Studying in Germany: Requirements, Documents & Preparation Timeline 2026
By Nguyen Duc Minh
Studying in Germany: Complete Requirements, Documents & Preparation Timeline 2026
Germany consistently ranks among the world's top study destinations — world-class universities, virtually no tuition fees at public institutions, and a strong job market for graduates. Yet the path from aspiration to enrollment requires systematic preparation starting 12–18 months before your intended start date. This comprehensive guide covers every requirement, document, and step you need to successfully navigate the process in 2026.
📋 Academic Requirements
🎓 Prior Education & Qualifications
Germany does not automatically recognize foreign high school diplomas as sufficient for direct university entry. For Vietnamese applicants, two paths are typical:
- At least one completed year at a Vietnamese university (with an official transcript) → direct application to German universities becomes possible.
- High school diploma only → attendance at a Studienkolleg (preparatory college, two semesters) and passing the Feststellungsprüfung (qualifying exam) are required before university enrollment.
> 💡 Practical tip: Some admission routes or institutions may use TestAS when deciding university eligibility, but applicants must check the required test format and the officially published score rule. This is why many students sit the TestAS exam early to strengthen their application.
📚 APS Certificate — Mandatory for Vietnamese Applicants
The Akademische Prüfstelle (APS), based at the German Embassy in Hanoi, verifies the authenticity of Vietnamese academic documents. The APS certificate is compulsory for both university applications and the visa process.
| APS Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee | US$150 (standard undergraduate) or US$250 (standard postgraduate) |
| Processing time | approx. 6–8 weeks |
| Interview rounds | 2× per year: May & November |
| Outcome | DigZert digital certificate (PDF with QR code) |
| Applies to | Applicants from Vietnam, China, Mongolia |
⚠️ Submit your APS documents as soon as they are complete — you don't need to wait for language certificates. The 6–8 week processing time is often the critical bottleneck in the entire application timeline.
🗣️ Language Requirements
Summary Table
| Programme type | Required level | Accepted certificates |
|---|---|---|
| German-taught degree | B2–C1 | TestDaF ≥ 4× TDN4, DSH-2, Goethe C1, telc C1 Hochschule |
| English-taught degree (Master's) | B2–C1 | IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 85+, Cambridge C1/C2 |
| Studienkolleg application | A2–B1 usually sufficient | Some colleges require B1 or B2 |
> 📌 TestDaF vs. DSH: Both are tailored to academic German. TestDaF is administered globally by g.a.s.t. — the same organisation that runs TestAS and onSET — making it the go-to option for applicants still in Vietnam. DSH is held by universities in Germany and suits those already studying there.
A realistic timeline to reach C1 from scratch: 18–24 months of dedicated study. Start early and practise with real exam formats regularly.
💰 Financial Requirements
Sperrkonto — Blocked Account
Non-EU students must demonstrate sufficient financial resources when applying for a German student visa. The required amount for 2026 is:
> €11,904 per year (approx. €992/month) — released in monthly instalments.
(Always verify the current figure on the official German Embassy website)
Popular Sperrkonto providers: Fintiba, Expatrio, Deutsche Bank International. Account opening fees: approx. €50–100.
Scholarships — Reducing the Financial Burden
| Scholarship | Funding level | Target group |
|---|---|---|
| DAAD | Full or partial | Bachelor's, Master's, PhD |
| Deutschlandstipendium | €300/month | High-achieving students enrolled in Germany |
| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung | Full scholarship | Master's, PhD |
| Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung | Full scholarship | Focus on gender equality, environment |
🛂 Visa Application — Complete Checklist
Germany's student visa is a national visa (Type D), applied for at the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Required Documents
- ✅ Passport valid for at least 12 months, with 2 blank pages
- ✅ Completed, signed visa application form (embassy form)
- ✅ University admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid) or Studienkolleg confirmation
- ✅ APS certificate (DigZert — mandatory for Vietnamese applicants)
- ✅ Language certificate (TestDaF, DSH, Goethe, IELTS, etc.)
