- Abitur Equivalency:
The German Abitur, also referred to as “Abi” for short, is a qualification that students in Germany earn after they successfully complete secondary education, in grades 12 or 13. The Abitur is internationally recognized as equivalent to most foreign school-leaving certificates. With this qualification, you are eligible for academic studies not only in Germany, but also at most universities around the world.
- Akademische Prüfstelle (APS):
Existing in China, Vietnam, and India, it’s a joint institution of the German Embassy and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The APS checks the authenticity of educational biographies and the corresponding educational certificates, and issues certificates if the result is positive. For these countries, the APS certificate is a requirement for applying to a German university.
- Blocked Account (Sperrkonto):
A German Blocked Account is a bank account for international students and job-seeker visa applicants in Germany, used to show financial stability. To set it up, applicants must deposit €11,904, from which they can only withdraw €992 monthly after arrival to cover living expenses.
- B2 Level proficiency:
The Goethe-Zertifikat B2 is a German exam for young people and adults. The exam confirms advanced language skills at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The Goethe-Zertifikat B2 consists of the modules listening, reading, writing and speaking (oral pair examination).
- Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD):
DAAD, which translates to the German Academic Exchange Service is the world’s largest funding organization for international academic exchange, supporting students, researchers, and university staff through scholarships, grants, and partnerships.
- Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH):
German language written and oral exam for university entrance. Proficiency level DSH II is sufficient for most courses of study at German universities.
- Dialogorientiertes Service-Verfahren (DoSV):
The Dialogue-Oriented Service Procedure (DoSV) is a centralized system in Germany used to coordinate applications and allocate study places for popular, admission-restricted undergraduate degree programs. Managed by hochschulstart.de, it prevents multiple admissions and ensures a fair, transparent, and faster distribution of university spots.
- Fachhochschule (University of applied sciences):
A Fachhochschule (FH), or University of Applied Sciences, is a German higher education institution focused on practical, career-oriented education rather than theoretical research. They offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in fields like engineering, business, and design, often featuring mandatory internships and smaller class sizes.
- Studienkolleg:
The Studienkollegs function as a “bridge” to help you adjust from the academic culture in your home country to the academic culture in Germany. They offer courses specifically tailored to international university applicants. In general, public Studienkollegs offer programmes that are free of charge (except for the semester fee), whereas private Studienkollegs frequently charge fees.
- Single European Payment Area (SEPA):
Standardised money transfer procedure in the European Union (+ Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Monaco and San Marino).
- Test für Ausländische Studierende (TestAS):
The Test for foreign students is a standardised test that assesses and documents your qualification for university studies. It takes place several times a year at licensed testing centres worldwide. The test comprises a core test and a test in one of six subject areas: a) humanities, cultural studies and social sciences b) mathematics, computer science and natural sciences c)engineering d) economics e) life sciences f) medicine. You can take the test in German or English.
- Uni-Assist:
As the central platform for international applications, uni-assist simplifies the process of applying to over 180 German universities by allowing students to submit documents centrally, converting international grades to the German system.
- Vorprüfungsdokumentation (VPD):
A certificate issued by uni-assist which you submit directly to the university when you apply there. Generally, you have to submit the VPD to the university before the application deadline expires.
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