Universität Potsdam

International applicants with foreign qualifications must have their credentials assessed either through uni-assist e.V. or the Cottbus State School Office (Staatliches Schulamt Cottbus). Proof of sufficient German language proficiency is required by the time of enrollment for German-taught programmes. Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants are required to hold an APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) before applying for a student visa; the APS requirement is set by the German Consulate and applies university-wide regardless of the programme. For bachelor's programmes, the application window for winter semester 2026/27 runs 1 June to 15 July 2026. For consecutive master's programmes, the standard deadline is 15 August for the following winter semester and 15 February for the summer semester, with some programmes setting earlier cut-offs. Unrestricted bachelor's programmes do not require a separate application; students proceed directly to enrollment.

Bachelor programmes (restricted-admission): 1 June - 15 July for winter semester. Unrestricted bachelor's programmes: proceed directly to enrollment, no application deadline. Consecutive master's programmes: most programmes set 15 August for winter semester 2026/27 and 15 February for summer semester 2027; individual programmes may have earlier deadlines. Apply via the PULS portal (puls.uni-potsdam.de).

uni-assist VPD only (documented for the Bachelor route): applicants with a foreign HZB obtain a Vorpruefungsdokumentation (VPD) from uni-assist - selecting the option 'Universitaet Potsdam-VPD' in the uni-assist applicant portal - and then submit their actual application WITH this VPD plus HZB copy via the university's own PULS application portal (allow long lead time; Studienkolleg VPD reports can be reused). The Master application page documents no uni-assist step. Potsdam appears on uni-assist's member list.

The majority of degree programmes are taught in German. A substantial and growing range of English-taught master's programmes is offered, including Astrophysics, Bioinformatics, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Data Science, Ecology Evolution and Conservation, Geosciences, International War Studies, Polymer Science, Remote Sensing geoInformation and Visualization, and others - more than 20 English-taught master's programmes in total. Language proficiency certificates (TestDaF, DSH, or equivalent) are required for German-taught programmes; IELTS or TOEFL scores are required for English-taught programmes.