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How to study in Germany after UEC

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Updated on: July 2025

How to study in Germany after UEC

Key Takeaways

If you’re considering studying in Germany after UEC, here’s what you need to know:
  • Germany offers world-class education with low or no tuition fees at public universities.
  • UEC graduates are eligible to study at Deggendorf Institute of Technology if they have successfully completed the University Preparation Programme offered by German Educare.
  • Strong UEC results in core academic subjects such as Maths, Science, and English are essential.
  • German language proficiency (minimum B1/B2) is required for most undergraduate programmes.
  • You don’t need to know German before joining the programme. We’ll help you meet entry requirements and adapt smoothly to life in Germany.
  • German Educare supports you every step of the way—from language classes and visa guidance to university placement and on-ground support in Germany.
  • Choosing the right programme and path depends on what to study after UEC and your future goals.

The Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) is becoming more popular in Malaysia, especially among students from Chinese independent schools. More and more students are choosing to take the UEC because it opens doors to universities in Malaysia and many other countries around the world. The UEC is recognized by universities in places like Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and Singapore, making it an attractive option for students who want to study abroad.

However, in Germany, the UEC is not considered a valid pre-university qualification for university admission. This means that students who complete the UEC will not be able to directly apply for a Bachelor’s degree in Germany.

Germany has become an increasingly attractive destination for Malaysian students looking to further their education after completing the UEC (Unified Examination Certificate). With a world-renowned education system, low tuition fees, and a thriving job market for graduates, it’s no surprise that more UEC students are choosing to study in Germany after UEC.

Germany is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, known for their strong focus on research, innovation, and practical skills. Most public universities offer tuition-free education, even for international students, which means you can obtain a high-quality degree without accumulating large student debts.

Furthermore, German degrees are recognised globally, giving you a competitive edge whether you choose to pursue a career in Europe, Malaysia, or elsewhere. Best of all? You can even study in English!

More and more Malaysian students are making the choice to study in Germany after UEC because of its affordability, safety, and high standard of living. Unlike other popular study destinations, Germany offers strong post-study opportunities, including an 18-month job-seeking visa after graduation.

In addition, Germany’s emphasis on hands-on learning and close ties between universities and industry means that graduates are well-prepared for the job market. Fields such as engineering, IT, business, and health sciences are particularly strong, with a high demand for skilled professionals.

Malaysian students also benefit from Germany’s central location in Europe, which allows for affordable travel across the continent during semester breaks. This makes the study experience not just academically enriching but culturally diverse as well.

It’s also important to understand that entry requirements differ from those in countries like the UK, Australia, or the US. German universities follow a structured system that evaluates whether your qualifications are recognised for direct university entry, or whether you’ll need a more recognised pre-university qualification.

To be eligible for higher education in Germany after UEC, you must meet specific academic criteria.

While UEC is not always directly accepted for university entrance in Germany, German Educare has partnered with the Deggendorf Institute of Technology. UEC students who completed our University Preparation Programme can now further their studies to the Deggendorf Institute of Technology.

Your choice of UEC subjects plays an important role in your eligibility. In general, you should have studied subjects which are relevant to the course you want to study at the university.

For instance, students interested in technical or science-based degrees should ensure they have studied core STEM subjects, while those aiming for business or humanities programmes should focus on related academic subjects.

Subjects such as Art, Moral Studies, or Physical Education are generally not considered in the assessment.

Although many courses are taught in English, students who intend to study in Germany long-term will benefit from acquiring German language proficiency. Students who choose to study in English are encouraged to take German classes at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology so that they have a better chance of getting part-time jobs or stay back and start their career in Germany.

To summarise:

  • UEC students are usually not eligible for direct university admission, but can study at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology provided they completed German Educare’s University Preparation Programme.
  • Strong results in academic subjects are crucial.
  • Proficiency in the German language is a key requirement for most pathways.

There are 3 options for students with a UEC who want to study in Germany:

  • take another pre-university qualification
  • pursue your Master’s degree in Germany
  • join German Educare’s University Preparation Programme

Since the UEC isn’t recognized in Germany, students can take another pre-university qualification that is accepted. Some of the recognized qualifications include STPM, A Level, and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Many students choose to sit for the SPM exam during their 11th year of schooling. Afterward, they can either continue to A Level (skipping the UEC exam) or register for A Level as a private candidate.

Another option is to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Malaysia or another country, and then pursue a Master’s degree in Germany. To do this, students need a recognised Bachelor’s degree, but the good news is that Master’s programmes in Germany are tuition-free—even for international students! Many Master’s programmes are also taught in English, so students don’t need to know German to apply. That said, learning German is still a good idea to help with daily life and to communicate with locals and other international students.

The third option, available starting in January 2025, is joining German Educare’s University Preparation Programme. Through our partnership with a German university, UEC students can complete the programme, learn German for 9 months, and then move to Germany to start their Bachelor’s degree. This is a great pathway for students who want to go straight to university in Germany after completing the UEC.

For Malaysian students who wish to study in Germany after UEC, learning the German language is a crucial part of the journey. Even if you plan to enrol in an English-medium course, having a good grasp of German will significantly improve your everyday life—from dealing with immigration authorities and renting accommodation, to making friends and finding part-time work.

Understanding the language expectations early and preparing accordingly will give you a strong head start in adapting to life and studies in Germany.

For courses taught in German, students are generally required to have completed B2 level of German based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Here is a general guide to the required levels:

  • B1 Level: Minimum to be able to converse with German speakers.
  • B2 Level: Some universities will allow students with B2 level to study in German-taught courses.
  • C1 Level: Required for direct university admission into programmes taught in German.

Language proficiency must be demonstrated through recognised exams such as:

  • TestDaF
  • telc Deutsch
  • DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)

We mentioned our University Preparation Programme further up in the article. However, at German Educare, we understand that the path to study in Germany after UEC can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves different education systems, language requirements, and cultural transitions. 

That’s why we offer a comprehensive, student-centred support system designed specifically for UEC graduates who wish to continue their studies in Germany.

Our programmes are tailored to help students bridge the gap between Malaysian secondary education and the requirements of the German university system.

German Educare provides a structured preparatory programme that helps you master the German language. We guide students from beginner level (A1) up to the required B1/B2 proficiency needed for entry into their chosen programmes.

Applying for a student visa and navigating the German university system can be daunting. German Educare assists students with preparing the necessary visa documents

Our counsellors work closely with students and their families to ensure all documents are submitted correctly and on time, increasing the chances of a smooth visa process and successful university placement.

Our support doesn’t end when you board the flight. We know that studying abroad isn’t just about academics—it’s also about personal growth, cultural adaptation, and building a future.

That’s why we offer continued support throughout your student journey, giving you the confidence to thrive in a new environment. German Educare also helps students adjust to life abroad. This includes:

  • Airport and accommodation arrangements
  • Orientation upon arrival
  • Emergency assistance
  • Help with local registration, health insurance, and mobile plans.

Conclusion

Choosing to study in Germany after UEC is a bold and exciting step toward a globally recognised education and a rewarding career. While the process may seem complex—navigating entry requirements, learning the German language, and understanding university pathways—rest assured that you don’t have to do it alone.

At German Educare, we specialise in helping UEC graduates turn their academic ambitions into reality. From language preparation and visa applications to university placement and student support in Germany, we are committed to guiding you every step of the way.

If you’re still wondering what to study after UEC, or how to begin planning your studies in Germany, our experienced team is here to help. Start your journey today—and take the first step towards an international future.

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