We support prospective students from abroad
You have acquired your higher education entrance qualification or your first degree abroad and would like to complete a full course of study at the University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf?
Then you should check whether the following documents are necessary for your application:
- Proof of German language skills
- Proof of English language skills
- Certificate check by uni-assist: preliminary review documentation - VPD
- Certificate check by the Akademische Prüfstelle - APS, a joint institution of the German Embassy and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), (for applicants from India, the People's Republic of China or Vietnam)
You should also inform yourself about the following points:
- Entry requirements & Visa
- Proof of funding
- Scholarships
- Finding accommodation
Proof of German language skills
For our German-language degree programmes, you must provide proof of German language skills at least at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
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Recognised certificates for proof of German language skills
Language certificates are recognised for 2 years from the date of issue.
Higher quality certificates fulfil lower requirements.
- The following certificates are valid as proof of A1 level:
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- the Goethe-Zertifikat A1
- the telc German Certificate A1
- the ÖSD Certificate A1
- a certificate of level A1 completed at a University of applied sciences
(courses totalling at least 4 SWS)
- The following certificates are valid as proof of A2 level:
- The following certificates are valid as proof of B1 level:
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- the German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Culture (DSD) - first level
- the certificate of the German language examination for university admission for foreign applicants (DSH level 1)
- the Goethe-Zertifikat B1
- the telc German Certificate B1
- the ÖSD Certificate B1
- the UNIcert® Certificate Level I
- the German Test for Immigrants (DTZ) B1
- The following certificates are valid as proof of B2 level:
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- the German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Culture (DSD) - second level
- the certificate of the German Language Test for University Entrance for Foreign Applicants (DSH level 2)
- the certificate of the Test of German as a Foreign Language for Foreign University Applicants (TestDaF) with a result showing TestDaF level 3 in all four parts of the test
- a pass in the German section of the assessment test at preparatory colleges
- the Goethe-Zertifikat B2
- the telc German certificate B2
- the ÖSD B2 certificate
- the UNIcert® Certificate Level II
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Exceptions
No proof of German language proficiency is required from applicants:
- with German citizenship
- with a higher education entrance qualification from a German-speaking school
- with a degree in German
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Special cases depending on the degree programme
Admission to the International Master's degree program in Agricultural Management is possible with German language skills at B1 level.
The Master's programme Energy Management and Technology is conducted in cooperation with the University of applied sciences Ansbach and the Georg-Simon-Ohm-University of applied sciences. Please enquire at the University of applied sciences Ansbach about the required language skills and recognised certificates.
Proof of English language skills
For the application to our programmes in English, you need an official English certificate for level B2 according to the Common Framework of Reference for Languages.
Applicants for the German-language master's program in Natural Area and Wildlife Management must also demonstrate English language skills at B2 level (due to some English-language modules).
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Recognised certificates for proof of English language skills
Language certificates are recognised for 2 years from the date of issue.
The following certificates are recognised as proof of B2 level:
- IELTS Academic/IELTS
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At least 5.5 points in all sub-areas
No recognition of IELTS Online - TOEFL iBT
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Minimum TOEFL score of 4 (previously minimum of 72 points)
TOEFL iBT Home Edition is not accepted. - UNIcert® Certificate
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Level II English or higher
- TOEIC
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at least 785 points; of which at least 400 points in the Listening section, at least 385 points in the Writing section
- TELC
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B2 certificate
- Cambridge
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- B2 First (formerly First - FCE), at least 160 points
- CEFR C1 Advanced (CAE) with level B2 (min. 160 points) and higher
- No presentation of an English certificate necessary for
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- Bachelor's degree in English
- Proof of at least 6 years of attendance at an English-speaking educational institution
- Abitur certificate with proof of a minimum level B2 or at least 6 years of English lessons with a sufficient final grade
In this case, please submit the relevant certificates together with your application.
Certificate check by uni-assist: preliminary review documentation (Vorprüfungsdokumentation – VPD)
In the course of your application, it must be checked whether your foreign certificates entitle you to study in Germany.
This check is carried out by uni-assist as part of a preliminary review documentation (VPD) for:
- all our Bachelor's programmes
- all of our Master's programmes except Agricultural Management (Weihenstephan) and International Master's Programme in Agricultural Management (Triesdorf). No VPD is required to apply for these programmes.
Uni-assist checks your certificates and converts your grades into the German system.
Uni-assist will also let you know if you can only apply for degree programmes in a specific subject area or if you need to attend a preparatory course before starting your degree.
How do I know if I am eligible to study in Germany?
If you would like to check whether you are eligible to study in Germany before submitting your VPD application, you can do this with the uni-assist university access check or in more detail in the anabin database of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs
Information on the Certificate Examination
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VPD application
You have to apply for the VPD (preliminary review documentation) in the uni-assist portal My Assist. Select the University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf and either „Bachelor - alle Fächer“ or the corresponding Master's programme. Then upload the following documents in the My Assist portal:
- School-leaving certificate that qualifies you to start a degree programme in your home country (including overview of subjects and grades).
- Proof, if available, of:
- a passed university entrance examination
- academic achievements from studies abroad (overview of subjects and grades; information on the grading system; degree certificate).
- Applicants from India, the People's Republic of China and Vietnam also need a certificate from an Academic Testing Centre (APS) in their home country.
If there is anything special to consider for your country, you will find additional information for your VPD application under the country by country notes.
Applications for the VPD can be submitted throughout the year.
