📚 German Undergraduate Admission Requirements and Study Planning | 德国本科申请要求及升学规划
Germany has become one of the most attractive non-English-speaking destinations for Chinese students who want to start a bachelor's degree abroad. Public universities charge little or no tuition, engineering and business schools enjoy strong global reputations, and graduates can stay on to look for work or continue into a master's programme. As a result, the number of Chinese applicants to German undergraduate programmes has risen steadily over the past decade.
德国是中国学生最青睐的非英语国家本科留学目的地之一。公立大学基本免学费或只收少量注册费，工科与商科院校全球声誉突出，毕业生还可以留在当地找工作或继续攻读硕士。因此，近十年申请德国本科的中国学生人数持续增长。
This article explains the admission requirements, the main application pathways, the intake calendar, the subject mix of applicants, and a practical planning timeline for a Chinese high-school leaver. Every figure below is drawn from published application and admission data, and the timeline is illustrative rather than prescriptive.
本文将系统梳理德国本科的申请要求、主要升学路径、入学季安排、申请人专业分布，以及一份适合中国高中毕业生的实用规划时间轴。文中的数据来自公开的申请与录取统计，时间轴仅作参考，并非硬性规定。
1. Overview of German Undergraduate Application Data | 德国本科留学数据透析
Looking at the applicant pool as a whole, three broad preparation patterns stand out. Each pattern corresponds to a different starting point, a different budget of time and money, and a different set of risks.
从整体申请人群体来看，主要有三种准备模式。每种模式对应不同的起点、不同的时间与资金投入，以及不同的风险点。
The first and largest group prepares after the gaokao result is released. More than 60% of students fall into this category: they decide after seeing their score, and within roughly one year they use the "Gaokao Procedure" direct-entry route to go to Germany, where they intensive-study the language and only register as a full student once they meet the university's language requirement.
第一类也是人数最多的一类，是在高考出分之后才开始准备的学生，占比超过六成。他们在看到分数后做出决定，并在一年内借助"高考程序"本科直申项目前往德国，集中强化语言，待达到大学的语言录取标准后再正式注册入学。
The second group needs about two years. Around 30% of applicants fall here. A significant share of them are already enrolled at a Chinese university and decide to give up their domestic place because they are unhappy with the institution or the major they were assigned.
第二类申请者的准备周期在两年左右，约占三成。这类人群中有相当一部分是国内本科在读生，因为对目前的院校或专业不太满意，决定放弃国内学籍转向德国留学。
The third group starts earliest of all. These are high-school students who take German as a second foreign language while still at school, then use the language certificate they already hold to launch their German undergraduate application directly after graduation.
第三类准备得最早。他们是在校期间就把德语作为第二外语学习的高中生，高中毕业后凭借已有的语言证书，直接启动德国本科申请。
2. Intake Seasons: Winter Semester Dominates | 入学时间以冬季学期为主
German public universities run two intakes a year: the winter semester, which starts in October, and the summer semester, which starts in April. Because far fewer degree programmes open in the summer, the overwhelming majority of applicants still aim at the October winter intake.
德国公立大学每年设两次开学季，分别是冬季入学（10月）和夏季入学（4月）。由于夏季学期开放的专业数量有限，绝大多数申请者依旧倾向于申请10月开学的冬季学期。
Elite business schools are the exception. Their preparatory or foundation courses offer much more flexible start dates, with intakes in January, March, May and August, which allows students to begin at several points during the year rather than waiting for a single registration window.
精英商学院是例外，其预科课程入学时间更灵活，1月、3月、5月、8月均有机会，学生不必只等一个固定的注册窗口。
| Intake / 入学季 | Start / 开学时间 | Notes / 说明 |
| Winter semester 冬季学期 | October 10月 | Full programme range, first choice for most applicants 专业最全，多数申请者首选 |
| Summer semester 夏季学期 | April 4月 | Limited programme choice 开放专业数量有限 |
| Business school foundation 商学院预科 | Jan / Mar / May / Aug 1/3/5/8月 | Flexible entry points 入学时间灵活 |
3. Subject Distribution: Engineering Still Leads | 工程类专业仍占主导地位
In 2022, engineering remained the absolute mainstay of German undergraduate applications from Chinese students, taking the largest single share of the total.
2022年，德国本科留学申请中工科仍是绝对主力，在总量中占据最大份额。
Business and management recorded a modest increase in share that year, reflecting the growing appeal of German business schools and English-taught management degrees.
