How to apply for a study program? ✓ The ultimate Checklist

• Application form:
  • The official university form that must be submitted online or in paper form. Many universities have an online application portal for this purpose.
• Higher education entrance qualification (HZB):
  • The Abitur certificate or a comparable school leaving certificate (e.g. vocational diploma or international certificates such as the IB).
  • For foreign degrees: recognition of the degree in Germany.
• Letter of motivation:
  • Explains the personal reasons for the Choice of Study and why you have decided on this course of study and this university.
  • Not required for all courses, but often for subjects with restricted admission or master's programs.
• Résumé:
  • Tabular overview of previous school and professional experience, relevant experience (internships, part-time jobs, engagements) as well as personal information.
• Proof of language skills:
  • If the studies are conducted in another language (e.g. English), language tests (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) are required.
  • For international applicants: Proof of knowledge of German (e.g. DSH, TestDaF) for German-language degree programs.
• Aptitude or admission test:
  • Some degree programs (e.g. art, music, sports) require additional exams or tests to verify your aptitude for the subject.
• Proof of internships:
  • For certain degree programs (e.g. social work, teaching), proof of a pre-study internship is often required.
• Copies of ID card/passport:
  • Particularly important for international students.
• Letters of recommendation (optional):
  • In some cases, especially for master's programs, a letter of recommendation from teachers or employers can be useful.
• Proof of health insurance (for enrollment):
  • Proof of health insurance is required to enroll at a German university.
• Passport photo (not always required):
  • Some universities require a current passport photo, usually for the student ID.
• Special requirements:
  • Portfolio (for art programs)
  • Bachelor's degree certificate (when applying for a Master's program)
  • Overview of grades (if the degree is not yet available)

It is important to check with the respective university for the exact requirements, as these may vary slightly. A thorough and complete application increases the chances of a successful university placement.

1. When to enroll:
   • Enrollment takes place after you have received your letter of admission.
   • The letter of admission sets a deadline by which you must have enrolled. It is important not to miss this deadline, otherwise your place will be given to another applicant (e.g. through the succession procedure).
2. Necessary documents: As a rule, the following documents must be submitted for enrollment:
   • Letter of admission: Proof that you have been offered a place at university.
   • ID card or passport: To verify your identity.
   • Higher education entrance qualification: Your A-levels or equivalent qualification.
   • Proof of health insurance: Proof of existing health insurance (either statutory or private). Students must be insured in order to study.
   • Proof of payment of the semester fee: The semester fee covers administrative costs, the semester ticket for public transport and the contribution to the student union.
   • Passport photo (if requested): For the student ID.
   • Further documents: In some cases, additional documents are required, e.g. language certificates or proof of internships.
3. Semester fee:
   • Before enrolling, the so-called semester fee must be paid. This amount is not a tuition fee, but covers costs for the student union, administration and often the semester ticket (for local transport).
   • The amount of the fee varies depending on the university and is usually between 150 and 350 euros per semester.
4. Enrolment process: The enrolment process can vary depending on the university, but it generally involves the following steps:
   • Apply for enrolment: This is usually done online, but sometimes papers have to be submitted in person.
   • Submit documents: The university requires the above-mentioned documents, which are either uploaded via an online portal or sent by post.
   • Pay the semester fee: After submitting the documents, you will receive a request for payment of the semester fee, which must be paid before final enrollment.
   • Receive certificate of enrollment: After successful enrollment, you will receive a certificate of enrollment confirming your status as a student.
5. Student status: Upon enrollment, you are officially accepted as a student at the university and receive all the associated rights and obligations. These include:
   • Student ID: This serves as proof of identification and often offers discounts (e.g. on public transport, in museums or cinemas).
   • Use of university facilities: Enrolment gives you access to libraries, computer centers, canteens and other university services.
   • Participation in teaching: You are allowed to attend lectures, seminars and exams.
   • Semester fee: After each renewed payment of the semester fee, you are automatically enrolled for the next semester (re-registration).
   • Duties: Students must regularly register for exams, follow the course of study and pay the semester fee on time.
6. Legal consequences of enrollment:
   • By enrolling, the student acquires certain rights, including the right to student counseling, to use the university facilities and to take exams.
   • At the same time, there are also obligations, such as complying with the examination regulations and re-registering for each new semester.
7. Re-registration:
   • At the end of each semester, students must re-register for the next semester. This is done by paying the semester fee again. Those who do not re-register by the deadline may be exmatriculated.
8. Special features of enrollment:
   • Multiple enrollment: As a rule, it is not allowed to enroll full-time at several universities at the same time, unless it is a second degree or a parallel study in two different degree programs.
   • Enrollment as a guest student: Those who do not want full enrollment can often also enroll as guest students. This allows them to participate in certain courses, but not in exams.

Enrollment is the decisive step to officially begin your studies. It is important to pay close attention to the deadlines and requirements of the respective university in order not to lose your place.