Universität Bielefeld

International applicants must hold a recognised higher education entrance qualification. The university assesses foreign qualifications against the anabin database maintained by the KMK; applicants from countries whose qualifications require individual assessment are directed to uni-assist for document verification. Applicants from India, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), and Vietnam whose prior qualification was obtained in those countries must obtain an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate before applying - this is a requirement of the German visa process and is checked at enrollment. German-taught programmes require a recognised German language certificate (TestDaF, DSH, Goethe C1, or equivalent); English-taught programmes specify their own language requirements (typically IELTS 6.5 or equivalent). Specific admission requirements vary by programme and are published in the respective programme regulations (Prüfungsordnung).

Applications open from 1-15 June 2026 for winter semester 2026/27 (as noted on the university homepage at time of research). Exact deadlines for winter semester (beginning October) and summer semester (beginning April) vary by programme - restricted-admission programmes (NC-Fächer) and unrestricted-admission programmes have different closing dates. International applicants applying via uni-assist typically face earlier deadlines than domestic applicants. Confirm current deadlines on the university's Termine und Fristen page or through the respective programme's application portal.

uni-assist VPD required first, then application via Bielefeld's own application portal (campus.uni-bielefeld.de). International applicants who obtained a foreign study qualification and seek a first professional qualification (bachelor or first law examination) must request a Vorpruefungsdokumentation (VPD) from uni-assist before applying - EU/EEA applicants with foreign qualifications must also do so. The uni-assist application alone is not an application to the university: after receiving the VPD (allow up to eight weeks; request at latest eight weeks before deadlines, which run 1 June to 15 July), applicants apply via the university's application portal within the deadline and upload the VPD with their documents; late VPD submission is not possible. DoSV programmes additionally require hochschulstart.de registration (BID/BAN). A special TestAS rule applies for Studienkolleg-track applicants (standard score 90+ in core test and subject module, 50/50 digital). Sources: uni-bielefeld.de international application pages.

Most undergraduate and many graduate programmes are taught in German. The university also offers English-taught and multilingual master's programmes, Double Degree programmes, and International Track degree programmes. Prospective students should verify the language of instruction for their specific programme in the electronic course catalogue (eKVV), which provides a dedicated filter for courses taught in English.