🇩🇪 Vorprüfungsdokumentation (VPD): What You Must Know Before Applying to a German University

Planning to study in Germany? Then you might encounter a crucial term: VPD, or Vorprüfungsdokumentation. This document acts as the official validation of your academic background — a gatekeeper that determines whether your previous education meets German university standards. If you're an international applicant, especially from non-EU countries, chances are you’ll need to go through Uni-Assist, an organization that evaluates foreign academic credentials on behalf of over 170 German universities. Let’s break it down step by step, from what VPD includes to how to apply and what to do once it’s in your hands.

📘 What Is VPD and Why Does It Matter?

VPD stands for Preliminary Review Documentation. It is not a university acceptance, but rather a confirmation that your academic qualifications meet the entry requirements of a specific German degree program. Your educational documents are reviewed by Uni-Assist, who calculates your GPA using the German system (typically with the Bavarian formula), assesses whether your academic profile fits the chosen program, and then issues a personalized PDF certificate.

Important: The VPD is university-specific. If you’re applying to several institutions, you may need separate VPDs unless they accept a shared one. Always check directly with each university.

🧾 What Does a VPD Contain?

Your VPD PDF includes:

• A list of your submitted academic documents
  
• Your GPA recalculated for the German system
  
• An official statement confirming whether your qualifications match the chosen program's standards
  

Be aware: if your previous studies are in a field completely unrelated to your intended program (e.g., you have a bachelor's in Literature but apply for a master’s in Mechanical Engineering), your VPD will likely be rejected.

That’s why it's critical to analyze your chosen university's course requirements, especially in terms of ECTS credits and subject match. Mismatches will cost you both time and money.

👤 Who Needs a VPD?

Not all German universities require a VPD. Those that do will specify this on their official websites. On the Uni-Assist portal, you’ll find a complete list of institutions that participate in this pre-check process — currently around 170.

⏳ How Long Does It Take to Get a VPD?

The processing time ranges from 4 to 6 weeks, sometimes longer during peak application seasons. To avoid missing deadlines, apply early and monitor university-specific cutoffs.

🧩 How to Apply for a VPD: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Gather Your Documents. You’ll need:

• Diploma or school certificate (original + certified translation into German or English)
  
• Academic transcript with grades and ECTS or credit hours
  
• Language proficiency certificate (German or English)
  
• Optional: CV, motivation letter, letters of recommendation, photo

Step 2: Register on Uni-Assist. Upload your documents online. If applying to multiple universities that use Uni-Assist, upload shared documents only once.  

Step 3: Pay the Fee. You’ll pay online — €75 for the first university, €30 for each additional one.

Step 4: Wait for Confirmation. You’ll receive an email once your documents are under review. If something is missing, Uni-Assist will request additional files.

Step 5: Track Your Application. Log in regularly to check your application status. Once ready, download the VPD PDF — this is your green light to send everything to your chosen university.

💶 How Much Does VPD Cost?

• First application: €75
  
• Each additional application: €30