Anyone who wants to study at a German university almost always applies online. That sounds like a simple form, yet in practice it is often where applications fail: a field stays empty, an upload is missing, or the deadline is missed in the wrong portal. This guide explains how an online application to a university is typically structured and what to check at each step. The binding procedure of your university is always published on its own pages.
Short answer: Depending on the programme, you apply either through the university portal or through the central procedure run by hochschulstart (in German). Programmes without admission restrictions are usually applied for directly at the university. Restricted programmes follow fixed deadlines. Your university website shows which portal applies and when the deadline ends. Last updated: November 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- First check whether your programme has admission restrictions (numerus clausus, NC) or is open to all applicants.
- The responsible portal depends on the programme and the university, not on personal preference.
- The deadline shown in the portal counts, not the date on which you started the application.
- Keep certificates and identity details ready as files, and check the format and file size in advance.
- Save the confirmation of receipt and check your inbox regularly, because decisions often arrive by email.
Which portal is the right one for you?
The route you take depends on your university and your field of study, not on the internet search results. Three situations are common, and you should clarify which one applies before you start.
| Situation | Typical route | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Programme without admission restriction | Direct application through the university portal or form | Enrolment deadlines can still apply |
| Restricted programme with central allocation | Application through hochschulstart, sometimes with a ranked list of universities | The order of your preferences and the deadline are binding in the procedure |
| Restricted programme with its own procedure | Application through the university portal, sometimes with extra documents | Deadline, documents and selection criteria are set out in the university rules |
A detailed overview of deadlines and steps is available in the German article Bewerbung Studium Checkliste: Unterlagen, Fristen und Termine (in German). For the winter semester 2027/28, the German guide Bewerbung Wintersemester 2027/28 (in German) is also useful.
How the online application works step by step
The screens differ from university to university, but the logic is usually the same. The following order helps you avoid missing anything.
- Create an account: Register with an email address that you will still use after your studies. Decisions and deadline reminders are sent there.
- Choose the programme: Check the entry requirements in advance, such as the university entrance qualification and language certificates.
- Enter personal details: Your name, date of birth and address should match your identity card or birth certificate exactly. Differences lead to queries later.
- Enter school results: Enter your school-leaving grade exactly as it appears on the certificate. A later correction is not always possible.
- Upload documents: Upload scans in the required formats, usually PDF. The documents must be complete and legible.
- Submit and save the confirmation: Download the confirmation of receipt and keep it before you close the browser.
Which documents are usually required?
The list differs by university and field. The following documents are frequently requested in addition to the information in the form.
- Proof of the university entrance qualification, that is the school-leaving certificate or an equivalent document.
- An identity document, such as a copy of your ID card or a birth certificate.
- Proof of German language skills if your certificate was not issued in German.
- Proof of a passed aptitude test or selection procedure, if the programme requires one.
The application page of your university states which documents apply to your programme. It also contains the rules on file format and file size. Translations and certified copies can take weeks, so plan these steps early.
What happens after you submit?
After submitting, you usually receive a confirmation of receipt. It is not an admission decision. The university checks your details and documents and then informs you of the outcome. For restricted programmes, the allocation can take some time. Decisions often appear in the portal and are announced by email as well, so check your spam folder too.
Admission also does not automatically secure your place. You often have to enrol within a short deadline, and a missed enrolment deadline can mean losing the place. Whether a late enrolment is possible depends on the university. An overview is given in the German article Immatrikulation nach Fristende: Was Nachzügler tun können (in German).
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply to several universities at the same time?
For many programmes this is possible, but restricted programmes follow the rules of their own procedure. Whether you may list several universities, and how many, is set out in the allocation rules. More on the approach is in the German article Mehrfachbewerbung an Hochschulen: Lohnt sich das? (in German).
What do I do if the portal does not work?
Take a screenshot of the error message, note the time and contact the student administration of the university. Do not count on a late submission being accepted. Many portals close exactly at the deadline, and an exception is not guaranteed.
Do I have to upload a cover letter?
That depends on the subject. Many programmes do not require a letter, while others ask for a motivation letter or an interview. The requirements are described in the programme information. For structure, the German guide Motivationsschreiben fürs Studium (in German) helps.
Does the university portal also cover applications for student jobs?
No. Applications for student jobs go through employers and job portals, not through the university portal. A separate German guide covers this: Bewerbung als Student (in German).
When should I start my application?
Start early so that you can obtain your documents in time. Enter the deadline in your calendar and set a reminder several days before. That leaves room for questions if an upload fails or a document is missing.
What to do now
- Check on your university website whether your programme is restricted and which portal applies.
- Write down the deadline, the portal and the documents in a dated list.
- Scan all documents in advance and give the files clear names, for example with your name and document type.
- Submit the application at least a few days before the deadline.
- Keep the confirmation and check your inbox regularly until a decision arrives.
Related reading
- Studienplatz finden: Freie Plätze und Nachrückverfahren im Überblick (in German)
- Hochschulstart: Was bei zulassungsbeschränkten Fächern zählt (in German)
- NC und Wartezeit im Studium: So klappt die Bewerbung (in German)
- Jura studieren: Zulassung, NC und Bewerbung an der Uni (in German)
Sources:
- General information on the application procedure, University of Duisburg-Essen (in German)
- Application procedure for restricted bachelor programmes, University of Trier (in German)
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
