Studying in Germany: Key Application Terms Explained
TL;DR
- Hochschulzugangsberechtigung, shortened to HZB, is the qualification that gives you access to higher education in Germany.
- Zulassungsvoraussetzungen are binding admission requirements. Zulassungsbeschränkt means study places are limited.
- Numerus Clausus, shortened to NC, refers to restricted admission. A reported NC grade is a past selection cut-off, not a guaranteed requirement for the next intake.
- Bewerbung, Zulassung and Immatrikulation mean application, admission and enrolment. Each requires a separate step.
Can you apply?
German university websites often use German terms even for English-taught courses. This short glossary explains the words you'll encounter when checking eligibility and applying.
University entrance qualification
Hochschulzugangsberechtigung is usually abbreviated to HZB. For international applicants, it may come from a school-leaving certificate alone or a combination of certificates, entrance examinations and previous university study.
A general HZB provides access across subject areas. A subject-restricted HZB limits which subjects you can study. Neither guarantees a place on a particular course.
Admission requirements
Zulassungsvoraussetzungen and Zugangsvoraussetzungen describe admission or entry requirements. Read both sections if the university lists them separately.
Requirements may include language evidence, a minimum grade or specific academic subjects. For a master's course, your previous degree may also need to contain particular modules or credits.
Compare the requirements with your actual certificates and transcript. A similar degree title doesn't necessarily mean your previous studies cover the required subjects.
Preparatory study
A Studienkolleg prepares applicants whose qualifications don't allow direct entry into degree studies. Its final assessment is the Feststellungsprüfung, abbreviated to FSP. Passing it provides a subject-restricted university entrance qualification within the applicable scope.
Who gets a place?
Restricted admission
Zulassungsbeschränkt means the number of study places is limited. If eligible applicants outnumber places, selection determines who receives an offer. Check the rules for your applicant category.
Numerus Clausus means “limited number”. Applicants often use its abbreviation, NC, for the grade cut-off reported after selection.
For example, a previous NC of 2.0 doesn't establish next intake's cut-off. Competition can change, and the published figure may apply only to a particular applicant group.
A fixed minimum grade is an eligibility requirement. A historical NC grade shows where selection ended in a past round. Check which one the course page is describing.
Unrestricted admission
Zulassungsfrei or NC-frei means there is no capacity-based admission restriction. Academic and language requirements still apply, along with deadlines. Some courses also require an aptitude assessment, called an Eignungsprüfung.
How do you apply?
Bewerbung means application. Your course page tells you where to submit it.
uni-assist evaluates international applications for participating universities. The university makes the admission decision.
Vorprüfungsdokumentation, abbreviated to VPD, is preliminary review documentation issued by uni-assist. Under this procedure, you obtain the document and then apply directly to the university. See How to Apply via uni-assist for the full process.
Hochschulstart coordinates certain admissions procedures. Whether you need it depends on the course and your applicant category.
What happens after applying?
Bewerbungsfrist is the application deadline. A Nachreichfrist allows specified documents to follow later; it doesn't extend the whole application period.
Zulassungsbescheid is your official admission notice. Read its conditions and response deadlines carefully.
Immatrikulation, also called Einschreibung, means enrolment. Receiving an admission notice doesn't automatically enrol you.
Semesterbeitrag is the semester contribution for specified services and semester-related items. It's separate from Studiengebühren, meaning tuition fees.
Before applying, check:
- Your qualifications and the course's entry requirements.
- The application route for your applicant category.
- Application, document submission and enrolment deadlines.
Browse courses on kursa to find options, then check each university's official admission requirements.
Browse coursesFAQ
Does an HZB guarantee admission?
No. It establishes university entrance eligibility within its scope. You must also meet the course's requirements and succeed in selection where places are limited.
Can I apply if my grade is below the previous NC?
A historical cut-off alone doesn't determine your eligibility for the next intake. Check any fixed minimum grade and the selection rules for your applicant category before deciding.
Does NC-frei mean there are no requirements?
No. Entry requirements and deadlines still apply. Check whether the course also requires an aptitude assessment.
Is a VPD an admission letter?
No. It's a credential evaluation from uni-assist. Under the VPD procedure, you still apply directly to the university.
