The application procedure for German universities is a little complex. The universities have a relatively free hand in the arrangement of the procedure and for individual subjects there are different conditions and practices.

Likewise, it makes a difference whether you want to do all your degree in Germany or whether you just want to spend part of your time studying here.

For students who are taking part in an exchange programme the regulations are usually simpler.

There are different addresses for your applications. For some courses of study you must apply directly to the university, for some to the admissions office "uni-assist" and others go to the foundation for the allocation of study places ("hochschulstart", formerly ZVS).

Very often applications fail due to formal errors because documents are incomplete or deadlines are missed.

In order to avoid mistakes, therefore, you should check thoroughly:

• what requirements you must fulfil for your chosen course of studies
• where you must apply
• until when you must apply
• what documentation (certified copies) must be included.

Information on the above is provided by the students' offices or the academic international offices of the universities.