- 07 May, 2025
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How to Get an Admit from German Public Universities
If you’re dreaming of studying abroad without the burden of high tuition fees, Germany is probably already on your radar—and rightly so! Known for its world-class education system, cutting-edge research, and nearly zero tuition fees at public universities, Germany attracts thousands of international students each year.
But how exactly do you go about getting an admit from a German public university? In this blog post, we break down the entire process—from eligibility and documentation to choosing the right program and finally securing that coveted admit letter. Let’s dive right in.
Why Germany? Why Public Universities?
Before we talk about how, let’s talk about why. German public universities offer a rare combination of academic excellence and affordability. The education quality rivals Ivy League schools, yet tuition is either free or minimal. Most universities only charge a semester contribution fee of around €250–€350, which often includes a transportation pass and other student services.
Here’s why German public universities are an excellent choice:
Step-by-Step: How to Get an Admit
Your eligibility will depend on the program level (Bachelor’s or Master’s), the university, and your academic background.
For Bachelor’s Programs:
- 12 years of schooling (Indian students may need to attend a Studienkolleg, a preparatory course)
- Proof of German language proficiency (unless the course is in English)
- Entrance exams like TestAS may be required
For Master’s Programs:
- A recognized bachelor’s degree (3 to 4 years)
- Minimum academic score: ~70% or GPA of 2.5/4 (varies)
- English proficiency test (IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL iBT 90+)
- Some technical courses may require GRE
APS Certificate (mandatory for Indian students)
Use trusted platforms like:
- DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
- MyGermanUniversity
- Individual university websites
Look for:
- Courses that match your academic background
- Language of instruction (English or German)
- Location and living cost of the city
- Entry requirements and application deadlines
At Admit Mentors, we help you identify the best-fit universities based on your profile and career goals.
Proper documentation is key. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Resume/CV (preferably in Europass format)
- Language proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL or TestDaF)
- APS Certificate (for Indian students)
- Passport copy
- Work experience letters (if applicable)
There are two main application routes:
- Uni-Assist: A centralized portal used by many universities
- Direct application: Some universities accept applications directly on their websites
Be sure to:
- Follow the university-specific checklist
- Convert your documents as per requirement (some need certified translations or notarization)
- Pay any processing fees (usually €75 for Uni-Assist)
Germany has two major intakes:
- Summer Intake (April) – Application deadline: usually October–January
- Winter Intake (October) – Application deadline: usually April–July
Pro tip: Apply as early as possible to avoid delays in visa processing.
Once your application is submitted, you’ll usually hear back in 4–8 weeks. If accepted, you’ll receive either:
- An Unconditional Offer Letter
- A Conditional Offer Letter (e.g., pending final semester results or language proficiency)
Even though tuition is free, you’ll need to show financial proof for visa purposes. This means opening a Blocked Account in Germany with at least €11,208 (as of 2025) to cover your living expenses for one year.
Also, factor in:
- Health insurance (€100–120/month)
- Semester fee (€250–350 per semester)
- Initial accommodation and travel costs
Once you have your admission letter:
- Book your appointment at the German consulate
- Submit your visa file, which includes:
- Admission letter
- Blocked account confirmation
- Health insurance proof
- Academic documents
- APS Certificate (mandatory for Indian students)
Processing time: 4–12 weeks. So, don’t delay this step!
Top Public Universities in Germany
Here are some reputed German public universities that regularly admit international students:
Scholarships
Although tuition is free, scholarships can help cover your living costs. Popular options include:
- DAAD Scholarships – For full-time Master's and PhD programs
- Erasmus+ – For exchange and mobility programs
- Deutschlandstipendium – Merit-based monthly support (€300/month)
- Konrad Adenauer Stiftung – For socially committed students
Need help applying? Admit Mentors has a dedicated scholarship assistance team.
Getting an admit from a German public university is absolutely possible—with the right guidance and timely action. From profile evaluation to documentation, SOP writing, university selection, and visa filing—Admit Mentors has helped hundreds of students successfully begin their study journey in Germany.