Admission requirements for a Bachelor program

Prospective students from abroad are often unable to enter a German university right away. You can find more information on this topic on this page.

University admission qualification

Whether you can study in Germany depends on your high school diploma and whether you have already studied at a recognized foreign university.

The THA does not verify university entrance qualifications (HZB) itself. An external institution called uni-assist handles this for us. However, you can check this yourself in advance using the following databases:

If a direct application is not possible, many international students have the option of obtaining the HZB through a Studienkolleg, provided they meet the requirements.

Preparatory college (Studienkolleg)

The Studienkolleg offers a preparatory program that lasts 2 semesters and allows you to earn the necessary entrance qualification for German universities. 

Please note that by choosing your specialization courses, you are qualifying for a specific field of study. For example, it is not possible to complete the T-course and then apply for a degree program in the social sciences (such as Social Work B.A.).

We cannot provide a uniform answer for all Studienkollegs, as the requirements and application procedures vary. However, a high level of German (at least B1+/B2) is always required.

We do not offer a German preparatory course for the Studienkolleg.

There are two Studienkollegs in Bavaria: 

- Studienkolleg Coburg: If you graduate from there, you can study at any college, but not at a university. You apply directly to that institution. 

- Studienkolleg Munich: If you graduate from there, you can study at any college or university. However, this Studienkolleg is very popular, which is why it’s very difficult to secure a spot there. To apply there, you need a referral from a university, such as the University of Augsburg.

There is a Studienkolleg in every other federal state. We always recommend that you apply to several of them to increase your chances of getting a spot.

NC Degree Programs vs. Open-Admission Degree Programs vs. Degree Programs with an Aptitude Assessment Process

For degree programs with no admission restrictions, there is no limit on the number of available spots. If you meet all admission requirements and submit your application in full and on time, you will be granted a spot in the program.

For NC degree programs—or programs with limited admission—only a limited number of spots are available. NC stands for Numerus Clausus (Latin for “limited number”). However, this does not mean there is a fixed minimum grade requirement. If more applicants meet the admission requirements than there are available spots, selection is based on established criteria. Therefore, meeting the minimum requirements alone does not guarantee a spot in the program.

Please note that when applying for an NC program, you must also register on hochschulstart.de, as the selection process takes place there. You must provide the BAN (Applicant Authentication Number) and applicant ID issued by hochschulstart.de when you upload all documents to our application portal.

For degree programs with an aptitude assessment process, you must demonstrate your academic or artistic aptitude in addition to meeting the formal admission requirements. Depending on the degree program, this may be done, for example, through a portfolio, a test, a selection interview, or a practical exam.

Language Requirements

Language certificates are also required for these degree programs. 

For German language proficiency, there is an official list specifying which certificates are accepted and what level is required for each degree program. We’ve put together a detailed explanation of the list for you.

For English language proficiency, you can find information on which certificates are required and what level is needed on the official website of the respective degree program. You can also find the answer to the question of whether an English proficiency certificate is still required if you have already completed your bachelor’s degree entirely in English in the FAQs section of the respective website.

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