当年商科类占比也有所提升，反映出德国商学院以及英语授课管理类学位的吸引力在增强。
Science applications dipped slightly compared with earlier years, while humanities and arts showed clear signs of a recovery after a quieter period.
理科申请量较往年略有下降，文科与艺术类则在此前相对沉寂之后，呈现出一定的回暖迹象。
For applicants this matters in a practical way. Engineering-heavy intakes usually mean tougher competition in mechanical, electrical and computer-related programmes, while the recovering humanities and arts fields may offer relatively more room for a well-prepared portfolio or writing sample.
对申请者而言，这一点有实际意义。工科申请集中，意味着机械、电气、计算机相关专业的竞争通常更激烈；而回暖中的文科与艺术类专业，对于准备充分的portfolio或writing sample，反而可能留出相对更多空间。
4. Undergraduate Admissions Are Rising Year on Year | 本科录取人数逐年上升
Between 2020 and 2022, the number of undergraduate admissions in Germany climbed steadily and then levelled off at a higher baseline. The growth was not accidental.
2020年至2022年间，德国本科录取数量稳步攀升，随后在一个更高的水平上趋于稳定。这一增长并非偶然。
It was driven mainly by a policy change introduced in 2020 by the German education authorities for Chinese students: the "Gaokao Procedure". Under this route, a student whose gaokao score reaches 70% or more of the total marks can apply directly for a German undergraduate place.
这主要得益于2020年德国教育部针对中国学生推出的"高考程序"新政：凡高考成绩达到总分70%以上，即可直接申请德国本科。
高考程序直申：会考合格 + 高考 ≥ 总分 × 70% + 语言达标
Before this change, Chinese high-school leavers generally had to complete one to three semesters at a Chinese university, or spend a year in a Studienkolleg, before they could even be considered. Removing that barrier shortened the path by one to two years for eligible students and directly lifted admission numbers.
在这一政策之前，中国高中毕业生通常需要先在国内大学读满一到三个学期，或先读一年预科，才有可能被考虑。门槛取消后，符合条件的学生路径缩短了一到两年，录取人数因此被直接拉高。
5. Institution Types: Universities Remain the Favourite | 综合类大学仍是申请热门
German higher education is broadly divided into three types of institution: comprehensive universities, universities of applied sciences, and art or music academies.
德国高等院校主要分为三类：综合性大学、应用技术类大学和艺术类院校。
The two most sought-after groupings among Chinese students, U15 and TU9, both belong entirely to the comprehensive university category. U15 is an alliance of 15 well-known German research universities, and TU9 is an alliance of nine leading technical universities.
广受中国学生欢迎的U15和TU9两个联盟，全部属于综合性大学。U15是德国15所知名研究型大学联盟，TU9是德国9所理工大学联盟。
| Type / 类型 | Focus / 培养侧重 | Examples / 代表 |
| Comprehensive university 综合性大学 | Theory and research, broad subject range 偏理论与研究，学科齐全 | U15, TU9 members U15、TU9成员 |
| University of applied sciences 应用技术类大学 | Practice-oriented, strong industry links 偏实践，企业联系紧密 | Regional FH / HAW |
| Art and music academy 艺术类院校 | Studio and performance based 以工作室与演出为主 | UdK, HfM |
A common mistake is to treat the comprehensive university as the only respectable option. In practice, applied sciences universities often deliver shorter programmes, mandatory internships and closer employer links, which can be a better fit for students who want to work in industry quickly.
一个常见误区是把综合性大学当作唯一体面的选择。实际上，应用技术类大学课程周期往往更短、含强制实习、与企业联系更紧密，对希望尽快进入工业界工作的学生反而更合适。
6. Three Direct-Entry Routes for Chinese Students | 中国学生的三条直申路径
Since 2019 inclusive, the rules for Chinese high-school leavers have been clearly codified. There are three main routes, and which one applies depends on your gaokao score relative to your province's benchmark and to 70% of the national total.
自2019年起（包含2019年），针对中国高中毕业生的规则已经明确成文。主要路径有三条，适用哪一条取决于你的高考成绩相对于本省分数线以及总分70%的位置。
Route one: a domestic high-school graduate who holds a passed huikao (school-leaving examination) record, whose gaokao score reaches 70% or more of the total, and whose language level meets the requirement, may apply directly for a German undergraduate degree programme.
路径一：国内高中毕业生获得会考成绩，且高考分数达到总分的70%及以上，语言水平满足要求后，可直申德国本科专业。
Route two: if the gaokao score exceeds the local second-tier undergraduate line but falls short of 70% of the total, the student can first enter a one-year Studienkolleg (preparatory course) and then apply for undergraduate admission.
