How Many Universities Should I Apply to in Germany?
If you are planning to study in Germany, a practical target is to apply to 8–12 well-matched universities.
There is no official rule saying how many German universities you must apply to. The right number depends on your academic profile, course competitiveness, budget and eligibility.
For most international students, the best strategy is to create a balanced shortlist rather than applying randomly to too many universities.
How Many Universities Should You Apply to in Germany?
A simple guideline is:
Student ProfileRecommended ApplicationsStrong profile6–8Average/competitive profile8–12Uncertain or highly competitive profile10–15
For most students, 8–12 applications offer a good balance between admission chances, cost and application quality.
Best University Application Strategy for Germany
Instead of applying only to highly ranked universities, divide your shortlist into three groups:
- 2–3 ambitious universities
- 4–5 target universities
- 2–3 safer universities
A “safer” university does not mean guaranteed admission. It simply means your profile comfortably matches the published academic requirements.
This balanced approach can improve your chances while keeping the application process manageable.
Is Applying to 5 Universities in Germany Enough?
Five applications may be enough if:
- your grades are strong;
- your previous degree closely matches the programme;
- you meet all subject-credit requirements;
- your language score is above the minimum; and
- your shortlist is not made up only of competitive universities.
For most international students, however, applying to 8–12 universities is safer.
Is Applying to 10 Universities Too Many?
No. Applying to around 10 German universities is a practical choice for many international students.
It allows you to compare:
- different admission requirements;
- universities and Universities of Applied Sciences;
- different cities;
- tuition and semester costs;
- course specialisations; and
- application routes.
Ten applications are also manageable if you maintain a proper application tracker.
Should You Apply to 15 Universities?
Applying to 15 programmes can make sense if:
- your CGPA is close to minimum requirements;
- your Bachelor's degree does not perfectly match your target Master's;
- you are changing academic fields;
- you are targeting competitive English-taught programmes; or
- several universities have strict credit requirements.
However, 15 carefully selected applications are better than 20 random ones.
How to Choose Universities in Germany
Before adding any university to your shortlist, check the following.
1. Academic Eligibility
Make sure your previous qualification matches the programme.
For Master's programmes, check whether your Bachelor's subjects are relevant.
2. Grade Requirements
Look for:
- minimum CGPA;
- German-grade requirement;
- percentage requirement; or
- ranking criteria.
3. Subject-Credit Requirements
Many Master's programmes require specific credits in areas such as:
- mathematics;
- computer science;
- economics;
- engineering;
- statistics; or
- business.
Meeting the overall CGPA requirement may not be enough if your subject credits do not match.
4. Language Requirements
Check the exact IELTS, TOEFL or German-language requirement for each programme.
Never assume that all English-taught programmes accept the same score.
5. Application Route
German universities may accept applications through:
- the university's own portal;
- uni-assist;
- a VPD procedure; or
- another admission system.
Check the correct route for every programme.
6. Application Deadline
Deadlines can vary significantly between universities and courses.
Do not assume every programme follows the same winter or summer semester deadline.
Bachelor's vs Master's Applications
Bachelor's Students
Bachelor's applicants should first confirm whether their school qualification gives them direct admission to a German university or whether they may need a Studienkolleg.
Once eligibility is clear, they can create a balanced shortlist.
Master's Students
For Master's applicants, course compatibility is especially important.
German universities may compare your Bachelor's curriculum with the Master's admission requirements.
Therefore, 10 well-matched Master's programmes are usually better than applying to 20 programmes simply because their titles look similar.
Should You Apply Only to Top-Ranked German Universities?
No.
University ranking should not be your only selection factor.
Also consider:
- course curriculum;
- eligibility;
- admission requirements;
- industry connections;
- location;
- cost of living;
- career opportunities; and
- university type.
Germany has many excellent public universities and Universities of Applied Sciences outside famous cities such as Munich, Berlin and Frankfurt.
How Much Can Multiple Applications Cost?
Application costs depend on the university and application route.
If your applications go through uni-assist, handling fees may apply. You may also have costs for:
- APS;
- IELTS or TOEFL;
- certified documents;
- translations;
- application fees; and
- document preparation.
This is another reason not to submit unnecessary applications.
A smaller number of strong applications can be more effective than a very large number of poorly researched ones.
How Many Universities Should Indian Students Apply to in Germany?
For most Indian students, 8–12 universities is a sensible target.
A strong profile may work with 6–8 applications, while students with uncertain eligibility or highly competitive programmes may consider 10–15.
A balanced 10-university shortlist could include:
- 3 ambitious
- 4 target
- 3 safer
Your final number should depend on your own academic profile rather than another student's application strategy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common Germany university application mistakes:
- applying only to famous universities;
- ignoring course eligibility;
- selecting programmes only by ranking;
- overlooking subject-credit requirements;
- missing deadlines;
- using the same SOP for every programme;
- applying too late for uni-assist or VPD; and
- submitting too many low-quality applications.
FAQs
How Many Universities Should I Apply to in Germany?
For most international students, 8–12 universities is a practical range. Strong applicants may apply to 6–8, while students with uncertain eligibility may consider 10–15.
Is 10 Universities Enough for Germany?
Yes. Ten carefully selected applications usually provide enough variety to include ambitious, target and safer options.
Is 5 Universities Enough?
Five may be enough for a strong profile, but it can be risky if all five programmes are highly competitive.
Can I Apply to 20 Universities in Germany?
You may be able to, depending on the universities and application systems, but applying to more programmes does not automatically increase your chances. Quality and eligibility matter more.
How Many Safe Universities Should I Apply to?
Around 2–4 safer options can be included in a balanced shortlist. Remember that no university offers guaranteed admission.
Should I Apply Only to Public Universities?
Not necessarily. Compare programme quality, fees, recognition and career value before deciding between public and private institutions.
Final Takeaway
So, how many universities should you apply to in Germany?
For most international students, 8–12 carefully selected universities is the best starting point.
A good shortlist could include:
2–3 ambitious + 4–5 target + 2–3 safer universities.
Focus on eligibility, academic fit, admission requirements and career goals instead of simply sending the maximum number of applications.
Need Help Shortlisting Universities in Germany?
Choosing the right universities can make your Germany application much more effective.
EasyWay Germany can help with university shortlisting, profile evaluation, course selection, applications, SOP/LOR preparation and student visa guidance.
Build a focused shortlist early, apply strategically and give every application a strong reason to be on your list.
Contact Us on WhatsApp
Need Help With Your Germany Application?
Choosing universities, writing a strong SOP and getting the APS right all have to happen in the right order. EasyWay Germany's consultants live in Dresden and have helped students from India, Bangladesh and Nepal with university shortlisting, SOP and LOR writing, and CV preparation. Explore our study in Germany services or book a free consultation.