Last updated: March 2026

TL;DR: Key documents for a Bachelor's in Germany include academic transcripts, school-leaving certificate, passport, language proficiency proof (German B1–C1 or English IELTS/TOEFL), APS certificate (for Indian/Chinese/Vietnamese students), motivation letter, CV, and proof of financial resources (€11,904/year blocked account). Requirements vary by university and pathway.

Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Germany requires gathering a range of documents that align with the specific requirements of each university's application process. This guide outlines all the essential documents you need for your application.

General Documents Required

1. Academic Transcripts

Official transcripts from your secondary school (10th and 12th grade or equivalent) showing subjects studied and grades achieved. These must be:

• Certified copies (notarized or attested by issuing institution)
• Translated into English or German by a sworn translator if originals are in another language

Read our guide on preparing transcripts for studying in Germany.

2. School-Leaving Certificate

Your final secondary school certificate (such as the Abitur equivalent, A-levels, or 12th-grade marksheet). German universities assess this against their admission criteria. Check whether your certificate is recognized on the Anabin database.

3. Passport

A valid passport with at least 12 months of remaining validity. You'll need color copies for your application and the original for visa processing.

4. Language Proficiency Proof

For German-taught programs:

• TestDaF (TDN 4 in all sections)
• DSH-2 or DSH-3
• Goethe Certificate C1 or C2
• telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule

For English-taught programs:

• IELTS (6.0–6.5)
• TOEFL (80–90 iBT)
• Cambridge C1 Advanced

Compare the German language exams in our Goethe vs TestDaF vs DSH guide.

5. Motivation Letter

A personal statement explaining why you chose the specific program and university, your academic background, career goals, and what you hope to achieve. Keep it to one page (400–600 words).

6. CV / Resume

A structured, tabular German-style CV including education history, work experience, language skills, and extracurricular activities. Include a professional photo. Read our CV preparation guide.

7. Passport-size Photographs

Biometric passport photos (35mm x 45mm) following German specifications. Typically 4–6 copies are needed for various documents.

Pathway-Specific Documents

For Direct Admission

If your school-leaving certificate qualifies for direct admission:

• All general documents above
• University-specific application form
• uni-assist application (if required by the university)

For Studienkolleg Pathway

If you need Studienkolleg (preparatory course):

• All general documents above
• German language certificate (minimum B1 for most Studienkollegs)
• Studienkolleg entrance exam registration

For Students with APS Requirement

Students from India, China, and Vietnam need an APS certificate:

• All general documents above
• APS certificate (processing time: 4–8 weeks)
• Check your eligibility with our APS eligibility quiz

Financial Documents

Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)

Proof of financial resources is required for your visa application. Since 2024, the amount is €11,904/year (€992/month).

Options:

• Expatrio blocked account
• Fintiba blocked account
• Deutsche Bank blocked account

Use our blocked account calculator to plan your finances. Compare providers in our blocked account providers comparison.

Alternative Financial Proof

• Scholarship award letter
• Sponsorship declaration (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a sponsor in Germany
• Parents' bank statements and income proof

Document Checklist

| Document | Direct Admission | Studienkolleg | Visa Application | |

---|

---|

---|

---| | Academic transcripts | Required | Required | Required | | School-leaving certificate | Required | Required | Required | | Passport | Required | Required | Required | | Language proficiency | Required | Required (German B1+) | Required | | Motivation letter | Required | Sometimes | Not needed | | CV | Required | Sometimes | Not needed | | APS certificate | If applicable | If applicable | Required | | Blocked account | Not needed | Not needed | Required (€11,904) | | Health insurance | Not needed | Not needed | Required | | Passport photos | Required | Required | Required | | Notarized translations | Required | Required | Required |

Tips for Document Preparation

1. Start early: Document gathering and notarization can take 2–3 months.
2. Get certified translations: Use sworn translators (vereidigte Übersetzer) for all non-English/German documents.
3. Keep multiple copies: Make at least 3 certified copies of each document.
4. Check university-specific requirements: Each university may have additional requirements beyond the standard list.
5. Apply through uni-assist early: uni-assist processing takes 4–6 weeks.

Conclusion

Thorough document preparation is key to a successful Bachelor's application in Germany. Start gathering your documents well in advance of application deadlines (July 15 for winter semester, January 15 for summer semester). Our document preparation service can help if you need assistance.

Explore our Bachelor's in Germany guide for the complete application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get my documents notarized?

Yes, most German universities require notarized (beglaubigte) copies of academic documents. You can get documents notarized at your school/university, a notary public, or the German embassy. Read our guide on document notarization for Germany.

How much does the blocked account cost in 2026?

The blocked account requires €11,904/year (€992/month). This amount has been in effect since 2024. You deposit the full annual amount before applying for your visa, and it is released in monthly installments of €992 once you arrive in Germany.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for a Bachelor's in Germany?

For English-taught programs, yes. Most universities accept IELTS (6.0–6.5) or TOEFL (80–90 iBT). For German-taught programs, you need German language certification instead. Use our IELTS score calculator or TOEFL-IELTS converter.

How much percentage do I need in 12th grade?

Typically, you need at least 65%–70% in your 12th-grade exams for eligibility, though competitive programs may require higher. Use our German grade calculator to convert your percentage to the German grading scale.

Can I stay in Germany after completing my Bachelor's?

Yes, Germany grants an 18-month post-study work visa to international graduates. You can also apply for a work visa or EU Blue Card if you find employment, eventually leading to permanent residency.