The Admission Day, an online or on-campus full-day project plus interview, is the actual filter. Indian applicants without IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, or specific Class 12 percentages can still apply. There is no application fee. CODE University of Applied Sciences admissions ignore school grades and standardised test scores.
Two intakes run each year: Fall (late August) and Spring (late February). The Fall 2026 Bachelor deadline is August 1, 2026 with the semester starting August 28, 2026. The next live Master deadline is June 30, 2026 for the Fall 2026 intake.
Tuition runs €650 to €1,250 per month over the Bachelor programme. CODE is private and state-recognised, so the no-tuition rule that applies to German public universities does not apply here. The campus is in Berlin and 33% of students are international, drawn from 65 countries.
Also Check: APS Certificate for Germany
- CODE University Application Deadlines & Intakes for Indian Students
- CODE University Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students
- CODE University Postgraduate Courses, Fees & Entry Requirements
- CODE University Undergraduate Courses, Fees & Entry Requirements
- CODE University Acceptance Rate
- CODE University Admissions Intakes & Application Process
- CODE University Admission Tips for Indian Students
- CODE University Application Checklist for Indian Students
- Frequently Asked Questions
CODE University Application Deadlines & Intakes for Indian Students
CODE runs two intakes per year: Fall Semester (start late August) and Spring Semester (start late February). Bachelor admissions are rolling. Master admissions have fixed deadlines per intake.
When are the application deadlines for CODE University?
- Spring 2026 (Feb 26, 2026 start): Closed. Next chance is Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.
- Fall 2026 Bachelor (Aug 28, 2026 start): Open. Apply by August 1, 2026.
- Fall 2026 Master (Aug 24, 2026 start): Open. Apply by June 30, 2026.
- Spring 2027 Bachelor (Feb 26, 2027 start): Apply by February 1, 2027.
- Spring 2027 Master (Feb 1, 2027 start): Apply by December 31, 2026.
| Intake | Start Date | Application Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 (Bachelor & Master) | Feb 26, 2026 | Feb 1, 2026 | Closed |
| Fall 2026 Bachelor | Aug 28, 2026 | Aug 1, 2026 | Open |
| Fall 2026 Master | Aug 24, 2026 | Jun 30, 2026 | Open |
| Spring 2027 Bachelor | Feb 26, 2027 | Feb 1, 2027 | Upcoming |
| Spring 2027 Master | Feb 1, 2027 | Dec 31, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Fall 2027 Bachelor | Aug 28, 2027 | Aug 1, 2027 | Upcoming |
Note:
- Bachelor applications submitted late roll forward to the next intake automatically.
- The Master deadline is roughly two months earlier than the Bachelor deadline.
- The Admission Day is scheduled after the written application is reviewed.
- Visa processing from India needs 8 to 12 weeks. Apply 3 months ahead.
Tip: Bachelor applicants who miss the Aug 1 cutoff for Fall 2026 can still apply. Their enrolment shifts to Spring 2027 automatically. There is no penalty, no second fee, and no requirement to reapply.
CODE University Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students
What are the academic eligibility criteria at CODE University?
CODE requires a higher education entrance qualification recognised by Germany. CBSE Class 12, ICSE Class 12, and IB Diploma all qualify. State board Class 12 is accepted but the German Embassy may require an APS check.
CODE does not set a minimum percentage. The APS Certificate process applies a 70% Class 12 minimum for Indian Bachelor applicants from March 15, 2026. This is the effective floor.
Master applicants need a Bachelor's degree in any field plus at least one year of professional experience. Internships, working student roles, and founder experience count.
What English proficiency tests does CODE University accept?
CODE does not mandate IELTS or TOEFL at the Bachelor level. Applicants may apply without an English test. The Admission Day is conducted in English, so functional English is required in practice.
Master applicants must prove English at B2 CEFR level or above. Accepted proofs include IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, Cambridge English, and a Medium of Instruction letter from the Bachelor degree institution.
