Transfer to a German university after 1 year — options, requirements & timelines
Transferring after Year 1 saves time and opens access to strong programmes — provided you meet the key conditions. Your route depends on your school or college background, recognition of your university and whether you change field.
With 11 years of school and 1 year at an accredited home university you can usually apply directly to a related programme in Germany, with document-based admission. With a college background, a change of field or an unrecognised university, a Studienkolleg is typically required.
- 11 years of school + 1 year at an accredited home university: apply directly to Bachelor, Diplom or Staatsexamen.
- Study in German and/or English, depending on the programme.
- Admissions are typically document-based; applications are submitted online.
- Artistic fields may add portfolio or audition rounds.
- After Year 1, entry is usually limited to identical or related majors.
How to transfer after Year 1
- 1Decide on your fieldPlanning a switch? Start with Career Orientation.
- 2Check your backgroundSchool or college, recognition of your home university and your target field define the route.
- 3Direct entry or Studienkolleg11 years + Year 1 in a related field: direct entry. College, change of field or an unrecognised university: Studienkolleg.
- 4ApplyAdmissions are typically document-based and submitted online.
Which route is yours
Your route depends on school background or college, recognition of your university and whether you change field.
11 years + Year 1
Secondary school certificate plus 1 year at an accredited home university — typically enables direct entry to a related programme.
OpenCollege + Year 1
With a college background and one university year, you'll typically need a 1-year Studienkolleg in the relevant track.
OpenChanging major
Switching fields after Year 1 usually requires a Studienkolleg in the new track.
OpenNo recognition
If your home university isn't recognised in Germany, a Studienkolleg year is typically required before admission.
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
Unsure which path fits?
Book a consultation and we'll map the most effective route after Year 1.
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".