How Indian Students Can Easily Navigate German University Application Portals

17 July 2025

If you are an Indian student considering studying in Germany, the application process can be a puzzle at first. New systems, new jargon, and multiple portals can appear a bit daunting. But do not worry, the process is quite simple once you understand which portal to use and when to use it.

Germany has a well-organized and structured international student application process. You can seek admission for a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or even PhD studies, and you begin with knowing which portal. We have tried to make it easy for you here in this guide. Through Uni-Assist to university portals directly and also scholarship schemes, we will take you through all of them so that you can confidently apply. BCES Admissions Abroad is here to take you through it all from selecting your course to submitting your final application.

The Brief Overview of the Central German Application Portals

1. Uni-Assist – Your First Point of Contact for Most Public Universities

Uni-Assist is an application service that is utilized by more than 180 universities in Germany to filter out foreign applications. If your preferred university is a member of the Uni-Assist system, chances are high that you’ll be required to apply using this portal.

When to utilize Uni-Assist:

• If the course you wish to attend is posted on the Uni-Assist website.
• If the course requirements explicitly state that you should apply via Uni-Assist.

What does Uni-Assist do?

It verifies through your academic records, confirms you qualify, and forwards your application to the university if everything is fine.

Important Indian student facts:

• APS Certificate has been required since November 2022.
• €75 application fee for the first university and €30 for each subsequent one.
• Don’t make the acceptance choice—simply forward your verified application to the universities.

2. Direct University Portals – A Faster Option

Some top German universities manage international admissions on their own through direct online portals. If your chosen university doesn’t use Uni-Assist, you’ll need to apply through its official website.

Examples include:

• Technical University of Munich (TUM)
• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
• RWTH Aachen University

Why choose direct portals?

• Quicker processing
• No additional Uni-Assist fee
• Direct communication with the university’s admission office

Tip: Always check the university’s “How to Apply” or “International Admissions” section to confirm their application process.

3. DAAD Portal – Ideal for Scholarships and Research Grants

DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is a well-known portal that supports scholarships, research grants, and doctoral funding for international students. While it’s not used for standard university admissions, it’s extremely helpful if you’re applying for financial assistance or academic research programs. Apply within time as each scholarship has deadlines and document submission criteria.

APS Certificate – Mandatory requirement for Indian Students

Since November 1, 2022, Indian students applying to German universities are required to provide an APS (Academic Evaluation Centre) certificate. It certifies your academic documents and is required for Uni-Assist applications.

Where to apply for APS?

APS India, New Delhi.

Apply at least 2 months in advance since processing is lengthy.

Typical Documents You’ll Require

No matter what portal you’re applying through, you’ll probably require these documents:

• 10th and 12th standard mark sheets
• Bachelor’s degree transcripts and degree certificate (for master’s applicants)
• APS certificate (for Uni-Assist users)
• IELTS, TOEFL, or any other language test scores acceptable to them
• Statement of Purpose or Motivation Letter
• Updated CV
• Passport copy
• Double-check with the official university guidelines to ensure you’re not missing anything.

Application Deadlines

German universities generally have normally two intakes a year:

• Winter Intake (October): Applications April to July
• Summer Intake (April): Applications November to January

These may vary by course and university, so always check the deadlines on the university website.

Selecting the appropriate application portal is the beginning of a successful study abroad experience. Applying with Uni-Assist, a university portal, or DAAD scholarship system, an awareness of how each operates will eliminate waste of time and stress.

At BCES Admissions Abroad, we assist Indian students daily with their German application—from documents to visa assistance. You don’t have to go it alone. Call us at +91 9319996328 for expert assistance and take the first confident stride towards your German studies.