Application Bachelor’s Degrees and First State Examination in Law

At the University of Potsdam, the application process depends on whether your chosen program has open admission or restricted admission. Some bachelor’s programs and the First State Examination in Law have a limited number of places and use a grade-based selection process known as numerus clausus, or NC. These programs require an application for admission. As a first-year student, you may only apply for admission for the winter semester each year, and you must apply within the official application deadlines. You can check whether a program is restricted or open admission in the Degree Programs overview (PDF).

For programs with open admission, there is no separate application process. Instead, you must enroll online during the enrollment period. If you submit all required documents correctly and on time, you will be automatically admitted and enrolled in your chosen program.

1. Recognition of your university entrance qualification in the State of Brandenburg

If you have earned your university entrance qualification outside Germany, you must first have it recognized for the state of Brandenburg before applying for first-year entry or transfer entry into a higher semester at the University of Potsdam. You can have your qualification recognized through one of the following options:

• Staatliches Schulamt Cottbus: Submit the required documents for the recognition of your university entrance qualification to the State School Authority Cottbus (Staatliches Schulamt Cottbus). Please also see the information sheet on their website. You will receive an official certificate confirming your eligibility to study at a university in the state of Brandenburg and your converted final grade. You can then apply to the University of Potsdam via the PULS portal, submitting this certificate and a copy of your university entrance qualification.
  or
• uni-assist e.V.: Alternatively, you can use the application service provided by uni-assist e.V. To do so, register in the uni-assist online portal and select “Universität Potsdam-VPD” under “University.” Upload all required documents for the evaluation of your qualification. You will receive a VPD (preliminary review documentation) confirming your eligibility for university study and your converted grade. You can then apply to the University of Potsdam via the PULS portal, submitting your VPD and a copy of your university entrance qualification.

Important: Please allow sufficient processing time. Proof of recognition must be submitted to the University of Potsdam by the application deadline. 

2. German language requirements

If you have earned your university entrance qualification outside Germany, you must also provide proof of sufficient German language proficiency. This proof must be submitted no later than at the time of enrollment. 

The exact documents you need to upload will be shown in the PULS portal, based on the information you provide in your application. Requirements vary depending on your individual application. Please note that all documents must be uploaded in PULS; documents submitted by post will not be accepted. All required documents must be uploaded by the application deadline (late submissions will not be accepted).

Documents marked “if applicable” are only required if they apply to your situation.

• For applicants under 16 (minors): general consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian
• University entrance qualification
• If applicable: proof of completed military or voluntary service (Dienstzeitbescheinigung)
• If applicable: previous admission or notification of deferment from the University of Potsdam for the same program
• If applicable: official documentation of a name change
• If applicable: certificate of successful completion of a structured preparatory program
• If applicable: proof of membership in a national squad of a German Olympic sports federation (issued by the Olympic Training Center Brandenburg)
• If applicable: proof of advanced proficiency in Sorbian/Wendish (level B2/C1, Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
• If applicable: complete record of previous studies, including degree programs attended and semesters completed (certificates of enrollment, confirmation of periods of study)
• If applicable: Semester Placement Request Form reviewed by the relevant examination board at the University of Potsdam, confirming placement in the first semester of your intended degree program. This is required if you were previously enrolled in a related program but cannot provide sufficient evidence of transferable coursework that would justify placement in a higher semester.

Additional documents for international applicants (not treated as equivalent to German applicants)

• If applicable: proof of asylum status
• If applicable: enrollment certificate for the University of Potsdam DSH course+
• If applicable: certificate of the Assessment Exam (Feststellungsprüfung or FSP) completed at a university-preparatory program (Studienkolleg)

Additional documents for applicants qualified through vocational training (without a school-based university entrance qualification)

• Official decision confirming your eligibility for university entrance, or the Request for Recognition of University Entrance Eligibility for Applicants Qualified Through Vocational Training Without a School-based University Entrance Qualification under § 10(2) BbgHG, including all required supporting documents

Additional documents for transfer applicants (higher semesters)

• Semester Placement Request Form reviewed by the relevant examination board at the University of Potsdam (Note: the assigned semester must match the semester you are applying for)
• Transcripts from previous university studies, including current grade averages
• If applicable: documentation of academic or social reasons for pursuing the degree
• If applicable: proof of membership in a national squad of a German Olympic sports federation (issued by the Olympic Training Center Brandenburg)

Additional documents for specific subjects

• Anglistik/Amerikanistik, and Englisch, first semester
  Proof of passing the entrance examination or an equivalent qualification
• Französisch / Spanisch
  Proof of passing the entrance examination or an equivalency certificate issued by the examination board of the Institute of Romance Studies
• Polnisch / Russisch
  Proof of passing the entrance examination or an equivalency certificate issued by the examination board of the Institute of Slavic Studies
• Latein
  Proof of passing the entrance examination or an equivalency certificate issued by the examination board of Classical Philology
• Kunst
  Proof of passing the entrance examination
• Musik
  Proof of passing the entrance examination
• Sport
  Proof of passing the University of Potsdam sports entrance examination or an equivalency certificate issued by the examination board confirming recognition of an entrance examination taken at another university
• IT Systems Engineering (first-semester admission only) (not applicable to international applicants who are not treated as equivalent to German applicants) 
  Aptitude test and if applicable: proof of subject-specific additional qualifications
• Psychologie
  If applicable: valid result of the BaPsy-DGPs aptitude test (German Psychological Society)

Additional documents for special requests

• Personal statement in support of a hardship request, a request for improvement of the average grade, or a request for improvement of the waiting time
• Supporting documents for the respective request

Additional documents for second-degree applicants (first-semester admission)

• Personal statement explaining your reasons for pursuing a second degree
• Proof of completion of your first degree, including your final grade (e.g., degree certificate)