路径二：若高考成绩超过当地二本线但未达总分的70%，则可先入读一年预科，再申请本科入学。
Route three: students at a 985 or 211 university who have completed their first semester, or students at a non-211 university who have completed three semesters, may also apply to enter the same or a related subject at a German university once their language level qualifies.
路径三：985/211院校学生读满第一个学期，或非211院校学生读满三个学期，且语言达标后，亦可申请入读德国本科相同或相关专业。
7. Language Requirements and German Preparation | 语言要求与德语准备
Language is the single most common reason applications fail or are delayed. Whichever route you take, the phrase "language level meets the requirement" hides a substantial amount of work.
语言是申请失败或延后最常见的原因。无论走哪条路径，"语言水平满足要求"这几个字背后都隐藏着大量工作。
For German-taught degrees, the usual accepted certificates are TestDaF with four sections at level 4, DSH-2, the Goethe-Zertifikat C2, or telc C1 Hochschule. Universities set their own thresholds, so always check the specific programme page rather than relying on a general rule.
德语授课专业通常接受以下证书：TestDaF 四项均达4级、DSH-2、歌德C2证书，或 telc C1 Hochschule。各校门槛不同，务必查看具体专业页面，而不要依赖笼统的规则。
For English-taught bachelor's programmes, especially in business and engineering, universities typically ask for IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80 to 90, and some competitive programmes ask for higher.
英语授课本科项目，尤其是商科和工科方向，通常要求雅思6.0至6.5或托福iBT 80至90，部分竞争激烈的项目要求更高。
If your certificate is not yet ready, the standard sequence is to enter a language course or a preparatory course in Germany first, and only register as a full student once you reach the required level. This is exactly why the most common preparation pattern takes about a year after the gaokao result.
如果证书还没考出来，标准做法是先到德国读语言班或预科，达到要求后再正式注册。这也正是"高考出分后约一年完成准备"这一最普遍模式的形成原因。
8. Application Documents Checklist | 申请材料清单
A complete file removes most of the avoidable delay. The list below covers what is normally required for a first-year undergraduate application.
一份完整的材料可以消除大部分本可避免的延误。以下清单涵盖了本科一年级申请通常需要的文件。
High-school graduation certificate and huikao results, translated and notarised. 高中毕业证与会考成绩单，翻译并公证。
Gaokao result certificate, issued by the provincial examination authority. 高考成绩证明，由省级考试机构出具。
APS certificate obtained through the Gaokao Procedure. 通过高考程序取得的APS审核证书。
Language certificate, or proof of enrolment in a language course. 语言证书，或语言班在读证明。
Valid passport, biometric photos and a completed application form. 有效护照、证件照与填写完整的申请表。
Motivation letter and CV for some programmes, especially competitive or English-taught ones. 部分专业（尤其是竞争激烈或英语授课的项目）需要动机信与简历。
Portfolio or audition material for art and music academies. 艺术与音乐类院校需提供作品集或面试演奏材料。
Proof of funds held in a blocked account at the level required in the current year. 按当年标准存入封锁账户的资金证明。
Applications are submitted either through uni-assist, the centralised service used by many universities, or directly through the university's own portal. Deadlines are strict, and late documents are usually not accepted.
申请可通过许多大学共用的集中服务平台 uni-assist 递交，也可直接通过学校自有系统递交。截止日期是硬性的，迟交材料通常不被接受。
9. Planning Timeline for a Gaokao Student | 应届高考生升学规划时间轴
The following timeline is written for a student who sits the gaokao in June and aims to register for the winter semester in October of the following year. It is for reference only; every case differs.
