Apply to a German University with the International Baccalaureate (IB-Diploma)
Your options after the International Baccalaureate largely depend on the type of diploma you received and the results achieved: direct Bachelor entry in any field or a limited range of majors, or a Studienkolleg first.
With an IB Diploma, 12 years of full-time schooling and Higher Level Mathematics you can apply directly for a bachelor's in any field in Germany; with Standard Level Mathematics and Higher Level Natural Sciences, for a limited range of majors. After 11 years or with grades below Higher Level, a Studienkolleg is required.
- You can study in German or in English, depending on the chosen programme.
- Admission is based on documents, usually without exams; the university decides on your application.
- You do not need to travel to Germany to apply.
- Exception: creative programmes may hold an additional creative contest.
- The IB Diploma does not always allow direct admission; a Studienkolleg requires an entrance exam.
How to apply with an IB Diploma
- 1Career GuidanceFirst determine the most suitable and promising field of study at a German university.
- 2Assess your IB DiplomaWhat matters: 12 years of full-time schooling and your subject levels — Mathematics Higher or Standard Level, Natural Sciences Higher Level.
- 3Bachelor or StudienkollegBased on your field and diploma, decide whether you can apply directly for a bachelor's or need a Studienkolleg first.
- 4ApplyDocument-based, usually without exams and without travelling to Germany; a Studienkolleg requires an entrance exam.
Which option applies to you
Your options largely depend on the type of diploma you received and the results achieved.
Any bachelor's
12 years of full-time schooling, IB Diploma and Higher Level Mathematics: equivalent to the German school system, apply for any field.
OpenBachelor with restrictions
12 years, IB Diploma, Standard Level Mathematics and Higher Level Natural Sciences: direct entry with a limited selection of majors.
Open11 years + IB
11 years of schooling with the IB Diploma, or IB grades below Higher Level: a Studienkolleg is needed to catch up with the 12th-grade curriculum.
OpenCareer change
Standard Level Mathematics but aiming for a maths or science-focused major: you need a Studienkolleg in that field.
OpenWe'll guide you all the way to Germany
The Complete Admission Programme (UniApply) runs all 16 steps — from strategy to enrollment and your first steps on the ground.
a reference price for the entire cycle. The final cost depends on the scope of work: with a strong profile and less work involved it is lower. We will tell you your price at the eligibility interview.
Covers our work for the entire admission cycle. University/uni-assist fees, visa fees, insurance and the blocked account are paid separately.
Not ready for the Complete Programme?
Start with a single service — the payment is credited when you move up.
"100%" refers to the overall client base of the Complete programme — it is not an admission rate for a specific field.
The StudyInFocus method is supported by
Banks, insurers, language schools and Studienkollegs at the finance and preparation stages. This is not a list of universities we place into.
Names and logos are the property of their owners; mentioned as StudyInFocus method partners. Not advertising of third parties.
Frequently asked questions
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¹ Guarantee year. A repeat support cycle at no extra service fee — per the contract terms. Applies to the full package and admission to a public university. Not a guarantee of admission; the decision is made by the university/government body.
² 100%. Over the last 8 years among clients who chose the full programme. "2,000+ admitted" is counted across all clients — these are different bases.
³ What "to be confirmed" means. Specific values — cut-off grade/competition, required language level, exact exams and deadlines — depend on the federal state, university, programme and year, as well as on your profile and path. "To be confirmed" = we work it out for you, not "unknown".