Where do I have to apply for a degree programme?

For degree programmes with admission restrictions, you must apply for a study place - either directly to the university OR via hochschulstart.de, the application portal of the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung (SfH).

Foto: Hans-Martin Issler / Bundesagentur für Arbeit
Wegweiser an einer Universität.

Where you have to apply depends on the degree programme and the university’s requirements. You can find more information here:

  • On the websites of the universities,
  • at hochschulstart.de, and
  • in the study search.

Nationwide admission restriction

Study places for the following degree programmes are allocated centrally throughout Germany by the SfH. 

  • Human medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Veterinary medicine
  • Pharmacy

The application procedure for these subjects always runs via hochschulstart.de - regardless of which state university you would like to study at.

Note: With regard to the statements in chapter 4.1, it should be noted that the waiting time is no longer taken into account when applying for degree programmes with nationwide admission restrictions. The corresponding quota has now been replaced by the additional aptitude quota.

All other cases

For all other admission-restricted and, in some cases, admission-free degree programmes, the universities will inform you on their websites whether you need to apply via hochschulstart.de. If so, registration at www.hochschulstart.de is a prerequisite for your application. This is then done either: 

  • Directly at the university or
  • In the SfH application portal.

If the university requires a direct application, you can submit it online or by post. You can find detailed information on the websites of the respective universities.

Detailed explanations and further tips on the application process can be found at hochschulstart.de and in the following chapters.

Übersicht: Wege an die Hochschule. Linke Seite: Ohne Zulassungsbeschränkung (Bewerbung bei der Hochschule oder bei hochschulstart.de); Mitte: Bundesweite Zulassungsbeschränkung (über Hochschulstart.de); Rechts: örtliche Zulassungbeschränkung (Bewerbung bei der Hochschule oder hochschulstart.de). Quelle: Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung (2025)

Further topics

  • What does ‘NC’ actually mean?

    ‘NC’ is the abbreviation for “Numerus clausus”, which means “closed number” in English. The NC is used in selection procedures when the…read more »
  • Application at hochschulstart.de

    When applying via hochschulstart.de, places on degree programmes with nationwide and local admission restrictions are allocated in a linked…read more »
Stand: 09.07.2025