Key Insight: Indian students from English-medium CBSE or ICSE schools can submit a Medium of Instruction letter on official letterhead. This replaces IELTS or TOEFL for both Bachelor and Master applications.
What documents do Indian students need to submit?
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates.
- Passport scan and passport-size photo.
- APS Certificate (mandatory before visa interview).
- Motivational statement answering CODE's written application prompts.
- CV listing projects, internships, and any digital work.
- Portfolio for Digital Design & Innovation applicants (3 to 5 work samples).
- Bachelor's degree transcript for Master applicants.
- Medium of Instruction letter (optional, replaces IELTS or TOEFL).
Are there age or prerequisite course requirements?
No age limit. No specific Class 12 stream is required. Maths, Computer Science, and Arts students all qualify for Software Engineering and Digital Design programmes. Business Management & Entrepreneurship has no stream-specific prerequisites.
Also Check: Masters in Germany: Eligibility, Documents & Indian-Applicant Process
CODE University Postgraduate Courses, Fees & Entry Requirements
CODE offers two Master programmes: M.Sc. Technology & Management and M.A. Innovation Design. Both run for two years and are taught entirely in English. The Master cohort is smaller than the Bachelor cohort and admissions move on a fixed-deadline schedule rather than rolling.
Tuition for both Master programmes follows the same monthly fee model as Bachelor. The exchange rate used across this article is 1 EUR = ₹112.12 INR (Bloomberg, May 14, 2026).
| Programme | Total Tuition | Duration / Intakes | Admission Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Sc. Technology & Management | €30,000 (₹33.64 Lakhs) |
2 years (Fall, Spring) | • Bachelor in any field accepted • 1+ year work experience required • Interview tests leadership thinking |
| M.A. Innovation Design | €30,000 (₹33.64 Lakhs) |
2 years (Fall, Spring) | • Portfolio mandatory • Design or product role experience helps • Strategic-design briefs in interview |
The Master interview replaces the Admission Day used at the Bachelor level. Indian applicants typically face questions on a past project, a leadership moment, and a hypothetical product or strategy brief. The interviewer is one faculty member plus one admissions team representative.
Note: Indian Bachelor graduates with strong work experience but average grades do better at the Master level than at most German public universities. CODE weighs the interview and motivational statement above the Bachelor transcript. Bavarian-formula GPA cut-offs do not apply.
CODE University Undergraduate Courses, Fees & Entry Requirements
CODE's three Bachelor programmes account for the majority of Indian admits each year. All three run for three years (six semesters) and are taught entirely in English. The first year is a shared foundation across all three; specialisation begins in semester two.
| Programme | Total Tuition | Duration / Intakes | Admission Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Sc. Software Engineering | €45,000 (₹50.45 Lakhs) |
3 years (Fall, Spring) | • No coding experience required • GitHub portfolio strengthens application • Curiosity weighted above grades |
| B.A. Digital Design & Innovation | €45,000 (₹50.45 Lakhs) |
3 years (Fall, Spring) | • Portfolio of 3-5 work samples mandatory • Visual, UX, or motion samples accepted • Process documentation valued over polish |
| B.A. Business Management & Entrepreneurship | €45,000 (₹50.45 Lakhs) |
3 years (Fall, Spring) | • No business background required • Startup or side-project exposure helps • Product thinking probed at Admission Day |
The €45,000 figure is the total Bachelor tuition at the Pay Directly rate (€1,250 per month for 36 months). Stretch Pay extends the payment period to six years at €650 per month, totalling €46,800. Income Share Agreements through Bcas are also offered.
Indian applicants typically choose Pay Directly with monthly transfers from an Indian Sperrkonto-linked bank or via TransferMate. The Stretch Pay route is rarely used by Indian families because it requires post-graduation payments while the graduate is still building career stability in Germany.
Tip: Digital Design applicants from CBSE or state board backgrounds often submit polished design school portfolios when CODE wants the opposite. Submit 3 to 5 projects with the messy process documentation: sketches, iteration notes, abandoned directions. The admissions team is checking for thinking, not aesthetic command.
