Find German public universities offering free direct applications without uni-assist or VPD for selected degree programs, with official application links
Looking for German public universities with no uni-assist, no VPD and no application fee?
Several public universities allow international students to apply directly through their own application portals. This can save both money and the additional processing time associated with uni-assist.
However, the application route is not always the same for every course. It can depend on the degree level, program, nationality and country in which the previous qualification was completed.
Always check the requirements of the exact program before applying.
What Does “Free Application” Mean?
Free application means the university does not charge a separate fee for submitting the application.
It does not mean that studying is completely free. Students may still have to pay for:
- APS certification
- Document translation or notarisation
- Courier charges
- Semester contributions
- Tuition fees, where applicable
- External certificate recognition
Universities in Baden-Württemberg (a federal state in Germany) generally charge non-EU students €1,500 per semester in tuition, subject to exemptions. This applies to universities such as KIT, Freiburg, Tübingen, Stuttgart, Mannheim, Pforzheim and Heilbronn.
German Public Universities With Direct Application Options
1. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich — LMU Munich
International applicants generally apply directly to LMU. Some master’s programs use the LMU MoveIN portal, while others require an application to both the relevant department and the International Office.
The process can therefore involve two separate LMU applications, but uni-assist is generally not used.
Check the official LMU application process
2. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology — KIT
International students can apply directly through KIT’s online application portal. Documents are uploaded electronically, and a VPD from uni-assist is generally not required for this route.
Non-EU students should remember that the Baden-Württemberg tuition fee may apply.
Check the official KIT master’s application process
3. University of Freiburg
The University of Freiburg accepts applications through its own university portal for many bachelor’s and master’s programs.
The exact documents and admission procedure depend on the selected course. Non-EU tuition fees apply.
Check the University of Freiburg application information
4. University of Tübingen
Applications for international master’s programs are generally submitted directly through the university’s ALMA portal.
Each program can have its own deadline, academic requirements and document checklist. Non-EU tuition fees apply.
Check the University of Tübingen master’s application process
5. University of Stuttgart
The University of Stuttgart accepts applications through its C@MPUS portal. The university confirms that its online application is free of charge.
Applicants should check whether their chosen program has additional selection requirements. Non-EU tuition fees may apply.
Check the University of Stuttgart international application process
6. University of Mannheim
Applications are generally submitted directly through the University of Mannheim’s online portal. Master’s applications may be managed by the university or the responsible department.
Non-EU students have to pay the Baden-Württemberg tuition fee after admission.
Check the University of Mannheim application process
7. RWTH Aachen University
Applications are submitted through RWTHonline. RWTH Aachen states that its regular university application is free of charge.
Some programs have additional requirements such as GRE scores, academic credit requirements or earlier deadlines for non-EU applicants.
Check the official RWTH Aachen information for international applicants
8. University of Bonn
Applications to the University of Bonn are free. Bachelor’s applications may be submitted through the university portal, while many master’s applications are managed directly by the respective department.
Students must therefore follow the instructions provided on the individual program page.
Check the University of Bonn application information
9. University of Münster
International master’s applicants generally apply directly through the University of Münster’s online portal.
Some English-taught and specialised programs may have separate procedures or earlier deadlines.
Check the University of Münster master’s application process
10. University of Hamburg
Many consecutive master’s programs accept direct applications through the university’s STiNE portal.
The University of Hamburg also offers an internal and free procedure for recognising many foreign qualifications. Exceptions may apply to certain programs.
Check the University of Hamburg online master’s application process
11. University of Göttingen
Master’s applications at the University of Göttingen generally do not have an application fee.
However, non-EU applicants applying for undergraduate studies with a foreign university entrance qualification may have to pay a €65 evaluation fee. Göttingen should therefore be treated as a free option mainly for master’s applicants.
Check the University of Göttingen application-fee information
12. Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Master’s applications are submitted through the university’s Friedolin 2.0 portal. The university states that the online master’s application is free for all applicants.
Individual programs may have separate academic and language requirements.
Check the University of Jena master’s application FAQ
13. TU Darmstadt
International applicants generally apply directly through TU Darmstadt’s TUCaN portal. TU Darmstadt does not use uni-assist for several master’s programs.
Some applications may still require printed or certified documents to be submitted after the online application.
Check the TU Darmstadt international application process
14. University of Augsburg
Applicants to master’s programs generally do not need a VPD from uni-assist. Applications are completed through the university’s own system or the relevant department.
This exemption does not normally apply to bachelor’s applicants with foreign qualifications. Many undergraduate applicants still require a VPD.
Check the University of Augsburg VPD rules
15. Saarland University
Selected master’s programs accept applications directly through Saarland University’s SIM portal or through the responsible academic department.
However, many undergraduate applicants with foreign qualifications require preliminary review documentation from uni-assist. Saarland University should therefore only be included after checking the exact program.
Check Saarland University’s international application information
16. University of Bremen
International master’s applications are submitted directly to the University of Bremen, normally through the MOIN portal.
Program requirements and deadlines vary considerably, so applicants should use the individual course page rather than relying on a general university deadline.
Check the University of Bremen application information
Universities With Additional Conditions
17. University of Hildesheim
The University of Hildesheim is not a universal no-uni-assist university.
Most international applicants currently apply through uni-assist and pay the standard processing fee. However, selected IT master’s programs, including Data Analytics and Software Engineering, use a separate direct application portal.
Hildesheim should only be considered a free direct-application option for specifically exempted programs.
Check the University of Hildesheim international application process
18. Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences
The final application is submitted directly to Pforzheim University. However, applicants with foreign qualifications may first require a recognition certificate from Studienkolleg Konstanz.
This is not a VPD, but it is still an additional qualification-evaluation step. Master’s application procedures are organised separately by each program.
Check the Pforzheim University application process
19. Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences
Applicants with foreign qualifications generally need a recognition certificate before applying through Heilbronn University’s portal.
Recognition through Studienkolleg Konstanz is currently free, while applicants can alternatively use the paid uni-assist route for some applications. Processing time must be considered carefully.
Check the Heilbronn University master’s application process
Important Advice for International Students
Do not select a university only because it appears on a “no uni-assist” list.
Before applying, check:
- Whether the direct route applies to your exact program
- Whether it applies to bachelor’s or master’s applicants
- Academic credit and subject requirements
- Minimum grades or selection procedures
- Language requirements
- APS requirements
- Non-EU application deadlines
- Tuition fees and semester contributions
- Whether certified or postal documents are required
Application routes and admission rules can change between intakes. Always confirm the latest information on the official program page.
Get Expert Help With Your German Public University Applications
Finding a university with free applications is only the first step. The more important task is identifying programs where your academic background, subject credits, grades and documents match the admission requirements.
Glovels specialises in applications to German public universities. We help students with university shortlisting, program eligibility checks, document preparation, application strategy and deadline planning.
You can also visit our Instagram page to see previous admits secured by our students at German public universities.
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