Admission Requirements for University

International prospective students need an equivalent school-leaving certificate from their country of origin. You can check in advance whether this is recognised in Germany as a university entrance qualification:

• Via the anabin database
• On the uni-assist website
• At the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

It is also possible to study without a traditional university entrance qualification, for example:

• With completed vocational training and several years of professional experience
• With a master craftsman's certificate or a comparable higher vocational qualification
• After completing a preparatory college course that specifically prepares students for university study. 

In the federal state of Hesse, which covers a large part of the FRM region, there are now simplified regulations to enable professionally qualified individuals to enter higher education. Detailed information can be found here.

Sufficient German language skills are required for German-language degree programmes. These must be proven by recognised language certificates. As a rule, these must be at the B2 or C1 level. Recognised tests are:

• The ‘German Language Test for University Admission for Foreign Applicants’ (DSH) usually takes place about three weeks before the start of the semester at universities of applied sciences and universities in the region. Further information is available here.
• Further information on the ‘Test of German as a Foreign Language’ (TestDaF) is available here or from your university.
• The ‘telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule’ test is also recognised as proof of language proficiency for university studies. Further information is available here or from your university or higher education college. 

Some degree programmes, especially international ones, are offered entirely in English. In these cases, proof of English proficiency is required instead, e.g. through IELTS or TOEFL.

International students must prove that they can cover their living expenses during their studies. Currently, this requires approximately €11,904 per year (as of 2026). Possible forms of proof include:

• A blocked account with a German bank
• A declaration of commitment (e.g. from relatives in Germany)
• A scholarship (e.g. from the DAAD)

Citizens of many countries require a visa to study in Germany. This must be applied for at the relevant German diplomatic mission abroad before entering the country. Detailed information on study visas can be found here.

Applications are submitted either directly to the university or, for international applicants, via the central service office, uni-assist. For degree programmes with restricted admission (e.g. medicine, psychology), additional selection procedures apply.

The required documents are usually

• Proof of university entrance qualification
• Proof of language proficiency
• Curriculum vitae
• Letter of motivation
• Other documents, if applicable (e.g. proof of internships, certificates, letters of recommendation)

The Hochschulkompass website provides an overview of all degree programmes. Further information on studying in Germany can be found here.