以下时间轴以当年6月参加高考、目标为次年10月冬季学期注册入学的学生为例，仅供参考，个案各不相同。
ng TestDaF 4x4 or DSH-2, or build an IELTS or TOEFL profile for English-taught programmes. 高一、高二：确定是否走德国路线并开始学德语，目标 TestDaF 4×4 或 DSH-2；若走英语授课，则准备雅思或托福。
First semester of Year 3: confirm gaokao registration, understand the Gaokao Procedure and check huikao records are complete. 高三上学期：确认高考报名，了解高考程序，核对会考成绩是否齐全。
June of Year 3: sit the gaokao. After results are published, assess whether you reach 70% of the total or the local second-tier line. 高三6月：参加高考。出分后评估是否达到总分70%或当地二本线。
July to August: prepare and notarise documents, apply for APS through the Gaokao Procedure, and book the next language test date. 7至8月：准备并公证材料，通过高考程序递交APS申请，同时报名下一场语言考试。
September to November: submit applications through uni-assist or the university portal; note that many winter-semester deadlines fall on 15 July, so some students target the following summer or winter round instead. 9至11月：通过 uni-assist 或学校系统递交申请；注意许多冬季学期截止日期为7月15日，因此部分学生会改为申请下一个夏季或冬季学期。
January to March: handle the visa, blocked account, health insurance and accommodation. 次年1至3月：办理签证、封锁账户、医疗保险与住宿。
April to September: arrive in Germany, attend the language or preparatory course, and reach the required level. 次年4至9月：抵达德国，就读语言班或预科，达到规定语言水平。
October: formally register as a degree student for the winter semester. 次年10月：正式注册，成为冬季学期学位生。
10. Common Misconceptions to Avoid | 常见误区与避坑建议
Many disappointed applicants make the same handful of mistakes. Knowing them in advance is cheaper than correcting them later.
许多申请结果不理想的学生，犯的其实是同样几个错误。提前了解，比事后补救代价小得多。
Do not judge institutions purely by ranking. Applied sciences universities are often stronger for students who want practical training and fast employment, and their graduates are well regarded by German employers.
不要只用排名评判学校。对希望获得实践训练并快速就业的学生来说，应用技术类大学往往更强，其毕业生在德国雇主中认可度很高。
Do not assume that no tuition means no cost. You still pay a semester contribution, health insurance and, above all, living costs, which vary considerably between cities.
不要以为免学费就等于零成本。你仍需缴纳学期注册费、医疗保险，以及最主要的生活费，而生活费在不同城市差异很大。
Do not underestimate German. Reaching a level that satisfies a university typically takes several hundred to over a thousand hours of study, and starting late is the most common cause of a lost year.
不要低估德语。达到大学认可的水平，通常需要数百到上千小时的学习，起步太晚是"白白损失一年"最常见的原因。
Do not assume summer semester offers the same choice as winter. It does not, which is precisely why the October intake dominates.
不要以为夏季学期与冬季学期选择一样多。事实并非如此，这正是10月冬季学期占据主流的原因。
Finally, do not assume a gaokao score below 70% closes the door. The preparatory route exists precisely for that case, and it has sent many students on to strong German degrees.
最后，不要以为高考不到70%就没有机会。预科路径正是为此设置，许多学生经由它进入了优质的德国学位项目。
11. After Graduation: Master's Study Is the Mainstream | 毕业后：读研深造成为主流选择
For graduates of German bachelor's programmes, continuing into a master's degree has become the mainstream choice rather than the exception.
对于德国本科毕业生而言，继续攻读硕士学位已经成为主流选择，而不再是少数人的例外。
Several factors support this. German master's programmes are usually two years, tuition remains low at public universities, and a consecutive master's in the same subject is often the smoothest admission path. Others use the master's to switch institution, switch city, or move into an English-taught programme, and some use it as a bridge to doctoral study or to work in another European country.
背后有几方面原因。德国硕士通常为两年，公立大学学费依旧很低，而同专业连贯升读往往是最顺畅的录取路径。也有人借硕士阶段换学校、换城市，或转入英语授课项目，还有人将其作为通往博士阶段或其他欧洲国家就业的桥梁。
Whichever path a graduate chooses, the decision is usually made in the final year of the bachelor's, which means the planning window is much shorter than it was at the undergraduate stage. Checking entry requirements early, and keeping the final-year grades in good shape, matters more than most students expect.
无论毕业生选择哪条路径，决定通常都是在本科最后一年做出的，这意味着规划窗口比本科申请阶段短得多。提前核对入学要求、保持最后一年成绩稳定，其重要性往往超出多数学生的预期。
12. Final Advice for Applicants | 给申请者的最后建议
Start earlier than you think you need to. The three preparation patterns above are not equally comfortable, and the students who begin in high school have by far the calmest application season. If you only decide after the gaokao result, move fast on language, APS and documents in parallel rather than in sequence.
比你认为的时间更早开始准备。上述三种准备模式的体验并不相同，从高中就开始准备的学生，申请季无疑最为从容。如果只能等到高考出分后再决定，就要让语言、APS和材料并行推进，而不是一项接一项地串行完成。
Match the institution type to your
更多咨询请联系16621398022（同微信）
或截图后用「扫一扫 → 相册」选择本图