uni-assist vs Direct Application: Complete Germany Guide (2026)

Your step-by-step roadmap to applying to German universities — whether through uni-assist, directly, or with VPD

This Guide #9 is part of Brizz’s 20-part series — helping Indian students navigate Germany uni-assist and direct application processes.

Quick Summary: uni-assist in 60 Seconds

What is uni-assist? A centralized service that processes international applications for ~180 German universities. They verify your documents, convert your grades, and forward your application.

Think of it like a courier service with quality control: uni-assist checks your package (documents), verifies contents (credentials), repackages it (grade conversion), and delivers to the university. But the university decides whether to accept you — uni-assist only verifies and forwards.

Do you need uni-assist? Only if your target university is a uni-assist member. Many top universities (LMU, RWTH Aachen, Heidelberg) accept direct applications — no uni-assist needed.

Three application routes exist:

1. Full uni-assist — Apply entirely through uni-assist portal (TU Berlin, Uni Köln)
2. Direct Application — Apply directly to university portal (LMU, RWTH Aachen)
3. Direct + VPD — Get VPD from uni-assist, then apply to university (TUM)

Key costs: uni-assist €75 first + €30 each additional | VPD only €75 | Direct applications usually free

Key timeline: Submit to uni-assist by June 15 for Winter intake (July 15 deadline). Processing takes 4–6 weeks.

At a Glance: Key Facts

Aspect	uni-assist	Direct Application
Used by	~180 universities	LMU, RWTH, Heidelberg, KIT, and others
Cost	€75 + €30/each	Usually free
Processing	4–6 weeks	1–3 weeks
Grade conversion	Done by uni-assist	University does it (or self)
APS required	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Safe deadline	June 15 (Winter)	July 1 (Winter)

Document	Required?
APS Certificate	✅ Mandatory for ALL
VPD	Only if university requests
Class 10 + 12 Marksheets	✅ Yes
All Semester Marksheets	✅ Yes
Degree Certificate	✅ Yes
IELTS/TOEFL	✅ Yes (English programs)
SOP, LOR, CV	Program-specific

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

1. What is uni-assist and why it exists
2. The critical difference between APS and VPD
3. Three application routes explained (uni-assist, Direct, Direct+VPD)
4. Which top universities use which method
5. Step-by-step process for each route
6. Grade conversion formulas (General + Bavarian)
7. Document requirements and certification
8. Fees, payment issues, and timelines
9. Common mistakes to avoid

What uni-assist Does?

uni-assist performs three key functions for international applicants:

1. Document Verification (Echtheitsüberprüfung) Confirms your certificates are authentic and complete.

2. Equivalence Check (Gleichwertigkeitsprüfung) Verifies your Indian qualification is recognized for German university admission. This is called checking your Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) — your university entrance qualification.

3. Grade Conversion (Notenumrechnung) Converts your Indian CGPA/percentage to the German grading scale using standardized formulas. See grade conversion formulas below.

What uni-assist Does NOT Do?

• Make admission decisions — Universities decide, not uni-assist
• Replace APS — You still need APS certificate separately
• Process visa applications — That’s the German Embassy’s job
• Guarantee admission — They only verify and forward

APS vs VPD: The Confusion Cleared

This is the #1 source of confusion for Indian students. Let’s clear it once and for all.

The Simple Difference

Aspect	APS	VPD
Full Name	Akademische Prüfstelle	Vorprüfungsdokumentation
English	Academic Evaluation Centre	Preliminary Review Documentation
Purpose	Verifies AUTHENTICITY — “Is your degree real?”	Calculates VALUE — “What is your degree worth in Germany?”
Issued by	APS India (German Embassy, New Delhi)	uni-assist
Interview	✅ Yes (15–20 minutes, tests your knowledge)	❌ No (document review only)
Cost	₹18,000	€75
Processing	4–12 weeks	4–6 weeks
Required for	ALL German universities + Student Visa	Only universities that request it
Validity	Lifetime	Specific application cycle

The Key Insight

APS verifies YOU didn’t fake your degree. VPD tells the university WHAT your degree is worth.

You typically need BOTH — APS first, then VPD (if required).

When Do You Need Each?

