What Is a VPD (Vorprüfungsdokument)? The 2026 German Application Preliminary Review Document Guide
A detailed guide on what a Vorprüfungsdokument (VPD) is, how to obtain a uni-assist VPD, what it is used for in an application, grade conversion and the required documents.
The moment you are about to apply to Germany, you run into two questions: "What is a VPD?" and, right after, "Why do I need to get it?"
A VPD (Vorprüfungsdokument — Preliminary Review Document) shows what your diploma and grades from Turkey correspond to in Germany. Many universities request this document before the application.
In this guide you will find what a VPD is, why it is needed, how and when to obtain it, and the most common mistakes.
What Is a VPD? Definition and Purpose
A Simple Definition
A VPD is a validity report of your educational document from Turkey for use in Germany. In short, it states "this student is ready to study at this level in Germany."
The Technical Definition
The Vorprüfungsdokument is an official academic evaluation document issued by uni-assist, and it shows the following:
- Which educational level in Germany your foreign educational document is equivalent to
- What your grade point average is according to the German grading system
- Whether you are legally eligible to apply
What Is It Not?
- A VPD is not an admission letter; it does not come from the university
- A VPD is not a visa document; it has nothing to do with immigration
- A VPD is not a guaranteed-success document; it shows eligibility, not achievement
- A VPD is not university-specific; it is used in the same way at all universities
What Is It Used For?
- It is the document required when applying to universities
- It replaces a notarized verification of the diploma
- It takes care of the translation/conversion of the grade point average
- It proves your legal eligibility to apply
When Is a VPD Required?
Cases Where It Is Mandatory
- Bachelor's application: absolutely mandatory
- Master's application: most universities require it
- Doctoral application: rarely requested
- Universities affiliated with uni-assist: almost all of them require it
Cases Where It Is Not Mandatory
- If you finished high school in Germany (if you have an Abitur), it is not needed
- If you are an EU citizen, it may not be required at some universities
- Some private universities use their own evaluation system
Who Needs a VPD?
- Bachelor's students: must obtain a VPD for the high school diploma — absolutely mandatory; without it the application is rejected
- Master's students: must obtain a VPD for the bachelor's diploma; in rare cases the master's transcript may also be required
- Doctoral students: usually not needed — the research proposal and the supervisor's letter are more important
How to Obtain a VPD: Step by Step
Step 1: Go to uni-assist.de
Go to uni-assist.de, look for the "VPD Order" option, select Turkey as the country and open the form.
Step 2: Creating an Account
- Open an account with an email address and a password
- Check the verification email and activate the account
- Time: about 5 minutes
Step 3: Opening a VPD Request
- Personal details: first name, surname, date of birth, passport number
- Educational background: high school graduation year, high school name, country (Turkey)
- Requested VPD type: bachelor's or master's
- Grade point average (in the Turkish system) and choice of payment method
- Time: about 15–20 minutes
Step 4: Uploading the Documents
For a bachelor's: high school diploma and grade transcript (German translation + notarization) along with a passport copy. For a master's: bachelor's diploma and transcript (German translation + notarization) along with ID. If you have an ÖSYM/YKS score document (translated), add it.
Step 5: Making the Payment
- Bachelor's/Master's VPD: about 75–100 €
- First time (user registration + VPD): about 100–120 €
- Payment methods: credit card (Visa/Mastercard), PayPal or SEPA
Step 6: Processing Time
- Normal: 4–8 weeks
- Peak season (May–July): 8–12 weeks
- On the first application, +1–2 weeks for the check
The result comes by email as a PDF and you can download it from your account; if there is an original certificate, it is sent by post.
The Content of the VPD: What Does It Say?
- Educational level equivalence: e.g. a Turkish high school diploma = German high school completion (eligible for a bachelor's application)
- Grade point average conversion: e.g. 3.5/4.0 → 1.8 (in the German system, 1 is the best)
- Application eligibility: e.g. can apply directly to the university, no need for Studienkolleg
- Official stamp and signature: the uni-assist seal, the signature of the responsible officer and the document date
A Sample VPD Document: Which Fields Does It Contain?
| Field | Sample Value |
|---|---|
| Full name (Herr/Frau) | [Full Name] |
| Date of birth (Geburtsdatum) | [Date] |
| Country of origin (Herkunftsland) | Türkei |
| School type (Schulart) | Gymnasium / High School Diploma |
| Graduation year (Abschlussjahrgang) | 2022 |
| Grade (Benotung) | 3.5 |
| Conversion (Umrechnung) | 1.8 (German scale) |
| Study eligibility (Studierfähigkeit) | ERFÜLLT (met) |
| Validity (Gültig bis) | [Date + 5 years] |
The Validity Period of the VPD
A VPD is valid for 5 years. For example, a VPD obtained in 2024 can be used until 2029; once the validity ends, a new one must be obtained. You can apply with the old VPD while it is still valid, but once it expires a new VPD is needed.
The Difference Between a VPD and Other Documents
| Feature | VPD | Translation | Notarization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who issues it | uni-assist | Translator | Notary |
| Purpose | Academic evaluation | Translation | Verification |
| Time | 4–12 weeks | 1–2 weeks | 3–5 days |
| Price | 75–100 € | 50–150 € | 30–50 € |
| In the application | Almost always | Not mandatory | Not mandatory |
In short, a VPD replaces translation and notarization — and it is even stronger from an application standpoint.
Common Mistakes
- Obtaining the VPD too late: starting to request it at application time leads to an 8–12 week wait and missing the deadline — apply in the first week (even for a master's).
- Reporting the grade point average incorrectly: write the Turkish grade according to the 4.0 system (e.g. 3.5/4.0); do not confuse it with the German system.
- Sending documents in Turkish: untranslated documents are rejected — use a notarized official translation.
- Filling in the wrong form: filling in the master's form for a bachelor's requires starting over — check the form 2–3 times.
- Applying without a transcript: first get the grade transcript from your school, then apply to uni-assist.
Frequently Asked Questions
If my grade point average comes out low on my VPD, will the application be rejected?+
No. The VPD only converts the grade; accepting or rejecting the application is the university's decision.
What can I do if I cannot find a German translator?+
Online translation services can be used, but the translation must be notarized.
If I lose the VPD document, can I get it again?+
Yes. You can download it again from your uni-assist account or request it again (a new request may be charged).
Is any other document needed when applying with a VPD?+
Usually not; the VPD largely takes care of the translation and verification. Even so, check whether the university requires any additional documents.
On a master's VPD, do I need to show my bachelor's transcript?+
Yes, before the VPD you need to submit the translation of your bachelor's transcript.
Checklist: The VPD Application Process
Preparation (Weeks Ahead)
- Get the grade transcript from your school
- Make a photocopy of the diploma
- Prepare a copy of your passport
- Find an official translator
Translation (1–2 Weeks)
- Have the transcript translated
- Have the diploma translated
- Get the notarization done
- Convert the documents to PDF
uni-assist and Waiting
- Create an account on uni-assist.de and open the VPD form
- Upload the documents and make the payment
- Check your emails over the 4–12 weeks
- Download the PDF when the result arrives
Conclusion: The VPD = the Key to the Application Door
The VPD is not just a document; it is your academic ID card in Germany. You cannot apply to most universities without a VPD; not getting the VPD means never even starting the application.
Get it early, stay calm and send the documents correctly; wait 4–12 weeks and start the application once the result arrives. As the Toedur consultancy team, from translating the documents to filling in the uni-assist form, we are by your side on this critical part of the application file.
