StudyInFocus
Methodology · Stage 1

Stage 1: Planning

The outcome: a clear goal, a realistic strategy and a shortlist of programmes matched to your profile. Not just “where to apply”, but where you can and should apply.

Steps 01–04 of 16 Guarantee year¹
Where you are on the routestage 1 / 4
  1. 1 PlanningStage I Now
  2. 2 PreparationStage II 05–08
  3. 3 ApplicationStage III 09–12
  4. 4 EnrollmentStage IV 13–16

One route — 4 stages, 16 steps. Click a stage to go to its page.

Stage steps · 01–04

4 steps of the stage: what we do, what you get, why

We determine where, why and by which route to apply.

What we do

We identify a suitable, future-proof profession — the foundation of the whole route, not just “where to apply”.

Deliverable

Study goal, professional direction

Why

Without a clear goal, the route falls apart: your profession determines the university, the programme and the priorities in all of the next 15 steps.

How the step is done
As part of a package / via a partnerthis step has no service of its own
Partners and packages
What we do

Out of many scenarios we choose a realistic route, taking into account your starting point, timing and risks.

Deliverable

Step-by-step plan, scenario, Plan B, calendar

Why

A realistic plan with a Plan B and a calendar protects you from dead ends and from losing a year.

How the step is done
As part of a package / via a partnerthis step has no service of its own
Partners and packages
What we do

We select specific programmes to match your field, the requirements and your real chances — not a university “by brand”.

Deliverable

Shortlist of programmes/universities

Why

Applying to programmes that match your profile increases your chance of actually being admitted rather than rejected.

How the step is done
As part of a package / via a partnerthis step has no service of its own
Partners and packages
What we do

We check documents, deadlines, application formats and procedures — turning your choice from “interesting” into “correctly doable”.

Deliverable

Registry of requirements and deadlines

Why

A single missed deadline or wrong document format can cost you a whole semester.

How the step is done
As part of a package / via a partnerthis step has no service of its own
Partners and packages
Stage result

What you will have after stage 1

This stage turns “I want to study in Germany” into a workable plan: a profession, a route, specific programmes and verified requirements.

Deliverables · steps 01–04
  • 01Study goal, professional direction
  • 02Step-by-step plan, scenario, Plan B, calendar
  • 03Shortlist of programmes/universities
  • 04Registry of requirements and deadlines
Before the startStarting pointYou want to study abroad — but you have no goal, no plan and no understanding of the requirements yet. This is where the route begins.
Next stageStage II. Preparationsteps 05–08
The whole route, turnkey

Complete programme — all 16 steps with an advisor

This stage is part of a single route. The Complete programme runs all four stages without gaps: an advisor on call, one deadline calendar and legal support for the visa.

  • Advisor on call
  • One calendar for 16 steps
  • Legal visa support
  • Guarantee year¹
Package cost
3 997 €
all-in, for the whole period · no hidden service fees

The final price depends on your situation: with a strong profile and less work it is lower. We will name your price at the interview.

Go to the Complete programme Interview — 97 €credited towards the Complete programme price

¹ Guarantee year. A repeat support cycle at no extra service fee — per the contract terms. Not a guarantee of admission; the decision is made by the university/government body.

2 000+
admitted
500+
universities we place into
50+
method partners
20+
years of work
100%
admitted via the full package²

² Over the last 8 years among clients who chose the Complete programme. “2,000+” and “100%” are different bases.

Methodology services

How we cover this stage

At the planning stage, our method's mini services do the work — the ones the quiz on the home page leads to. External partners join later, at the preparation and admission stages.

Find a service for your step
ProfiguideAuditCourse Selection

StudyInFocus methodology services that the matching on the homepage leads to. These are tools of the methodology, not external partners.

FAQ

About the “Planning” stage

Take this stage — and the whole route — with an advisor

Interview: we'll assess your chances and outline your route. The 97 € is credited towards the Complete programme price.

Free service review
Find what fits