Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding the application and enrolment for the masters degree programmes at SIC
These FAQ concern the application process and the enrolment for our computer-science-related master degree programmes at SIC. Please find general information about the application process in the individual application guides of those programmes:
The application process for the following degree programmes is handled by other parties. Please find more information about these programmes and the application process on their pages.
FAQ Application
For how many programmes can I apply?
You can apply for two master programmes at the same time. However, you can either apply for a MSc or a PhD.
If you want to apply for a programme that is in the new application system (e.g. Computer Science) and one that is in the old application system (e.g. Bioinformatics) for the same semester, you have to register and submit an application in both systems by the respective deadline.
I made an error during my submission. What now?
Please pay attention when entering your details or uploading documents in our application system. You will not be able to change any details after submitting your application. The name you have entered in the application system, must match the name printed in your passport or national id. If the names do not match, there may be subsequent problems when applying for the visa or blocked account.
I don’t have a final diploma yet; can I still apply?
You can apply without your final diploma if you are in your final semester. Please upload a transcript showing your current study progress and enter your current average grade as grade. If your application is successful, you will get a conditional admission letter and be asked to provide the official diploma during your first term at UdS.
Do I need an APS certificate? What does qualify as APS certificate?
Applicants who have obtained their university degree in China, India or Vietnam are required to submit the original APS Certificate issued by the Academic Evaluation Center (Akademische Prüfstelle) in the corresponding country with the application. Please check with your local German Embassy, if a certificate is needed, if you are unsure.
The PDF with the APS certificate you submit must be digitally signed by the respective embassy of that country and the signature must show up as valid (check with a common PDF reader e.g. Adobe Reader or Foxit Reader). Please note, that actions such as printing as PDF or converting to PDF or similar actions may destroy the signature and the certificate is not valid anymore. In these cases download a new copy from the embassy site. The APS document must not be printed, scanned, notarized or stamped by a third party.
PDFs showing the application form for an APS certificate or asking for a delay are not valid as a certificate and will unfortunately lead to a formal rejection of the application.
If you are absolutely sure, that you don't need an APS certificate, please write a short statement that explain the reasons why not and upload it instead of the APS document.
Do I need a GRE General Test or Indian GATE test?
Starting with applications for the summer semester 2026 or later, if you have no degree certificate from one of the countries in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), Switzerland or the UK, you need to upload a test result from the GRE General Test or the Indian GATE test. Please attach the test result at the end of your degree certificate PDF.
The GRE test result of one of the subject tests or a prep test does not satisfy this requirement.
Degrees from Russia or Belarus are being treated as from within the EHEA and thus applicants do not need to submit a GRE General Test result.
Other applicants may optionally attach the test result from any GRE at the end of their degree certificate PDF.
Do my documents need to be notarized?
The documents for the application do not need to be certified by an embassy or a notary. We do not need or accept hard copies for the application. When you apply online with us, you can just upload your scanned, legible documents in PDF format.
What happens if I do not submit my application before the deadline? Do I need to reapply for the next iteration?
Applications which are completed after the deadline will automatically be considered for the next application period. A completed application includes the LORs by both recommenders, i.e. applicants have to submit their application in good time before the deadline so that the recommenders have enough time to add their LORs to the application.
My recommenders did not receive an email with instructions on how to provide a LOR. How to proceed?
After submitting your application the system will send an email to the provided addresses of each of your recommenders to provide their LOR. Please instruct your recommenders to check in their spam folders. If necessary, they can request a new email by filling out the forgot password form with the email address you provided during your application.
What is the status of my application?
You can see the status of your application in the application system. The evaluation process by the admissions board process normally starts after the official deadline. As soon as a decision has been made about your application, you will receive an email with either a rejection or admission with further information. Please refrain from mailing us about the status of your application as no other information can be given.
When can I expect a decision from the application board?
The evaluation process normally starts after the official deadline. Results can usually be expected between the middle of December until mid-January for application for the summer semester and between mid-June and end of July for applications for the winter semester.
I applied for a master’s program and have been rejected. Why?
On our website the minimal application requirements are given. However, satisfying these minimal standards does not guarantee admission. Our master commission consisting of several professors reviews each application of all its strengths and weaknesses and accepts only the very best students out of hundreds of applicants for our highly challenging master's programs.
Please understand that due to the high number of applicants we cannot give individual reasoning to why an application has been rejected.
When can I expect an answer to my email requests?
Please expect response times of several days before the application deadline because of the high volume of requests during that time. We expect you to read the information given in the application guide and in this FAQ carefully before contacting us.
Please be aware of German national holidays. Furthermore, the university is closed over the winter holidays.
Ready to apply?
Click on the following button to open the Online Application System and start filling out your application for one of our Master’s degree programmes.