Application and Documents

Which documents are required when applying for a Master's programme?

In principle, you should seek advice regarding an application for a Master's degree programme directly at your chosen university. Here, we can give you only some basic information on applying for a Master's programme through uni-assist:

In general, an application for a Master's programme requires paper documents. However, it is recommended to first use the online application service. Some universities request a compulsory online application, since it contains specific additional questions and/or the request to upload certain documents. Through the online account you create your applications, print out the forms and subsequently send them to uni-assist electronically. Please note: Before electronic submission, make sure you do not want to include any further application for this semester to this university and you do not want to make any further changes in the application.

After electronic submission, please send the printed, fully completed and signed application forms to uni-assist by mail. Should you still want to make changes compared to the already electronically submitted applications, please do so by hand.

Usually, you will have to include in the envelope containing your application the authenticated copies of your final Bachelor degree certificate (or equivalent) and of the transcript containing an overview of subjects and grades for your entire course of study. To be admitted to a Master's degree programme, in general you will have to provide evidence of a successfully completed Bachelor degree in an accredited study course in a field of study related to the chosen Master's degree programme and obtained at an accredited university.

Some universities do not require authenticated copies for Master's programme applications. In these cases, the submission of simple copies is sufficient, which you can easily upload via your online account. Your chosen university will provide information whether you can apply using simple copies.

Not all universities allow applications including provisional certificates (in these cases please likewise directly contact your chosen university). Documents in the English language (sometimes also in French) usually are accepted also without a translation. Certificates in other languages require the additional submission of officially authenticated translated copies accompanying the copies of their originals. All translations must be done by registered, sworn translators.

Generally, the required language certificates also need to be submitted as authenticated copies (unless there is the possibility of uni-assist directly accessing the test results online at the respective language institutes). If your chosen university asks you to submit a TOEFL certificate, you can rest assured that TOEFL will send the certificate directly to uni-assist. For this please quote the uni-assist TOEFL institution code 2727 at the following address: www.ets.org/toefl. You can also have your IELTS result sent directly to uni-assist. uni-assist is an IELTS recognising institution. If you send us your Test Report Form number, we can verify your results online and you do not have to hand in an authenticated copy of your IELTS Certificate.

In the event of a Master's programme application, most universities do not require evidence of the secondary school leaving certificate (e.g. Abitur). For most universities, the submission of the Bachelor certificate is sufficient.

Please read the notes on documents deriving from certain countries of origin

Please find information about authentications and translations

Additional Documents

In addition, you usually have to include in your application a CV (consistent up to the date of application), a letter of address stating your motivation, a letter of recommendation and evidence regarding professional experience and work placement. The latter often may be submitted by way of a simple copy only. Please directly contact your chosen universities for specific information.

Online Application Only

The following universities do not request applications in paper from individual applicant groups. An online application is sufficient:

Universität Frankfurt/Main - applicants who are completing or have completed their Bachelor's degree at Frankfurt Uni

Universität Marburg - applicants who are completing or have completed their Bachelor's degree at Marburg Uni

Universität Potsdam - applicants who are completing or have completed their Bachelor's degree at Potsdam Uni