Study and research in Germany

Applying for admission

There are different ways to apply for admission to a German university. For you, the form of application depends on which subject you wish to study.

We distinguish between two categories of subjects in Germany:

■ Subjects with a centrally restricted admission policy (nationwide numerus clausus ). These subjects are    so popular that there are far more applicants than available places at the university. At present, these subjects include Medicine, Pharmacology, Psychology (Diplom) , Veterinary Medicine and Dentistry.

■ Subjects with no or a locally restricted admission policy ( numerus clausus implemented by the university).

The following information is only a general guideline. To be on the safe side, enquire about the application procedures pertaining to your degree programme at the International Office at your German university.

How do I apply for a subject with a centrally restricted admission policy?
A nationwide numerus clausus (NC) applies to those subjects for which there are more applicants in Germany than the university system can absorb. If you wish to study one of these subjects, there are special conditions that pertain to your application.

Where you submit your application depends on:

■ the country you come from, and

■ whether you have a German higher education entrance qualification (see p. 20).

Two groups of applicants must submit their applications to the Foundation for Higher Education Admission:

■ Applicants from EU member states, as well as Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway

■ Applicants who have received their secondary school-leaving certificate in Germany or at a German School abroad

More information? http://www.hochschulstart.de/

All other applicants should submit their applications directly to the university of their choice, or apply through uni-assist.

How do I apply for other subjects?
All international students who wish to study subjects with no centrally restricted admission policy should apply either:

■ directly to the International Office or the Student Administration Office at the university where you wish to study

 OR

■ through uni-assist.

More than 100 universities in Germany cooperate with uni-assist. If the university of your choice is one of these, then you should apply through uni-assist. If not, then apply directly to the university. You can view a list of universities which participate in uni-assist at www.uni-assist.de/ uni-assist-hochschulen.html.

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