Intakes in Germany- Student’s guide

Germany is quickly becoming an attractive study destination for international students. Be it the availability of English-taught programmes or the huge demand of skilled workers, Germany is counting on international students to find a way into their universities and fill the gap of the labour market. 

But, what are the intakes in Germany?

When to apply to German universities? The answer is simple, there are two major intakes; winter and summer for public universities and private universities in Germany follow their own intake schedule and are open for admissions all year around. 

And, on this page, we'll give you the complete picture of intakes in Germany from its latest official deadlines, benefits and application process.

So, let’s get started!

Types of Intakes in Germany

There are two major intakes in Germany;  winter intake and summer intake. Both intakes work on different academic calendars and have different available programmes, deadlines. But there is a slight twist in the German intakes as private universities in Germany have an year-long open admission policy and these can be for multiple academic sessions like wall, winter, spring and summer. 

But, public universities in Germany follow a standard two intakes policy with a set deadline of July 15th but the application open date can vary from university to programme. 

Here is a quick overview of two intakes in Germany:  
 

Winter Intake in Germany

The winter intake in Germany is the primary entry period for students hoping to study in Germany, serving as the main academic launchpad for German universities.

Winter Intake in Germany Overview

The winter semester officially runs from September or October and typically lasts until February or March. This is the single most popular option for international students for several reasons:
Course Availability: Almost all German universities offer the vast majority of their programmes during this period, particularly in competitive and popular fields like business, engineering, and the natural sciences.

• Academic Alignment: The winter start aligns perfectly with the standard academic year-end in many countries worldwide, making for a smooth transition from previous studies.
  The popularity of this admission cycle makes the winter intake highly competitive. For this reason, all applications for these intakes in Germany must be strategic.

Benefits

• Large Selection of Programmes: Winter intakes in Germany offer nearly all courses, giving students a plethora of alternatives to select from.
• Higher Acceptance Rates: Despite being more competitive, more students can be admitted during the winter intake than during the summer intake.
• Opportunities for Scholarships: To ensure financial support, a number of scholarships are offered only to students enrolling for the winter semester.

Application Procedure

Research Programmes: Search for the right university course available during the winter intake. 
Get Documents Ready: Collect the required paperwork, such as reference letters (LOR), academic transcripts, language proficiency test results (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.), and a statement of purpose (SOP).
Send in Your Applications: There is a set deadline for winter intake in Germany as July 15th for every year. However, the early application deadline can vary depending on the university. 
Apply for Visa: Apply for a student visa after being accepted, keeping in mind the requirements and processing times.
Accommodations: Book lodging well in advance because there may be a lot of demand.

Accepting Universities

Leading universities that run courses during the winter intakes in Germany include:
 

Summer Intake in Germany

The summer intakes in Germany, or "Sommersemester," usually starts in March or April and lasts until September. Even though summer intake isn't as popular as the winter intake, international students might still benefit from it for short courses, professional courses along with other benefits. 

Summer Intake in Germany Overview

Course Availability:  Summer intakes in Germany have significantly fewer courses available compared to the winter intake. Many foundational bachelor's and core master's programmes are not offered. However, you will find select specialised master's and professional courses, as well as short-term programmes.
Academic Alignment: This intake is ideal for students who require extra preparation time, or who have missed the winter intake deadlines and do not wish to wait a full year. The mid-year start, however, can sometimes create an initial staggered feeling in the curriculum.

Benefits

Less Competition: Students may find it simpler to get admitted to their preferred programmes if there are fewer applications.
Unique Experience: Students can take part in outdoor activities and cultural events in Germany during the lively summer months.
Pre-Courses Offered: For overseas students, multiple universities offer preparatory courses that emphasise language and cultural integration.

Application Procedure

Investigate Programmes: Find colleges and institutes with summer admission, and make sure the degree you want is offered.
Get Documents Ready: Collect the necessary paperwork, including as recommendation letters, SOP, academic transcripts, and results from language proficiency tests (like the TOEFL or IELTS).
Send in Your Applications: Apply by the deadline, usually in mid-January, to the universities that you want to attend.
Apply for Visa: After being accepted, submit an application for a student visa, taking into account the requirements and processing times.
Accommodations: Book accommodations in advance, since summertime availability could be scarce.

Accepting Universities

There are selected universities that offer Summer intake in Germany and here is the list of most popular universities for summer admissions: 
 

Eligibility Criteria for Intakes in Germany

International students must fulfil particular eligibility requirements in order to apply for admissions in Germany. These requirements include:

Acknowledged School Certificate: To enrol in an undergraduate programme, a student must have a valid secondary school leaving certificate or an equivalent certification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung).
Language competency: Through the use of standardised examinations such as the IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF, or DSH, proof of competency in the language of instruction (German or English) can be provided.
Academic Records: Translation and certification, if required, of academic transcripts and certificates from prior schooling submitted.
Application: A filled-out application that appropriately includes personal and academic data.
Extra Requirements: Certain programmes may have prerequisites or interview process. 

Documents Required to Apply for German Institutions

• Completed application form
• Evidence of university entrance requirement (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung or equivalent)
• Certified academic transcripts
• Language proficiency certificates (IELTS/TOEFL for English; TestDaF/DSH for German)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copy of valid passport
• Financial proof (bank statements or scholarship letters)
• Health insurance coverage for the study duration
   

Processing Timeline for Intakes in Germany

The processing timeline for intakes in Germany is typically 4–6 weeks, counted from the date the university receives the application. The applicant’s country of origin can influence the processing duration. Additionally, document registration at the university’s admissions office plays a significant role in determining how quickly the application is processed. 

Key Factors to Remember before Applying for Intake in Germany

International students should take into account a number of important aspects pertaining to the intakes that are accessible when preparing to study in Germany. The following are the most crucial points to remember:

Accommodation

Winter Intake: Reservations should be made well in advance because student housing is in high demand.
Summer Intake: During the summer, there might not be a high availability of lodging.

Pre-Courses

Summer Intake: Before regular classes start, there are typically required pre-courses in German language, culture, and academic subjects.
Winter intake: German language and some academic subjects are available as pre-courses to international students during the winter intake.

Language Requirements

Winter Intake: German language proficiency is required for several programmes. But there are alternative options that are taught in English.
Summer Intake: Similar language requirements apply for summer intake, and some programmes offer English as a medium of instruction.

International students who are preparing for their academic journey  in Germany  must have a thorough awareness of all the available intakes, particularly the winter and summer intakes. The better understanding of intakes in Germany helps students select the right programme, streamline their application timeline, and the visa application process. And, in case you are feeling overwhelmed you can speak to an AECC expert to get professional advice.