uni-assist explained: Applying to Study in Germany from Abroad
If you want to study in Germany and completed your school education outside the country, you will quickly come across uni-assist. It plays a key role in the application process for international students in Germany. But what exactly is uni-assist, and how does it support your application?
What is uni-assist?
uni-assist is a centralized service organization that evaluates international applications to German universities. Instead of each university reviewing foreign certificates individually, many institutions rely on uni-assist to handle this process.
It is important to note that while most universities in Germany cooperate with uni-assist, not all of them do. Also, uni-assist does not make admission decisions — the final decision always lies with the universities themselves.
The Main Function
The main task of uni-assist is the so-called preliminary examination. This determines:
- Whether a foreign qualification entitles you to study in Germany
- How your grades are converted into the German grading system
- Whether all formal requirements are fulfilled
Only if this review is successful will the application be forwarded to the university.
The Preliminary Review – Which Functions Are Included?
The preliminary review includes several functions and services that uni-assist offers and carries out.
These include:
1. Document Check
They check your submitted documents for completeness and correctness. These documents include: school certificates, academic transcripts, and language certificates.
2. Evaluation of Educational Qualifications
uni-assist evaluates your qualifications. This means: Is direct access to a German university possible, or is attending a Studienkolleg required first? And for which field of study can you apply? In addition, your grades are converted into the German grading system.
3. Preliminary Review Documentation (VPD)
An important result of the review is the so-called preliminary review documentation (VPD).
This includes:
- The converted average grade
- Information about your university entrance qualification
Many universities require this document as a prerequisite for application.
4. Forwarding to Universities
If the review by uni-assist is successful, they forward your documents to the selected universities. Important: Only complete and formally correct applications can be considered.
5. Central Online Portal
Through the digital application portal of uni-assist, applicants can enter their data, upload documents, manage their applications, and track the status of their applications at any time.
Advantages of uni-assist
uni-assist offers several advantages and simplifications in the application process.
This includes the option of multiple applications, which allows you to upload your documents only once and apply to several universities at the same time. This saves both time and effort.
In addition, uni-assist provides support throughout the application process. They inform you if documents are missing or do not meet the requirements.
Costs
Since uni-assist is an additional service, using it is subject to a fee.
Typically, the first application costs around €75, and each additional application costs around €30. These costs include the review and processing of your documents.
uni-assist Check: University Admission
Are you unsure whether you can study in Germany with your school-leaving certificate or whether you first need to attend a Studienkolleg? Then you can quickly and free of charge check this using the uni-assist check: University Admission. After selecting the country of origin of your certificate, you will be asked a series of questions about your qualification. You simply click through them and at the end you will be shown your admission options. A more detailed guide can also be found on our social media channels such as Instagram and TikTok.
Guidance from Studienkolleg Düsseldorf
We at Studienkolleg Düsseldorf are happy to help you with everything related to your admission to a Studienkolleg. During our free consultation, we check your admission options for a Studienkolleg and inform you if you can study directly at a university in Germany or if admission to a Studienkolleg is not possible. Contact us, and together we will find the right path that matches your future plans.