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│           DO YOU NEED APS?                              │
│                                                         │
│    Are you an Indian student applying to Germany?       │
│                        ↓                                │
│                   YES → Get APS                         │
│                                                         │
│    (Exception: Students with German Abitur)             │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│           DO YOU NEED VPD?                              │
│                                                         │
│    Does your target university require VPD?             │
│           ↓                    ↓                        │
│         YES                   NO                        │
│           ↓                    ↓                        │
│    Get VPD from          No VPD needed                  │
│    uni-assist            (Apply directly)               │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

⚠️ Critical: APS is mandatory for your visa. Even if a university doesn’t need VPD, the German Embassy will reject your visa without APS. Start APS at least 4 months before your application deadline. Full process in our APS Certificate Guide.

Three Application Routes Explained

German universities accept international applications through three different routes. Understanding which route applies to your target university is crucial.

Route 1: Full uni-assist Application

How it works: You apply entirely through uni-assist. They verify documents, convert grades, and forward your complete application to the university.

You never touch the university portal until admission.

You → uni-assist Portal → Document Check → Grade Conversion → University
                    ↓
              University reviews and decides
                    ↓
              Admission decision sent to you

Universities using this route: TU Berlin, FU Berlin, Uni Köln, Uni Frankfurt, most Fachhochschulen

Route 2: Direct Application (No VPD)

How it works: You apply directly on the university’s own portal. No uni-assist involvement at all.

Fastest and cheapest option — but limited to specific universities.

You → University Portal → Upload Documents → University reviews
                                    ↓
                          Admission decision

Universities using this route: LMU Munich, RWTH Aachen, Uni Heidelberg, Uni Göttingen, Uni Mannheim, KIT

Route 3: Direct Application + VPD

How it works: The university accepts direct applications BUT requires a VPD from uni-assist for credential verification. You apply to uni-assist for VPD only, then submit that VPD along with your application to the university portal.

Two-step process — common for top technical universities.

You → uni-assist (VPD only) → Receive VPD certificate
              ↓
You → University Portal → Upload VPD + Other Documents
              ↓
      University reviews and decides

Universities using this route: TU Munich (TUM), some programs at Heidelberg, some programs at RWTH Aachen

Comparison: All Three Routes

Aspect	Route 1: Full uni-assist	Route 2: Direct (No VPD)	Route 3: Direct + VPD
Apply where	uni-assist portal only	University portal only	Both portals
Documents uploaded to	uni-assist	University	uni-assist (for VPD) + University
APS required	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
VPD issued	✅ Automatic (part of process)	❌ Not needed	✅ You request separately
Grade conversion by	uni-assist	University (or self)	uni-assist
Processing time	4–6 weeks	1–3 weeks	4–6 weeks (VPD) + 1–2 weeks (university)
Cost	€75 + €30/additional	Free	€75 (VPD only)
Best for	Multiple uni-assist universities	Targeting specific direct universities	TUM and similar

[FLOWCHART: Three Application Routes Decision Tree]

💡 Pro Strategy: If you’re applying to 6 universities, you might use all three routes! For example: 2 via full uni-assist, 2 direct applications, 2 direct+VPD. Plan your route for each university before starting.

Which Universities Use Which Method? {#university-list}

This is the most practical section. We’ve categorized top German universities by application method.

TU9 (Top Technical Universities)

University	Application Method	VPD Required?	Portal Link
TU Munich (TUM)	Direct + VPD	✅ Yes	TUMonline
RWTH Aachen	Direct	❌ No	RWTHonline
TU Berlin	uni-assist	Auto	Via uni-assist portal
TU Dresden	uni-assist	Auto	Via uni-assist portal
TU Darmstadt	uni-assist	Auto	Via uni-assist portal
Uni Stuttgart	Direct	❌ No	C@mpus
KIT Karlsruhe	Direct	❌ No	KIT Portal
Leibniz Uni Hannover	uni-assist	Auto	Via uni-assist portal
TU Braunschweig	uni-assist	Auto	Via uni-assist portal

Auto = VPD generated automatically as part of uni-assist process

U15 (Top Research Universities)