CODE University Acceptance Rate
CODE University acceptance rate is estimated at 50% to 60%. No official figure is published. The estimate is based on the institution's published open-admission policy and Collegedunia's secondary data placing the rate near 56%.
CODE admits based on fit, not selection ratios. The Admission Day is a screening exercise rather than a competition. Applicants who demonstrate curiosity, growth mindset, and the ability to work in a group typically receive offers.
How competitive is CODE University for Indian students?
Indian applicants who reach the Admission Day clear it at high rates if they engage actively. Rejection in the Indian pool clusters around three causes. Passive participation in the group exercise. An unclear answer to "why CODE specifically." Weak portfolio process documentation for Design applicants.
Class 12 grades and IELTS scores carry no weight at the Admission Day. The APS Certificate process enforces a 70% Class 12 minimum for Indian Bachelor applicants. Indian admits with CBSE 75% to 85% are typical.
Key Insight: The single most common rejection at the Admission Day is going silent during the group project. CODE explicitly weighs how applicants behave in a team. Lurking, even respectfully, signals the wrong fit. Speak up, ask questions, and disagree productively.
CODE University Admissions Intakes & Application Process
What are the main intakes at CODE University?
Two intakes per year. Fall Semester starts in late August. Spring Semester starts in late February. Both intakes accept all three Bachelor programmes and both Master programmes.
What is the step-by-step application process at CODE University?
For Bachelor Applicants
- Register at apply.code.berlin and create your profile.
- Submit motivational answers, CV, and Class 12 certificate (CBSE, ICSE, or IB).
- Upload a portfolio if applying to Digital Design & Innovation.
- Wait 1 to 3 weeks for the written application review.
- Accept the Admission Day invitation. Choose online or on-campus in Berlin.
- Attend the full-day Admission Day: info session, group project, personal interview.
- Receive the decision within a few days.
- Sign the study contract and pay the first instalment.
- Apply for the APS Certificate at aps-india.de. Fee Rs. 18,000.
- Book the German student visa appointment at VFS Global after APS is in hand.
For Master Applicants
- Register at apply.code.berlin and select the Master programme.
- Submit motivational statement, CV, Bachelor's degree transcript, and B2 English proof.
- Upload a portfolio if applying to M.A. Innovation Design.
- Wait 2 to 4 weeks for the written application review.
- Attend the interview with one faculty member and one admissions representative.
- Receive the decision within a few days.
- Sign the study contract and arrange tuition payment.
- Apply for the APS Certificate and the German student visa.
How long does CODE University take to release admission decisions?
| Stage | Decision Released |
|---|---|
| Written application review | 1 to 3 weeks |
| Admission Day result (Bachelor) | 3 to 7 days after the Admission Day |
| Interview result (Master) | 3 to 7 days after the interview |
| Study contract turnaround | Same week as the offer |
Total time from application submission to offer is typically 4 to 8 weeks. Indian applicants should apply 4 to 5 months before the intake start to leave room for the APS Certificate and visa.
Also Check: Germany Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students
CODE University Admission Tips for Indian Students
The following tips are derived from CODE's published admission process and Indian-applicant patterns. They cover practical document and timing actions for the Bachelor and Master audience, not promotional advice.
- Apply for the APS Certificate the week your offer arrives, not after.
- Open a Fintiba or Expatrio blocked account before the visa interview.
- For Design applicants: submit messy process work, not polished final pieces.
- For Software Engineering: share GitHub even if the repos are small.
- Speak in the group exercise at the Admission Day. Silence reads as poor fit.
- Choose on-campus Admission Day if your visa runway allows the Berlin trip.
- Master applicants: bring a one-page summary of one past project to the interview.
- Avoid Stretch Pay if the family can fund the three-year direct route.
