Sequence that avoids deadline traps
- Shortlist programmes by curricular fit and language (German- vs English-taught) against each university’s call.
- Start APS verification immediately if your country requires it, it gates everything downstream.
- File admission (direct or via uni-assist) while preparing blocked-account funding in parallel.
- Compile the Mission student-visa file: admission, APS, blocked-account confirmation, insurance, accommodation evidence, translations.
- After arrival: city registration, residence-permit biometrics, semester enrolment and health-insurance activation.
Costs and post-study logic
- Tuition: most public universities charge semester contributions rather than full tuition; private institutions price separately; some Länder add non-EU fees, check the specific university notice.
- Living: Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg run well above Leipzig, Dresden or smaller university cities.
- Post-study: graduate job-search residence converts to work-based titles on a qualifying offer, plan the final-semester job search early.
FAQs
What is the blocked account (Sperrkonto)?
Proof that you can fund your first year: a fixed sum deposited in a supervised blocked account with regulated monthly payouts. The required annual amount is revised periodically, confirm the current year\u2019s figure on the German Mission pages before transferring funds.
What is APS and who needs it?
The Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) verifies school and degree records for applicants from certain countries (notably India, China and Vietnam) before German universities and missions process study files. It is a study-track step with its own certificate and timeline, start it months ahead.
How does uni-assist fit in?
Many universities route international applications through uni-assist for preliminary documentation checks before the university decides. Deadlines run earlier than the visa stage, apply for admission and APS in parallel, not in sequence.
Can I stay in Germany after graduating?
Graduates of German universities can typically access a post-study job-search residence to seek qualifying employment, converting later to a work-based title. Conditions and durations change, verify current rules rather than assuming automatic settlement.
Do you guarantee admission or a visa?
No. We provide shortlisting, document preparation and filing checks. Admission rests with universities; visas rest with the German authorities.
Official sources: DAAD · uni-assist · German Missions (blocked-account and APS pages). Author: editorial desk · Reviewer: senior study counsellor.