to take the next step to study in Germany, PFH makes the process smooth and student-centric. Our admissions team is here to guide you through every step of your application, from eligibility checks to visa guidance.

👉 Apply now to PFH and start your German study adventure with confidence!

To put things in perspective:

• Germany hosts over 400,000 international students, making it one of the world’s most popular study destinations.
• The standard living cost requirement for student visas is around €992 per month / €11,904 per year.
• Most German university application deadlines for the winter semester fall by 15 July, with the summer semester by 15 January.
• Applying through uni-assist can cost about €75 for the first programme and about €30 for each additional — though some direct applications are free.