University	Application Method	VPD Required?	Portal Link
LMU Munich	Direct	❌ No	LMU Portal
Uni Heidelberg	Direct (mostly)	⚠️ Some programs	heiCO Portal
HU Berlin	uni-assist	Auto	Via uni-assist portal
FU Berlin	uni-assist	Auto	Via uni-assist portal
Uni Freiburg	Direct	❌ No	HISinOne
Uni Göttingen	Direct	❌ No	eCampus
Uni Bonn	Direct	❌ No	Uni Bonn Portal
Uni Tübingen	Direct	❌ No	ALMA Portal
Uni Hamburg	Direct	❌ No	STiNE
Uni Köln	uni-assist	Auto	Via uni-assist portal
Uni Frankfurt	uni-assist	Auto	Via uni-assist portal
Uni Münster	uni-assist	Auto	Via uni-assist portal
Uni Mainz	Direct	❌ No	JOGU-StINe
Uni Würzburg	uni-assist	Auto	Via uni-assist portal
Uni Leipzig	uni-assist	Auto	Via uni-assist portal

Auto = VPD generated automatically as part of uni-assist process

Top Fachhochschulen (Universities of Applied Sciences)

University	Application Method	Portal Link
Munich UAS (HM)	uni-assist	Via uni-assist portal
Berlin HTW	uni-assist	Via uni-assist portal
Frankfurt UAS	uni-assist	Via uni-assist portal
Cologne TH	uni-assist	Via uni-assist portal
Hamburg HAW	uni-assist	Via uni-assist portal

Top Private Universities

University	Application Method	Tuition (per semester)	Portal Link
WHU – Otto Beisheim	Direct	€20,000–€24,000	WHU Apply
ESMT Berlin	Direct	€18,000–€22,000	ESMT Apply
Frankfurt School	Direct	€15,000–€20,000	FS Apply
EBS Universität	Direct	€8,000–€12,000	EBS Apply
Jacobs University Bremen	Direct	€10,000–€15,000	Jacobs Apply
SRH Universities	Direct	€7,000–€10,000	SRH Apply
IUBH (IU)	Direct	€5,000–€8,000	IU Apply
Munich Business School	Direct	€8,000–€12,000	MBS Apply

💡 Private University Note: Most private universities handle applications directly and don’t use uni-assist. They often have rolling admissions (no fixed deadline) and may conduct interviews. Tuition fees vary significantly — budget €10,000–€25,000 per semester for top programs.

Quick Reference: How to Check Any University

Method 1: uni-assist Database Go to uni-assist.de/en/tools/uni-assist-universities and search for your university.

Method 2: University Website Visit the university’s “International Admissions” or “How to Apply” page. Look for:

• “Application via uni-assist” → Use uni-assist
• “Direktbewerbung” or “Direct Application” → Apply directly
• “VPD required” → Direct + VPD route

Method 3: DAAD Database Use DAAD Course Finder — it shows application method for each program.

Step-by-Step: Full uni-assist Application

Follow this process if your university uses uni-assist for complete application processing.

Step 1: Create Your Account (My assist)

1. Go to my.uni-assist.de
2. Click “Register” and create account
3. Verify email address
4. Complete your profile with personal details

💡 Tip: Use the same email you’ll use for all Germany-related applications. This keeps everything organized.

Step 2: Select Universities and Programs

1. In My assist, click “New Application”
2. Search for your university
3. Select your specific program (Bachelor’s/Master’s)
4. Add to application basket
5. Repeat for additional universities (€30 each after first)

Step 3: Upload Documents

Mandatory Documents for Indian Students:

Document	Format	Notes
APS Certificate	PDF	Must be issued before upload
Class 10 Marksheet	PDF	Certified/notarized copy
Class 10 Certificate	PDF	Certified/notarized copy
Class 12 Marksheet	PDF	Certified/notarized copy
Class 12 Certificate	PDF	Certified/notarized copy
Bachelor’s Degree Certificate	PDF	Or provisional certificate
All Semester Marksheets	PDF	Each semester separately
Passport Copy	PDF	First and last page
Passport Photo	JPEG	Biometric, white background
English Proficiency	PDF	IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scorecard
German Proficiency	PDF	If required by program

Program-Specific Documents (Check Requirements):

Document	When Required
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Most Master’s programs
CV/Resume	Most Master’s programs
Letters of Recommendation	Some Master’s programs
Portfolio	Design/Architecture programs
GRE/GMAT Scores	Some Business/Engineering programs