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Document language & costs
All documents are required in the original language. If the original language is not German or English, an additional translation by a sworn translator is required.
There are handling fees for uni-assist to check your documents. The VPD application will only be processed after payment of the processing costs.
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Processing time & deadlines
It takes about 4 to 6 weeks until you receive the VPD (preliminary review documentation) from uni-assist by email. Therefore, apply for it early.
The deadline for submitting the VPD can be found on the central application page.
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Exemptions from the VPD Requirement
The VPD (preliminary review documentation) is not required for applicants to bachelor's degree programmes who
- have acquired their higher education entrance qualification at a school with German highschool diploma examination regulations,
- have the Gemischtsprachige International Baccalaureate (GIB) from a foreign school with German classes,
- hold the European Baccalaureate (issued by one of the 13 European Schools),
- have successfully passed the assessment tests at a Studienkolleg.
It is sufficient to apply for the VPD for one of the master's programmes at Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences. This VPD also allows you to apply for other master's programmes at our university.
No VPD is required to apply for the master's programmes in Agricultural Management (Weihenstephan) and International Agricultural Management (Triesdorf). -
Submitting the VPD
Submit the VPD together with your other application documents when applying online for our degree programmes.
Submitting a uni-assist examination report is not sufficient! You need the preliminary examination documentation that you receive with the VDP application.
VPDs issued for applications to other universities will not be accepted.
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Special arrangements for refugees
If, as a refugee, you are unable to submit any educational certificates due to your flight, uni-assist will check whether you can study at a German University of Applied Sciences on the basis of your information. Uni-assist will send you the form (self-disclosure form) once your application has been checked and it has been determined that documents are missing. You can find more information about the VPD application for refugees here.
Certificate examination by the Academic Evaluation Service (APS)
Applicants from India, the People's Republic of China or Vietnam must have their higher education entrance qualification and academic performance certificates/credentials checked and recognised by an Academic Evaluation Service (APS) in their home country.
After the verification by the APS, you will receive a certificate stating your average grade. Please upload the APS certificate both when applying for the VPD at uni-assist and in your online application in our applicant portal.
You will receive detailed information about the procedure from the APS responsible for you:
Entry requirements & Visa
International students from an EU or EEA country or Switzerland only need a valid identity document to enter Germany. If you come from a different country of origin, you should check on the website of the Federal Foreign Office whether you need a visa.
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Apply for a visa as a student
Before entering Germany, you must apply for a visa at the relevant German mission abroad (embassy or consulate general) in your home country. You can find the contact details in the database of the German Foreign Office.
To apply for a visa, you must prove that you have health insurance and sufficient financial means. Apply early, preferably several months in advance!
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Which visa is the right one?
- Have you already been admitted to study at our University of Applied Sciences or to attend a preparatory course? Then you should apply for a „national visa for the purpose of study“.
- You have not yet been admitted to study, but are planning to study in Germany soon? In this case, you can apply for a „national visa for the purpose of study application“ to enter Germany. This will enable you to take preparatory language courses in Germany and/or inform yourself about study opportunities. After you have been admitted to study, you can apply for a change of status to a residence permit for the purpose of studying.
Please do not apply for a „Schengen visa“! This only entitles you to stay in Germany for a maximum of 3 months. It is not possible to convert it into a national visa or to extend it later - you would have to leave the country after the visa expires.
Proof of funding for your HSWT studies
When applying for a visa or a residence permit, you must prove that you can finance your stay in Germany. To do so, you need at least 992 €/month or 11,904 €/year.
There are several ways to prove that you have sufficient funds:
- Paying the amount of money into a blocked account
During your stay in Germany, you can have a maximum of 992 € paid out from this account to another bank account every month. - Scholarship from a scholarship provider recognised in Germany
- Submission of a declaration of commitment in accordance with §68 AufenthG
Someone who is a resident in Germany officially undertakes to bear the costs of your stay. - Submission of proof of income & assets from your parents
- Bank guarantee from a financial institution in Germany
It's best to find out directly from a German mission abroad or the foreigners' registration office responsible for your place of residence which of these documents are recognised there.
Scholarships for students with international degrees
International prospective students and students can apply for a scholarship from numerous organisations. However, full scholarships are rather an exception in Germany. Various databases help to find suitable scholarships:
You can also apply directly to the University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf for some scholarships once you have started your studies:
- Targeted support for international students is possible within the framework of the programme „Internationalisation of Universities“ of the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts.
- Foreign students can also apply for a Germany Scholarship.
- A one-time grant for books and learning materials can be applied for from the Oskar Karl Forster Scholarship Fund.
- Our University of Applied Sciences can also award scholarships from the DAAD's STIBET I programme to support early graduation and provide targeted support for particularly committed foreign students. The departments suggest students worthy of support to the selection committee.
Flat hunting
As an international student you will
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complete your entire degree course at the Weihenstephan campus?
The halls of residence in Freising are managed by the Studierendenwerk München Oberbayern. For rooms for the winter semester (start of studies 1 October), application is possible from 15 May; for rooms for the summer semester (start of studies 15 March) from 15 November. The admission can be submitted up until you sign a rental agreement.
If you do not get a room in a hall of residence, you can find tips on finding accommodation in Freising and the surrounding area in our information brochure for international students.
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complete your entire degree course at the Triesdorf Campus?
You can find information about finding accommodation on the Triesdorf Campus website.
You can also get help finding a room in Triesdorf and the surrounding area in our information brochure for international students.
