Shahid Mustaq Murshed Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
Intakes in Germany are divided into winter and summer semesters. Winter semester is the major intake in Germany, which starts in Early October and continues till March end. Meanwhile, the summer semester begins in April and lasts till September end. Winter intake offers admissions in almost all UG and PG level courses. On the other hand, the admissions in summer intake are mostly available in Master’s degree courses and very few bachelors courses.
Indian students are suggested to apply for winter semester to study in Germany as this intake offers a wide range of course options. Also, majority of scholarships and internship opportunities are aligned with winter intake in Germany. For Winter, you usually need to apply by mid-July, while Summer deadlines are around January 15. It’s a good idea to start early, gather all your documents like transcripts and language certificates, and check the specific deadlines for your chosen university.
Also read: Best Universities in Germany
Timeline for Intakes in Germany for International Students
Given below are the summarized timeline for intakes in Germany:
| Intake Season | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|
| Course Available for Admissions | All UG and PG courses are available | Only Few Masters courses are available |
| Program Commencement | Early October | Early April |
| Program Ending Month | End of March | End of September |
| Expected Application Deadlines | Mid-July for most courses | Mid-January for most courses |
Intakes in Germany: Deadlines for 2025 Session
Given below are the upcoming deadlines for undergraduate and graduate programs across German universities to apply in winter and summer intakes:
| University | Winter Deadlines | Summer Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | UG [Jul 15, 2025 - Sept 15, 2025] | PG [May 31, 2025] | Nov 30, 2024 - Jan 31, 2025 (Only Master’s Degree) |
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich | July 15, 2025 | January 15, 2025 |
| Heidelberg University | UG With Access Restrictions [Jul 15, 2025] | UG With Access & Admission Restrictions [Sep 30, 2025] | PG [Mar 15, 2025] | UG Without Restrictions [Mar 31, 2025]| PG With Access Restrictions [Sep 30, 2025] | PG With Access & Admission Restrictions [Sept 15 - Nov 15, 2025] |
| University of Hamburg | March 31, 2025 | January 15, 2025 |
| RWTH Aachen University | Bachelors: Open Admission [Oct 20, 2024] | Restricted Admission [Jul 15, 2025] Masters: Open Admission [Mar 1, 2025] | Restricted Admission [Jul 15, 2025] | Bachelors: Open Admission [Apr 20, 2025] | Restricted Admission [Jan 15, 2025] Masters: Open Admission [Sept 1, 2024] | Restricted Admission [Jan 15, 2025] |
| Technical University of Berlin | June 1, 2025 | Dec 1, 2025 |
| University of Stuttgart | Bachelor's: Selective Admission [Jul 15, 2025] | Without Selective Admission [Sept 15, 2025] Masters: English Taught [January 15, 2025] | German Taught [Jul 15, 2025] | Masters English Taught [Jul 15, 2025 | Masters German Taught [Jan 15, 2025] |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | July 15, 2025 | January 15, 2025 |
| University of Cologne | July 15, 2025 | January 15, 2025 |
| Goethe University of Frankfurt | July 15, 2025 | January 15, 2025 |
Winter Intake in Germany
Check out the complete timeline to apply for admissions in Winter intake in Germany:
| Month | Task/Event |
|---|---|
| December (previous year) | Start searching for desired program of study and shortlist at least 5 universities |
| January - February | Start applying for admissions in bachelor’s program |
| January - March | Start applying for admissions in Masters program |
| Feb - March | Schedule dates to appear in the English proficiency or German proficiency Test |
| March - April | Gather and prepare your documents for admissions including LOR, SOP, resume etc |
| April | Appear in the IELTS/TOEFL or German Proficiency Exam |
| May - Jun | Submit your application and upload required documents |
| Jun–Jul | Explore scholarships and apply for the one which matches your profile |
| July | Apply for admissions by mid-July |
| August to September | Apply for German Student Visa upon arrival of acceptance letter |
| September | Arrive in Germany a month earlier before program commencement and look for accommodation |
Why Choose Winter Intake in Germany?
Check out the advantages of choosing Winter intake to study in Germany.
- Quick Start: Winter intake lets you jump into your studies sooner, helping you finish your program faster.
- Smaller Classes: With fewer students, you will experience smaller class sizes, making it easier to engage with professors and classmates, and creating a close-knit learning environment.
- Internship Perks: Many companies hire interns during winter, giving you a great chance to gain hands-on experience.
- More Course Options: Some universities offer a wider variety of courses in the winter because there is lower demand compared to the summer intake. This is perfect if you are interested in niche subjects.
- Easier Admission: Winter intake might have slightly less competitive admission requirements, giving you a better shot if you didn't quite meet the summer intake criteria.
Summer Intake in Germany
Indian students may follow the below timeline while planning to apply for summer intake in Germany:
| Month | Task/Event |
|---|---|
| June (previous year) | Start searching for desired program of study and shortlist at least 5 universities |
| July - August | Gather supporting documents before applying for admissions |
| September - November | Get your funds ready to meet educational and living expenses in Germany |
| December - January | Start applying for universities you have selected at least 5-6 weeks prior to deadline |
| January - February | Apply for student visa upon receiving the acceptance letter from the university in Germany |
| March | Plan your arrival in Germany at least 1 Month prior to program commencement and look accommodation |
Why Choose Summer Intake in Germany?
Check out the advantages of choosing Summer intake to study in Germany.
- Smooth Transition for Graduating Seniors: For students finishing their undergrad studies in the spring, starting a graduate program in the summer can feel like a natural next step. It's a great way to keep the momentum going without a long gap in between.
- More Time for Part-Time Jobs: Since the Summer intake has fewer classes, you will have more time to explore part-time jobs in Germany or internships. It is a great opportunity to gain some work experience or even earn extra money.
- Extracurriculars: Summer semesters are often packed with fun extracurricular activities—think events, clubs, and networking opportunities. They are a good way to meet new people, develop skills, and add to your overall student experience.
- Edge in the Job Market: If you graduate in the summer, you could have a competitive advantage. Many companies start hiring new graduates around this time, as it fits well with their fiscal schedules and upcoming projects.
You must prepare at least 1 year in advance to apply for admissions in Germany. Both undergraduate and graduate courses are available in winter intake for all students, including international students. However, a very limited number of undergraduate courses are available for admissions in summer intake in Germany. Applying in winter intake us a great advantage for those seeking scholarships, and funding in Germany. Also, several internships and research opportunities are available in winter intake.
FAQs
Ques: What are the main intakes in Germany?
Ans: Germany has two major intakes:
- Winter Intake (September/October): Most popular with a wide range of courses.
- Summer Intake (April): Fewer courses but a good backup option.
Ques: When are the application deadlines?
Ans: The application deadlines for intakes in Germany are as follows:
- Winter Intake: June to August (varies by university).
- Summer Intake: December to January.
Tip: Start early! Deadlines can differ, so check your university's website.
Ques: Which intake is better for Indian students?
Ans: The Winter Intake is ideal because it offers more courses, easier housing, and better orientation programs. If you miss it, the Summer Intake works too, but options may be limited.
Ques: How should I prepare for admission?
Ans: Follow the below steps to prepare:
- Research universities a year ahead.
- Take language tests (IELTS/TOEFL) and gather documents early.
- Apply for your student visa at least three months before departure.
1720688571.png?tr=w-305,h-145,c-force?h=40&w=40&mode=stretch)
1606479657.png?tr=w-305,h-145,c-force?h=175&w=350&mode=stretch)
Comments
Found 1 Comment