Step 4: Pay Application Fee

Application	Fee
First university	€75
Second university	€30
Third university	€30
Fourth university	€30
Example: 4 universities	€165 total

Payment Methods:

• Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard)
• Bank Transfer (SEPA)
• Giropay

⚠️ Indian Card Warning: Many Indian credit/debit cards fail on the uni-assist portal due to:

• International transaction blocks (call your bank to enable)
• 3D Secure authentication issues
• Daily transaction limits

If your card fails:

• Try a different card
• Use bank transfer (takes 3–5 days to verify)
• Use Forex cards (Niyo, BookMyForex)

Never wait until the deadline to pay. If bank transfer takes 5 days and you pay on July 10, your application won’t be processed until July 15 — the deadline day. Any document error = missed deadline.

Step 5: Submit and Track

1. Review all uploaded documents
2. Click “Submit Application”
3. Download submission confirmation
4. Track status in My assist portal

Status Meanings:

Status	Meaning
Submitted	uni-assist received your application
In Review	Documents being verified
Documents Incomplete	Something missing — check portal
Forwarded	Sent to university — now wait for university decision
Rejected	Documents didn’t meet requirements — check reason

Step 6: Wait for University Decision

After uni-assist forwards your application, the university makes the admission decision. This typically takes 4–8 weeks after forwarding.

Step-by-Step: Direct Application (No VPD)

Follow this process for universities like LMU, RWTH Aachen, Heidelberg that accept direct applications without VPD.

Step 1: Verify Direct Application Acceptance

1. Go to university’s international admissions page
2. Confirm they accept direct applications for your program
3. Note their specific document requirements

Step 2: Create University Portal Account

Each university has its own portal:

University	Portal Name	URL
LMU Munich	LMU Portal	lmu.de/studium
RWTH Aachen	RWTHonline	online.rwth-aachen.de
Uni Heidelberg	heiCO	heiCO.uni-heidelberg.de
KIT	KIT Portal	studium.kit.edu
Uni Freiburg	HISinOne	campus.uni-freiburg.de

Step 3: Upload Documents

Same documents as uni-assist, plus:

• APS Certificate (always required)
• Any university-specific forms
• Self-converted grades (some universities)

💡 Grade Conversion: For direct applications, some universities ask you to self-convert your grades using the Bavarian Formula. See Grade Conversion Section below.

Step 4: Submit Application

1. Complete all required fields
2. Upload all documents
3. Submit before deadline
4. Save confirmation

Step 5: Track and Respond

• Check university portal regularly
• Respond to any document requests promptly
• Decision typically within 4–8 weeks

Step-by-Step: Direct Application + VPD

Follow this process for universities like TUM that require VPD but handle applications directly.

Step 1: Apply for VPD at uni-assist

1. Create account at my.uni-assist.de
2. Select your target university (e.g., TUM)
3. Choose “VPD only” option (if available) or “All Programs”
4. Upload required documents
5. Pay €75
6. Wait 4–6 weeks for VPD

Step 2: Receive VPD Certificate

uni-assist emails you a PDF containing:

• Confirmation your qualification is recognized
• Your converted German grades
• Equivalence statement

Step 3: Apply to University Portal

For TUM (TUMonline):

1. Create account at campus.tum.de
2. Select your program
3. Upload VPD certificate
4. Upload other required documents
5. Submit application

⚠️ Important for TUM: Applying to uni-assist for VPD does NOT equal applying to TUM. You must ALSO submit a separate application through TUMonline. Many students miss this!

Step 4: Timeline Management

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│               DIRECT + VPD TIMELINE                          │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                              │
│   May 1        Submit to uni-assist for VPD                 │
│       ↓                                                      │
│   6 weeks      uni-assist processing                        │
│       ↓                                                      │
│   June 15      Receive VPD                                   │
│       ↓                                                      │
│   June 20      Submit to TUMonline with VPD                 │
│       ↓                                                      │
│   July 15      TUM DEADLINE                                  │
│                                                              │
│   ⚠️ START VPD AT LEAST 8 WEEKS BEFORE UNIVERSITY DEADLINE  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Grade Conversion: How German Grades Work

German universities use a 1.0 to 5.0 grading scale, where 1.0 is the best and 4.0 is the minimum passing grade.

