uni-assist: what the application costs and how long it takes
Redaktion · 13 October 2026 · 2 min read
In short
At uni-assist an application costs 75 euros for the first programme and 30 euros for each further one, per semester. Checking your documents usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. Apply at least 8 weeks before the deadline. Common deadlines are 15 July for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester. The university decides on admission.
What does uni-assist do?
Many German universities have applications with foreign certificates pre-checked by uni-assist. uni-assist checks whether your documents are complete and formally sufficient for the programme, and passes them to the university. Whether you are admitted is decided by the university.
Some universities want a preliminary review documentation (VPD) instead: uni-assist evaluates your certificate, and you send the VPD to the university yourself. Your university's website says which one it requires.
What does the application cost?
| Fee | |
|---|---|
| First programme per semester | 75 euros |
| Each further programme in the same semester | 30 euros |
| New application in a later semester | again 75 euros plus 30 euros per further programme |
| VPD | same fees as a regular application |
You pay the fee regardless of the result of the check. Some universities cover it; you will then see a note in your selection list in „My assist“. According to uni-assist, payment requests come only through the uni-assist portal. Be careful with agencies that claim otherwise.
How long does the check take?
According to uni-assist the result usually comes after 4 to 6 weeks. If documents are missing, uni-assist asks for them, which takes time. That is why uni-assist advises applying at least 8 weeks before the deadline.
| Start of studies | Common deadline | Latest recommended start |
|---|---|---|
| Winter semester | 15 July | mid-May |
| Summer semester | 15 January | mid-November |
And the language certificate?
For a degree taught in German, universities ask for language proof, usually at C1, for example TestDaF, DSH-2 or telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule. Exactly which one is up to the university. If your certificate is still missing, ask the university whether you may submit it later. An overview is in German language test for university admission.
Frequently asked questions
How much does uni-assist cost?
75 euros for the first programme per semester and 30 euros for each further programme in the same semester.
How long does uni-assist take to process an application?
Usually 4 to 6 weeks. uni-assist recommends applying at least 8 weeks before the deadline.
Does uni-assist decide on my admission?
No. uni-assist pre-checks your documents; the university decides on admission.
Do I get the uni-assist fee back if I am rejected?
No. The fee is due regardless of the result of the check.
Sources
- uni-assist: Handling fees, checked 9 October 2026
- uni-assist: Deadlines and processing time, checked 9 October 2026
