Before we begin on how to apply to universities:

• If you haven't shortlisted the universities to apply to or prepared your student profile, refer to the previous steps in the guide.
• For timelines and an overview of studying in Germany, refer to the introduction.

Now let's get into how to apply to universities in Germany.

Requirements to apply for MS in Germany

You need the following documents to apply for Masters programs in Germany:

• IDs - Passport
• Academic history - bachelors transcripts, 12th marksheets
• Language proficiency - IELTS / TOEFL for english programs. Goethe/DSH/TestDaf for german programs.
• Aptitude tests - GRE / TestAS / GMAT. Some universities also have their own entrance examination.
• Student profile - CV, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Reference.
• APS certificate (for students from specific countries).

Individual programs can have different requirements. Make sure to confirm on the university website.

Online application

The applications can be submitted on the university websites. Several universities also allow you to submit applications through Uni-Assist. Uni-assist charges €75 for the first application and €30 for every additional application.

Uni Assist application process

1. Register on the Uni Assist applicant portal. and register. After registering, you'll receive an email with an activation link. Click the link to activate your account.
2. Activate the account by clicking the link on the email received after signing up.
3. Login and fill up the Applicant Form and Educational History sections.
4. Submit the applicant information. You'll find your Uni Assist number at the top of the page, next to your email ID.
5. Go to MY APPLICATIONS > DOCUMENTS. Here, you can upload additional documents, such as LORs, SOPs, and CVs.
6. Click on the Uni Assist logo in the top-left corner of the page. This will display all the available courses in the member universities of Uni Assist.
7. Select your preferred courses and proceed to check out. The fees can be paid with credit card, bank transfer, or Sofortüberweisung (pay now).
8. Mail the documents (certificates, language proficiency certificate, etc.) to Uni Assist e.V., 11507 Berlin, GERMANY.

Uni Assist will send a confirmation email on receiving your documents. Next, your applications are forwarded to the universities if it meets all requirements. The result of the applications are sent on email and post within a few weeks.

Applying directly on the university websites will have a similar process. Sometimes the universities do not take a fee like uni-assist.

Steps after submitting the application

This varies largely from program to program. One or more of these will apply to you based on the specific requirements:

• Online exam - Some universities (like TU Darmstadt) will ask you to give an online test. Usually the questions are technical with a time limit.
• Interview - A telephone or a Zoom call where you're mostly asked questions about details mentioned in your CV and SOP. Sometimes this can be technical (e.g. TUM).
• Recommendations - Your recommenders will receive an email with instructions to add / confirm your reference.

Most programs ask for neither of these and just the documents submitted are sufficient. What happens after the application? You're admit results will be announced in a few weeks. Go on to the next step in the guide: Post admit checklist to learn more.