German Grading Scale

German Grade	Description	Equivalent
1.0 – 1.5	Sehr gut (Very Good)	Outstanding
1.6 – 2.5	Gut (Good)	Above Average
2.6 – 3.5	Befriedigend (Satisfactory)	Average
3.6 – 4.0	Ausreichend (Sufficient)	Below Average but Passing
4.1 – 5.0	Nicht bestanden (Failed)	Fail

Two Conversion Formulas

German universities use two formulas to convert international grades. Understanding both helps you estimate your converted grade.

Formula 1: Modified Bavarian Formula (Most Common)

This is the standard formula used by most universities and uni-assist.

German Grade = 1 + 3 × ((Pmax - P) / (Pmax - Pmin))

Where:

• P = Your grade (CGPA or percentage)
• Pmax = Maximum possible grade in your system
• Pmin = Minimum passing grade in your system

For Indian CGPA (10-point scale):

• Pmax = 10
• Pmin = 5 (or 4, depending on university)
• P = Your CGPA

Example: CGPA 8.5 out of 10

German Grade = 1 + 3 × ((10 - 8.5) / (10 - 5))
             = 1 + 3 × (1.5 / 5)
             = 1 + 3 × 0.3
             = 1 + 0.9
             = 1.9

Result: CGPA 8.5 = German Grade 1.9 (Gut/Good)

Formula 2: General/Linear Formula

Some universities use a simpler linear conversion.

German Grade = ((Pmax - P) / (Pmax - Pmin)) × 3 + 1

This gives the same result as the Bavarian Formula — just written differently.

Quick Conversion Table: Indian CGPA to German Grade

Using Modified Bavarian Formula (Pmax=10, Pmin=5)

Indian CGPA	German Grade	Classification
10.0	1.0	Sehr gut (Very Good)
9.5	1.3	Sehr gut (Very Good)
9.0	1.6	Gut (Good)
8.5	1.9	Gut (Good)
8.0	2.2	Gut (Good)
7.5	2.5	Gut (Good)
7.0	2.8	Befriedigend (Satisfactory)
6.5	3.1	Befriedigend (Satisfactory)
6.0	3.4	Befriedigend (Satisfactory)
5.5	3.7	Ausreichend (Sufficient)
5.0	4.0	Ausreichend (Sufficient)
Below 5.0	4.1+	Nicht bestanden (Failed)

Quick Conversion Table: Indian Percentage to German Grade

Using Modified Bavarian Formula (Pmax=100, Pmin=40)

Indian Percentage	German Grade	Classification
100%	1.0	Sehr gut
90%	1.5	Sehr gut
85%	1.75	Gut
80%	2.0	Gut
75%	2.25	Gut
70%	2.5	Gut
65%	2.75	Befriedigend
60%	3.0	Befriedigend
55%	3.25	Befriedigend
50%	3.5	Befriedigend
45%	3.75	Ausreichend
40%	4.0	Ausreichend

💡 Important Notes:

1. Pmin varies: Some universities use Pmin=4, others use Pmin=5 for Indian CGPA. This changes your converted grade.
2. uni-assist uses their own table: They may not use exact Bavarian formula — their conversion considers Indian university grading patterns.
3. For VPD: Don’t calculate yourself — uni-assist will convert officially.
4. For direct applications: Check if university provides their own conversion table.

Document Certification: What Indian Students Need to Know

German universities are strict about document authenticity. Understanding certification requirements prevents rejection.

Types of Certification

Type	What It Means	When Needed
Self-Attested	You sign “True Copy of Original”	Some direct applications (rare)
Notarized (Indian)	Indian Notary Public stamp	Most uni-assist applications
Gazetted Officer Attested	Signed by Class I officer	Alternative to notary
Amtlich beglaubigt	German official certification	Strict universities (rare)
Apostille	MEA authentication	Almost never needed for applications

What uni-assist Accepts

uni-assist generally accepts:

• ✅ Indian Notary Public certified copies
• ✅ Gazetted Officer attested copies
• ✅ University-issued duplicate marksheets (self-attested)
• ✅ Digital copies from DigiLocker (for some documents)

How to Get Notarized Copies in India

1. Find a Notary Public — Available at most district courts or through legal services
2. Carry Original + Photocopy — Notary compares and stamps the copy
3. Cost: ₹50–200 per document
4. Time: Same day (usually 30 minutes)

💡 Insider Tip: Get 5 notarized copies of each document. You’ll need them for uni-assist, direct applications, visa, and enrollment. Getting them all at once saves time and money.

