Last updated: 12/02/2025
(This article will be updated each semester.)

Introduction

This article provides detailed information about the process of studying at the university level in Germany, helping you prepare your application and complete the procedures with ease.

We encourage you to prepare your own application so you can better understand the process and save on costs. Any form of copying or using this article on other platforms must clearly cite the source.

A. Before Arriving in Germany

I. Finding a Field of Study and a University

🔗 List of universities in Germany: hochschulkompass.de
🔗 List of fields of study: daad.de

📌 Note:

Most universities require a German-language certificate, TestDaF or DSH. Some international programs may require IELTS/TOEFL.
If you do not yet have a German-language certificate, you can enroll in a Studienkolleg.

II. The Admission Application Process (Zulassung)

🗓 Application deadlines:

Summer semester: Before 15/01 (studies begin in April)
Winter semester: Before 15/07 (studies begin in October)

1. Preparing Your Application

The application includes:

📄 A copy of your passport (the page with your photo).
📝 Application for admission (downloaded from the university's website or Uni-Assist).
📜 German-language certificate B2 or C1 (or IELTS/TOEFL if you are studying in an English-language program).
🎓 High school diploma (translated and notarized into German).
📃 High school transcript (translated and notarized).
📩 Letter of motivation (Motivationsschreiben) (written in German or English, depending on the university's requirements).
🏫 University admission letter from Vietnam (if available, to increase your chances of receiving the Zulassung).

2. Steps for Processing the Application

Step 1: Choose a university and a field of study

Search for information on DAAD, Hochschulkompass, or the website of each university.

Step 2: Submit your application through Uni-Assist or directly
Uni-Assist (uni-assist.de) processes applications for many universities in Germany.
Some universities allow you to submit your application directly through the university's portal.

Step 3: Wait for the Zulassung result
If you meet the requirements, the university will send you the Zulassung letter by email or post.

Step 4: Apply for a German student visa 📅 Book an appointment at the German Embassy: vietnam.diplo.de

📜 The visa application includes:

A valid passport.
Visa application form.
Zulassung letter.
Proof of finances (a blocked account of 11,208 Euro/year or sponsorship from a relative in Germany).
Health insurance (valid from the date of entry into Germany).
Visa fee: 75 Euro.

⏳ Visa processing time: 6-12 weeks.

B. After Arriving in Germany

I. Things to Do Immediately Upon Arrival in Germany

️ Register your residence (Anmeldung) (within the first 2 weeks)

Go to the Bürgeramt to register your temporary residential address.
Application form: service.berlin.de

️ Open a bank account (Deutsche Bank, Sparkasse, N26... are recommended)

️ Purchase health insurance (AOK, TK, Barmer... depending on the university's requirements)

️ Receive your residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel)

Submit your application at the Ausländerbehörde.
Fee: approximately 110 Euro.

️ Officially enroll

Complete the enrollment procedures at the university.
Receive your student card and course registration information.

️ Renew your residence permit annually (provide your enrollment certificate and academic results).

💬 If you need support, please contact our Page: Cộng đồng du học Đức

We wish you every success! 🇩🇪🎓