Also Check: Germany Blocked Account for Indian Students: Fintiba, Expatrio, Coracle
CODE University Application Checklist for Indian Students
The following steps cover what Indian applicants typically complete in the 4 to 6 months before applying to CODE University. These items are evergreen and apply to any intake cycle.
- Register at apply.code.berlin and start the motivational answers.
- Compile your portfolio (Design) or GitHub link (Software Engineering).
- Request the Medium of Instruction letter from your school principal.
- Apply for the APS Certificate at aps-india.de with Rs. 18,000 fee.
- Block 48 hours before the application deadline for portal upload buffer.
- Begin the Sperrkonto application with Fintiba or Expatrio after admission.
The next live Bachelor deadline is August 1, 2026 for Fall 2026. The next live Master deadline is June 30, 2026 for Fall 2026.
Also Check: German Student Visa Checklist for Indian Students
FAQs
Ques. Can Indian students apply to CODE University without IELTS or TOEFL?
Ans. Yes. Bachelor applicants can apply without IELTS or TOEFL. Master applicants need B2 English proof, which can be a Medium of Instruction letter from the Bachelor university instead of a test score.
Ques. Is there an application fee at CODE University?
Ans. No. CODE charges no application fee for any Bachelor or Master programme.
Ques. What is the minimum Class 12 percentage required for CODE University?
Ans. CODE itself sets no Class 12 minimum. The APS Certificate process applies a 70% Class 12 minimum for Bachelor applicants from India, effective March 15, 2026. This is the effective floor for Indian applicants.
Ques. Does CODE University accept Indian Bachelor degrees with backlogs?
Ans. CODE's admissions are not grade-driven. Indian applicants with completed Bachelor degrees, including those with prior backlogs that have been cleared, are eligible for the Master programmes. Active backlogs at the time of application are not acceptable.
Ques. How long does CODE University take to release an admission decision?
Ans. Total time from application submission to offer is 4 to 8 weeks. The written application review takes 1 to 3 weeks. The Admission Day or Master interview result arrives within 3 to 7 days afterwards.
Ques. Does CODE University offer scholarships for Indian students?
Ans. Yes. CODE offers scholarships based on financial need and merit after admission. Income Share Agreements through partner Bcas and BAföG for eligible EU students are also available. Indian applicants are not eligible for BAföG.
Ques. What is the total cost of studying at CODE University for Indian students?
Ans. Bachelor: €45,000 tuition (₹50.45 Lakhs) over three years plus €14,400 living costs per year (₹16.14 Lakhs annually) in Berlin. Total three-year cost is roughly ₹98 Lakhs to ₹1 Crore. Master: €30,000 tuition plus living for two years, roughly ₹66 Lakhs.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at CODE University?
Ans. Yes. The German student visa allows 140 full days or 280 half days of work per year. 72% of CODE students start working by their third semester, often as working students with CODE's partner companies.
Ques. What is the post-study work visa eligibility after graduating from CODE University?
Ans. Indian graduates can apply for the 18-month job search visa. EU Blue Card is available after employment at a qualifying salary. Permanent residency is possible 21 to 33 months after starting qualifying employment, depending on German language level.
Ques. Is CODE University recognised in India?
Ans. Yes. CODE is a state-recognised university of applied sciences in Germany. Its Bachelor and Master degrees are issued under the German Federal accreditation system and recognised across the European Higher Education Area. Indian recognition through AIU is available.
CODE University of Applied Sciences Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (28th Jan 2027) | USD 17,400 /Yr EUR 15,000 /Yr | TOEFL- 3.5 | IELTS- 6.0 | Duolingo- 90 | |
Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (28th Jan 2027) | USD 17,400 /Yr EUR 15,000 /Yr | TOEFL- 3.5 | IELTS- 6.0 | Duolingo- 90 | |
BS Software Engineering 3 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (28th Jan 2027) | USD 17,400 /Yr EUR 15,000 /Yr | TOEFL- 3.5 | IELTS- 6.0 | Duolingo- 90 |
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