Document Format Requirements

Requirement	Specification
File format	PDF only
File size	Maximum 4 MB per document
Scan quality	300 DPI minimum
Color	Color scan (not black & white)
Orientation	Right-side up, readable

Fees and Payment: Complete Breakdown

uni-assist Fees

Service	Cost
First application (same semester)	€75
Each additional application	€30
VPD only (for direct applications)	€75
Document re-evaluation	€30
Late document submission	No extra fee (if before deadline)

Cost Scenarios

Scenario 1: 3 Universities via uni-assist

First university:  €75
Second university: €30
Third university:  €30
─────────────────────
Total:             €135

Scenario 2: 2 uni-assist + 2 Direct + 1 Direct+VPD

uni-assist (first):  €75
uni-assist (second): €30
Direct applications: €0
VPD for TUM:         €75
─────────────────────
Total:               €180

Scenario 3: 6 Universities (all uni-assist)

First:  €75
2-6:    €30 × 5 = €150
─────────────────────
Total:  €225

Payment Methods: What Actually Works from India

uni-assist accepts two payment methods: Credit Card (3D Secure) and Bank Transfer (SEPA/International Wire).

What DOESN’T work from India:

• ❌ RuPay cards (domestic only)
• ❌ UPI (not supported)
• ❌ Debit cards without international enable
• ❌ PayTM/PhonePe
• ❌ Many domestic credit cards (blocked by banks)

What WORKS from India:

Method	Success Rate	Processing Time	Notes
Niyo Global Card	✅ High	Instant	Zero forex markup, load via UPI. Get Niyo
Wise Multi-Currency	✅ High	Instant	Good rates, virtual card works. Get Wise
HDFC ForexPlus Card	✅ Medium	Instant	Call to enable 3D Secure first
ICICI Travel Card	✅ Medium	Instant	Pre-load EUR, enable international
International Wire Transfer	✅ High	3–7 days	OUR transfer type required
Ask German friend/relative	✅ Highest	1–2 days	SEPA transfer, no extra fees

Step-by-Step: Paying via Forex Card (Recommended)

Using Niyo Global (Most Popular for Indian Students):

1. Download Niyo app → Complete KYC → Get card (3–5 days)
2. Load INR via UPI (converts at live rate)
3. On uni-assist, select “Credit Card” payment
4. Enter Niyo card details (Visa)
5. Complete 3D Secure verification via Niyo app
6. Save confirmation screenshot

Pro Tip: Load card 2 days before payment. Sometimes first-time international transactions need manual approval via Niyo support.

Step-by-Step: Paying via Bank Transfer

If cards fail, use international wire transfer:

1. In My assist account, select “Bank Transfer”
2. Note your personal IBAN (unique to you — don’t use generic uni-assist account)
3. Go to your bank’s “Outward Remittance” section
4. Select OUR transfer (you pay all fees, uni-assist receives exact amount)
5. Enter IBAN, BIC, amount (€75 or €105, etc.)
6. Bank charges: ₹500–₹1,500 extra for international wire
7. Upload payment slip to My assist if asked

Timeline: Indian bank → 1–2 days → Correspondent bank → 2–3 days → uni-assist receives. Total: 3–7 business days.

Insider Hack: The German Friend Method

Best option if available:

Ask a friend, relative, or senior in Germany to transfer via SEPA:

• SEPA transfers are instant and free within Europe
• No currency conversion (EUR to EUR)
• Use YOUR personal IBAN from My assist account
• Repay them via Wise or UPI at better rates

⚠️ Real Story: A student’s SBI credit card failed on July 13. Bank transfer takes 3–7 business days. His payment was verified on July 18 — three days AFTER the July 15 deadline. Application rejected. Start payment at least 10 days before deadline.

