Uni-Assist Application Guide: Step-by-Step Process Explained

What is Uni-Assist?

Uni-assist (Arbeits- und Servicestelle für Internationale Studienbewerbungen) is the central application service for international students applying to German universities. It processes applications for over 170 German universities, evaluates foreign educational credentials, and converts grades to the German grading scale.

As an Indian student, you'll likely use uni-assist for most of your German university applications. The service acts as an intermediary between you and the universities, ensuring your documents meet German academic standards.

Important Note: Not all German universities use uni-assist. Some universities (like TU Munich for certain programs) accept direct applications. Always check your target university's specific requirements on their official website or the DAAD database.

Uni-Assist Fees 2026: Complete Breakdown

Cost Example: Applying to 5 universities = €75 (first) + €30 × 4 (additional) = €195 (~₹18,000)

Budget Tip: Apply to 3-5 universities strategically — one "dream" university, 2-3 "target" universities, and 1 "safety" option.

Required Documents for Indian Students

Gather all documents before starting your application. Missing documents are the #1 reason for application delays.

Mandatory Documents (All Applicants)

• Valid Passport — Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
• Class 10 Mark Sheet & Certificate — Board examination results (CBSE, ICSE, State Board)
• Class 12 Mark Sheet & Certificate — Higher secondary examination results
• Bachelor's Degree Certificate — Required for Master's applications (provisional certificate accepted if final not yet issued)
• All Semester Transcripts — Complete academic record with grades for each semester
• English Proficiency Test Score — IELTS (6.0-6.5+), TOEFL (80-90+), or PTE (50-58+) depending on program
• Passport-size Photograph — Recent, white background, 35mm × 45mm
• APS Certificate — Mandatory for Indian applicants since November 2022

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• German Language Certificate — TestDaF (TDN 4), DSH-2, or Goethe C1 for German-taught programs
• GRE Score — Required by some technical universities (310+ recommended)
• Work Experience Letters — For programs requiring professional experience
• CV/Resume — Europass format recommended
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) — Also called Motivation Letter in Germany
• Letters of Recommendation — Usually 2, from professors or employers
• Portfolio — For design, architecture, or art programs

What is APS Certificate? (Mandatory for Indians)

Since November 1, 2022, all Indian students must obtain an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate before applying to German universities. This is a verification process to confirm the authenticity of your academic documents.

Pro Tip: Apply for APS certificate 3-4 months before your uni-assist application deadline. The process can take longer during peak seasons (March-June).

Step-by-Step Uni-Assist Application Process

Step 1: Create Your Uni-Assist Account

Visit my.uni-assist.de and create an account. Use an email address you check regularly — all communication will be sent here.

• Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport
• Verify your email address
• Complete your personal profile with accurate information

Step 2: Search and Select Programs

Use the uni-assist search function to find your desired programs:

• Search by university name, program name, or field of study
• Filter by degree type (Bachelor's, Master's), language, and intake semester
• Check program-specific requirements before adding to your application
• Add multiple programs to apply simultaneously

Step 3: Upload Documents

Document upload requirements are strict. Follow these guidelines:

• Format: PDF only (no JPG, PNG, or Word documents)
• File Size: Maximum 4MB per file
• Quality: Color scans at 300 DPI (not black & white)
• Naming: Use clear file names (e.g., "Passport_JohnDoe.pdf")
• Translations: Non-English/German documents need certified translations

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

Payment options for Indian students:

• Credit Card — Visa/Mastercard (fastest option)
• PayPal — Convenient if you have an account
• Bank Transfer — Takes 5-7 business days to process

Step 5: Submit and Track Your Application

• Review all documents and information carefully before submitting
• Download and save your application confirmation
• Track your application status in the "My Applications" section
• Respond promptly to any requests for additional documents

What is VPD (Vorprüfungsdokumentation)?

VPD is a preliminary document evaluation that some universities require instead of a full uni-assist application. It's essentially a pre-assessment of your academic credentials.

Application Deadlines 2026

Important: These are uni-assist deadlines. Individual universities may have earlier deadlines. Always check the specific program's deadline on the university website.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Uploading JPG instead of PDF — All documents must be in PDF format
• ❌ Missing semester transcripts — Include ALL semesters, even if grades are low
• ❌ Name spelling mismatch — Name must match passport exactly across all documents
• ❌ Applying on the deadline day — Technical issues can prevent submission; apply 1-2 weeks early
• ❌ Incomplete payment — Application won't be processed until payment is confirmed
• ❌ Forgetting APS certificate — Mandatory for Indian students since 2022
• ❌ Low-quality scans — Blurry or dark scans may be rejected
• ❌ Not checking spam folder — Uni-assist emails sometimes go to spam

Processing Time: What to Expect

Pro Tip: Apply early! Peak season (May-July) sees 3x more applications, causing significant delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to multiple universities through uni-assist?

Yes! You can apply to multiple universities in a single application. The first university costs €75, and each additional university costs €30.

What if my documents are in Hindi or regional languages?

All non-English/German documents must be translated by a certified translator. The translation should be notarized or attested.

How do I know if a university uses uni-assist?

Check the university's international admissions page or search on the uni-assist website. You can also use the DAAD database to find application requirements.

Can I edit my application after submission?

No, you cannot edit a submitted application. However, you can upload additional documents if requested by uni-assist or the university.