- ✅ Sperrkonto confirmation showing balance ≥ €11,904 (or scholarship proof)
- ✅ Travel health insurance valid for at least 90 days
- ✅ 2 biometric passport photos (German standard: 35×45 mm, white background)
- ✅ Certified translations of transcripts and degrees
- ✅ CV / curriculum vitae
- ✅ Letter of motivation (Motivationsschreiben)
- ✅ Visa fee approx. €75 (paid at submission)
> ⚠️ Processing time: 4–8 weeks. Embassy appointment slots fill up months in advance during peak season (May–July and September–October) — book early.
📅 18-Month Preparation Timeline
### Phase 1: Month –18 to –12 1. Identify your field of study and target university type (TU9, Fachhochschule, comprehensive university) 2. Begin or intensify German language learning — target B2 within 12 months 3. Gather documents for APS submission; plan which APS round to target
### Phase 2: Month –12 to –6 4. Submit APS application (May or November round) 5. Sit TestDaF / DSH / IELTS and obtain the required certificate 6. Apply to universities through Uni-Assist or directly 7. Consider sitting TestAS if required by your target university or to strengthen your candidacy
### Phase 3: Month –6 to 0 8. Receive your Zulassungsbescheid (admission letter) 9. Open a Sperrkonto and deposit €11,904; collect confirmation 10. Take out travel health insurance 11. Book a visa appointment at the German Embassy 12. Submit visa application — await result (4–8 weeks) 13. Arrange accommodation in Germany, book flights
🏠 After Arriving in Germany
Your visa is a beginning, not an end. In the first 2–4 weeks after arrival:
- Register your address (Anmeldung) at the Einwohnermeldeamt — legally required within 14 days
- Open a German bank account (Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, or digital banks like N26, DKB)
- Enrol in statutory health insurance (GKV) — TK, AOK, Barmer — approx. €120–150/month for students under 30 and before the 14th semester
- Complete enrolment (Immatrikulation) and register for courses
- Apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at the Ausländerbehörde before your entry visa expires
> 💡 Without proof of health insurance, German universities will not complete your enrolment. The GKV student rate (~€120–150/month) is significantly cheaper than private alternatives and easier to switch to standard coverage later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I go directly to a German university with my Vietnamese high school diploma? No. Vietnamese high school certificates are generally not recognised as university entrance qualifications in Germany. You need either at least one completed university year in Vietnam, or you must attend a Studienkolleg in Germany.
Q: How long does the APS process take, and what does it cost? Processing takes approximately 6–8 weeks after full submission. postgraduate interviews are normally scheduled in May and November. The fee is US$150 (standard undergraduate) or US$250 (standard postgraduate).
Q: Can I open a Sperrkonto from Vietnam? Yes. Fintiba and Expatrio offer fully online account opening for applicants based in Vietnam. Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks. Required balance in 2026: €11,904.
Q: What language level is required for the student visa? The visa itself doesn't formally require a high language level, but the university admission letter (which the visa requires) already presupposes B2–C1 German (or equivalent English for English-taught programmes).
Q: Can I work alongside my studies? Yes. Non-EU students may work 140 full days or 280 half days per year. During term time, keeping to ≤ 20 hours/week preserves your student insurance benefits under the Werkstudentenprivileg.
---
Sharpen your TestAS and TestDaF skills on StudienA — structured practice, real exam formats, measurable progress. Start for free today!
---
🔗 Related Articles
- APS Vietnam: What It Is & How the Academic Review Works
- Germany Student Visa 2026: Documents, Process & Interview Tips
- What Is a Sperrkonto? Complete Guide to Germany's Blocked Account
- How to Apply to a German University A–Z: Documents, Deadlines & Admission
---
> APS update: The procedure depends on the applicant category. Published fees are US$150 for the standard undergraduate procedure and US$250 for the standard postgraduate procedure; May/November interviews concern the postgraduate procedure, while the undergraduate procedure may include TestAS.