Payment Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
“Transaction Declined”	Call bank, enable 3D Secure and international transactions
“Card Not Supported”	Try Forex card (Niyo/Wise) instead of regular credit card
“Bank Transfer Not Received”	Upload payment slip via uni-assist contact form
“Wrong IBAN Used”	Contact uni-assist immediately — wrong IBAN = lost payment
“Payment Shows But Application Not Submitted”	Payment ≠ submission. You must click “Submit” after payment

Timeline: When to Start What {#timeline}

For Winter Semester (October Start, July 15 Deadline)

Month	Action
January	Research universities, identify application routes
February	Start APS application
March	APS processing + prepare documents
April	Create uni-assist account, start uploading
May 1	Submit VPD applications (for Direct+VPD route)
May 15	APS should be in hand
June 1	Submit full uni-assist applications
June 15	⚠️ Safe deadline for uni-assist
June 20	Receive VPD, submit to TUM-type universities
July 15	🔴 Final deadline

For Summer Semester (April Start, January 15 Deadline)

Month	Action
August	Research universities, identify application routes
September	Start APS application
October	APS processing + prepare documents
November 1	Submit VPD applications
November 15	APS should be in hand
December 1	Submit full uni-assist applications
December 15	⚠️ Safe deadline for uni-assist
January 15	🔴 Final deadline

💡 Detailed Timeline: See our complete Masters in Germany Application Timeline 2026-2027 for month-by-month planning.

Common Mistakes Indian Students Make {#mistakes}

Mistake 1: Confusing APS and VPD

Wrong: “I have APS, so I don’t need VPD” Right: APS = authenticity (for visa). VPD = equivalence (for some universities). You may need both.

Mistake 2: Applying to uni-assist for Non-Member Universities

Wrong: Submitting to uni-assist for LMU or RWTH Aachen Right: Check the university list first. Direct-application universities don’t need uni-assist.

Mistake 3: Thinking VPD Application = University Application

Wrong: “I applied to uni-assist for TUM VPD, so I’m done” Right: VPD is just document verification. You MUST also apply separately on TUMonline.

Mistake 4: Waiting Until July to Start

Wrong: Starting uni-assist application in July for July 15 deadline Right: Start by May 1 for Winter intake. uni-assist takes 4–6 weeks to process.

Mistake 5: Incomplete Document Upload

Wrong: Uploading only final year marksheet Right: Upload ALL semester marksheets, Class 10, Class 12, and degree certificate.

Mistake 6: Wrong Document Format

Wrong: Uploading JPG images or Word documents Right: All documents must be PDF format, under 4 MB.

Mistake 7: Payment on Deadline Day

Wrong: Paying via bank transfer on July 14 Right: Pay at least 7 days before deadline. Card payments verify instantly; bank transfers take 3–5 days.

Mistake 8: Not Tracking Application Status

Wrong: Submitting and forgetting Right: Log into My assist weekly. Respond to “Documents Incomplete” status immediately.

Mistake 9: Same Documents for All Universities

Wrong: Using identical SOP for all applications Right: Customize SOP for each university. See our SOP, LOR & Documents Guide.

Mistake 10: Ignoring German Language Requirements

Wrong: Assuming English programs don’t need German Right: Some English-taught programs require basic German (A1/A2) for daily life. Check program requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions {#faqs}

General Questions

Q: Do all German universities use uni-assist?

No. Approximately 180 universities use uni-assist, but many top universities (LMU Munich, RWTH Aachen, Heidelberg) accept direct applications. Always check your specific university’s requirements.

Q: Is VPD the same as APS?

No. APS verifies authenticity (is your degree real?), while VPD calculates equivalence (what is your degree worth?). APS is mandatory for visa; VPD is needed only if your university requires it.

Q: Can I apply to the same university through both uni-assist and directly?

No. Each university uses one method. If they’re a uni-assist member, apply via uni-assist. If they accept direct applications, apply directly. Don’t do both.

Process Questions

Q: How long does uni-assist take to process applications?

4–6 weeks from receipt of complete application and payment. For Asian applicants (including India), processing may take up to 7 weeks during peak season (May–July).

Q: What happens if uni-assist rejects my documents?

You’ll receive “Documents Incomplete” status in My assist. Check the specific reason, fix the issue, and re-upload. If rejected after the deadline, you cannot reapply for that semester.

