Applying for a course of study is often the first step towards an academic career and a professional future. However, the application process can vary depending on the course of study and university, and sometimes seems complex. This article explains step by step how to successfully apply for a course of study – from selecting the right program and compiling the required documents to deadlines and submitting the application. This makes the path to your dream study program clear and manageable.
A course of study offers you the opportunity to develop both professionally and personally and to receive a sound academic education. It opens up better career opportunities, as many professions today require or prefer a university degree. It also allows you to delve deeply into a subject area, develop your own interests and Studies also offer the chance to gain new experiences, work independently and strengthen skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork.
This table shows the main differences between the application process and subsequent enrollment at a university.
| Aspect | Apply | Enrol |
| Definition | Application for admission to a degree program | Official step to be enrolled as a student at the university |
| Goal | To get a place at university | Accept the place and start your studies |
| Timing | Before being accepted by the university | After admission, when you have accepted the place |
| Documents required | Application documents (certificates, letter of motivation, résumé, etc.) | Letter of admission, health insurance certificate, further certificates if applicable |
| Procedure | Selection and decision-making process by the university | Formal registration at the university |
| Status | You have not yet been accepted as a student | You are officially a student and can start your studies |
| Deadlines | Usually several months before the start of studies | Shortly after acceptance (often a few weeks before the start of studies) |
Applying for a place at university can seem complex at first glance, especially when there are various deadlines and requirements to be aware of. To make the process easier for you and to ensure that you don't miss anything important, this step-by-step guide provides a clear and comprehensive overview. From choosing the right course to successfully enrolling, this is where you will find everything you need to know to prepare and apply successfully.
To find out the exact application process and deadlines at Munich Business School, as they differ slightly from this guide, check out the MBS FAQs page.
Important Information:
It is important to find out about the application deadlines early on in order to have enough time to prepare the application documents.
| Type of degree program | Application deadline for the winter semester | Application deadline for the summer semester |
| Degree programs with admission restrictions (NC, Numerus Clausus) | May 31 to July 15 (depending on the university) | January 15 to March 15 (depending on the university) |
| Degree programs without admission restrictions | July 15 (later deadlines in some cases) | January 15 (later deadlines in some cases) |
| Application via hochschulstart.de (e.g. medicine, pharmacy) | May 31 to July 15 | January 15 to March 15 |
| Master's programs | Vary, often May 31 to July 15 | Vary, often by January 15 |
| Private universities | Individual deadlines, often possible year-round | Individual deadlines, often possible year-round |
The application documents for a course of study can vary depending on the university, the course of study and the type of degree. In general, however, applicants need the following documents:
It is important to check with the respective university for the exact requirements, as these may vary slightly. A thorough and complete application increases the chances of a successful university placement.
This table provides an overview of the main differences when applying for studies at public and private universities.
| Aspect | Public university | Private university |
| Application process | Standardized process, often via online portals | Often more individualized, sometimes with application forms |
| Admission restrictions | Often Numerus Clausus (NC) or other restrictions | Usually no admission restrictions, but with their own selection criteria |
| Deadlines | Fixed deadlines: July 15 (winter semester), January 15 (summer semester) | Often flexible, possible year-round |
| Costs | Low or no tuition fees, only a semester fee | Varying tuition fees. |
| Documents | High school diploma, résumé, letter of motivation if applicable | Often additional letters of motivation and recommendation. |
| Selection process | Based primarily on high school diploma grades or waiting semesters | Personal interviews, aptitude tests or assessment centers. |
| Application portals | Often via central platforms such as hochschulstart.de | Usually direct application via the university |
| Application documents | Standardized documents, depending on the degree program | Often additional requirements such as essays or projects |
| Admission procedure | Transparent and often standardized, clear rankings | Individual, more flexible admission decision |
| Application costs | No or low fees (usually only postage if applying by post) | Often additional processing fees |
The admission procedure for a course of study describes the process by which applicants are offered a place at a university. This process can vary depending on the degree program, university and type of admission restriction. These are the main steps in the admission procedure:
Special features of the admissions process:
The admissions process requires careful planning and preparation in order to meet all deadlines and submit all required documents correctly. Applicants should find out about the specific requirements of their preferred universities in good time.
A restricted admission policy means that the number of places available on a particular course is limited. Not every applicant is automatically offered a place; instead, the university selects applicants according to certain criteria. A restricted admission policy often requires applicants to be particularly well prepared in order to increase their chances of getting a place. It is important to be aware of the criteria of the respective university and, if necessary, to apply to several universities. The main types of restricted admission policy are as follows:
| Type of admission restriction | Description |
| Numerus Clausus (NC) | The most common form of admission restriction; the NC is not a fixed grade, but rather the value that results from the applications of the previous year and the high school diploma grades of the last admitted applicant. The more popular the degree program, the stricter the NC (e.g. for medicine, psychology, law). |
| Aptitude tests | For some degree programs (e.g. art, music, physical education), applicants must take a special exam to demonstrate their artistic or athletic abilities in addition to submitting their high school diploma grades. |
| Internal university selection procedures | Some universities use their own selection procedures that take into account not only high school diploma grades but also other criteria such as letters of motivation, internships, interviews or tests. This is particularly common for master's programs or specialized degree programs. |
| Nationwide admission restrictions | There are nationwide admission restrictions for subjects such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy, with places being awarded centrally via the hochschulstart.de platform. |
| Local admission restrictions | Local admission restrictions mean that a degree program at a particular university has restricted admission, but may be offered at other universities without restriction. |
| Lottery procedure | If there are still places available after the regular selection procedure, these can be allocated by lottery. In this case, the decision is made by lot and not by high school diploma grades. |
| Reasons for admission restrictions | The demand for university places exceeds the supply (e.g. too few places for too many applicants); limited capacities at the university (e.g. personnel, room capacities). |
The admission procedure at Munich Business School does not use the NC, but concentrates much more on the individual strengths of the applicants through interviews.
Enrolment (also known as registration) is the formal step by which you are officially accepted as a student at a university. It is only upon enrolment that you are registered as a regular student and receive all the rights and obligations associated with your studies. Here are the most important aspects of enrolment:
1. When to enroll:
2. Necessary documents: As a rule, the following documents must be submitted for enrollment:
3. Semester fee:
4. Enrollment process: The enrollment process can vary depending on the university, but it generally involves the following steps:
5. Student status: Upon enrollment, you are officially accepted as a student at the university and receive all the associated rights and obligations. These include:
6. Legal consequences of enrollment:
7. Re-registration:
8. Special features of enrollment:
Enrollment is the decisive step to officially begin your studies. It is important to pay close attention to the deadlines and requirements of the respective university in order not to lose your place.
To write an application for university, you should first select the appropriate degree program and university. Find out about the admission requirements and gather the necessary documents such as your high school diploma, résumé, and, if applicable, a letter of motivation. Apply via the university's application portal or via hochschulstart.de if the degree program has restricted admission. Make sure to submit all documents by the deadline and then wait for the letter of admission.
To study a course without an NC, you apply directly to the university by submitting the required documents such as your high school diploma and other supporting documents. Since there are no admission restrictions, you will usually be admitted provided that you meet the formal requirements. Just make sure you meet the university's application deadline.
The application deadline for the winter semester is usually July 15, and for the summer semester, January 15. However, some universities may have different deadlines, so you should always inform yourself early.
You will usually receive feedback on your university application a few weeks after the application deadline, often in August for the winter semester and in February for the summer semester. The exact timing may vary depending on the university.
After graduating from high school, you should usually apply between May and July for the winter semester, depending on the deadlines of the respective university.
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