Q: Can I get a refund if I decide not to apply?

No. uni-assist fees are non-refundable once paid, even if you withdraw your application.

Q: How do I convert my Indian CGPA to German grades?

Use the Modified Bavarian Formula: German Grade = 1 + 3 × ((10 – Your CGPA) / (10 – 5)). For example, CGPA 8.5 = German Grade 1.9. See full conversion tables.

Document Questions

Q: Do I need original documents or certified copies?

Certified copies accepted. Notarized by Indian Notary Public is sufficient. You don’t need to send originals to uni-assist. Keep originals safe for visa and enrollment.

Q: What if my documents are not in English or German?

You need certified translations. Use sworn translators (vereidigte Übersetzer). In India, certified translation services are available through embassies or authorized agencies.

Q: Is DigiLocker accepted?

Varies by university. Some accept DigiLocker documents, but not all. For safety, get physical notarized copies.

Payment Questions

Q: Why did my Indian card get declined?

Common reasons: international transactions disabled, 3D Secure issues, daily limits. Call your bank to enable international transactions, or use a Forex card (Niyo/Wise).

Q: Can I pay for multiple applications together?

Yes. Add all universities to your basket, then pay once. You’ll pay €75 for the first and €30 for each additional.

Timeline Questions

Q: When should I apply to uni-assist for Winter 2026?

Start by May 1, 2026. This gives you 10+ weeks before the July 15 deadline — enough buffer for processing and any document corrections.

Q: What if I miss the uni-assist deadline?

Your application won’t be forwarded to the university. You’ll need to wait for the next intake (Summer 2027 or Winter 2027).

Summary: Your Action Checklist

Before You Apply

• [ ] Identify target universities (5–7 recommended)
• [ ] Check application route for each university (use our list)
• [ ] Start APS application (4+ months before deadline)
• [ ] Get documents notarized (5 copies each)
• [ ] Prepare SOP, LOR, CV
• [ ] Take language tests (IELTS/TOEFL/German)

For uni-assist Route

• [ ] Create My assist account
• [ ] Upload all documents (PDF, <4 MB each)
• [ ] Pay fees (€75 + €30/additional)
• [ ] Submit by June 15 (safe deadline for Winter)
• [ ] Track status weekly

For Direct Application Route

• [ ] Create university portal account
• [ ] Check if VPD is required
• [ ] If VPD needed: Apply to uni-assist first (8 weeks before deadline)
• [ ] Upload documents to university portal
• [ ] Submit by university deadline

After Submission

• [ ] Track uni-assist status in My assist
• [ ] Track university status in their portal
• [ ] Respond to any document requests immediately
• [ ] Accept admission offer within deadline
• [ ] Prepare for visa application

Next Steps

Ready to start your application?

1. Check your universities: Use the university list to identify your application route
2. Start APS now: APS Certificate Guide
3. Plan your timeline: Application Timeline 2026-2027
4. Prepare documents: SOP, LOR & Documents Guide

About This Guide Series

This Guide #9 is part of “Study Masters in Germany: From Application to Employment” — a 20-part series by Brizz.me for Indian students.

#	Guide
1	Masters in Germany — Complete Guide
2	Germany vs UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Netherlands
3	How to Choose a University in Germany
4	Masters in Germany Eligibility Requirements
5	APS Certificate Germany Guide
6	Masters in Germany Application: SOP, LOR, CV & Documents
7	Learn German for Germany: A1 to B2
8	Masters in Germany Application Timeline 2026-2027
9	📍 Germany uni-assist Guide (You Are Here)
10	Germany Scholarships Guide
11	Germany Sperrkonto (Blocked Account)
12	Education Loans from India for Germany
13	Germany Student Visa Application
14	First 30 Days in Germany Checklist
15	Germany Werkstudent Jobs Guide
16	Germany Student Life Hacks
17	Germany Job Search Strategy
18	Germany Job Seeker Visa (§20)
19	Student to Blue Card Germany
20	Germany Permanent Residence (PR)

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Last Updated: January 2026

This guide is part of the “Study Masters in Germany: From Application to Employment” series by Brizz.me — Your complete resource for studying in Germany.