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Upcoming Intakes in Germany 2025-2026
Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Apr 24, 2025 04:44 PM IST
Germany has been a constant top choice for international students. This is due to its excellent education, a wide range of programs, and the benefit of minimal or no tuition fees at public universities. The German educational system provides several opportunities for international students. For those looking to apply in Germany in 2025, it is essential to understand the application timelines and requirements for the upcoming academic year. There are two intakes in Germany. While the winter intake tends to attract more applicants, the summer intake also has its unique benefits. Prospective students should take the time to weigh their options, prepare thoroughly, and stick to the application deadlines to boost their chances of getting accepted. This guide provides the details required for the upcoming intakes in Germany 2025–2026.
This Story also Contains
- Types of Intakes in Germany
- Upcoming Intakes in Germany 2025-2026 - Winter Intake
- Winter Intake in Germany: Deadlines for Top Universities
- Why Winter Intake in Germany?
- Summer Intake in Germany 2025 - 2026
- Summer Intake in Germany Timeline 2026
- Summer Intake in Germany: Deadlines for Top Universities
- Why Summer Intake in Germany?
Types of Intakes in Germany
To study in Germany 2025, aspiring students have an option to choose from two intakes. These include
Winter Intake - This intake starts in the month of September or October and ends in February or March.
Summer Intake - This intake starts in March or April and ends in July or August.
Upcoming Intakes in Germany 2025-2026 - Winter Intake
One of the most popular intakes in Germany for international students is the Winter Intake. This is the primary intake that marks the start of the academic year in most of the German universities. This intake starts in the month of September or October. Majority of the aspirants aim for winter intake in Germany as this intake offers the most programs for undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral students.
The winter intake is the upcoming intakes in Germany 2025-2026. As the application deadlines for this intake are approaching, it is necessary to apply for the winter intake in Germany 2025, if not applied yet. The application deadline for winter intake in Germany 2025 is between the months of May to July 2025.
Timeline for Upcoming Intakes in Germany 2025-2026 - Winter Intake
The below mentioned table below provides an ideal timeline for the upcoming intakes in Germany 2025. However, you can make the changes as per your comfort, but make sure to abide by the deadlines for each step to successfully achieve admission in the winter intake in Germany 2025.
Winter Intake in Germany Timeline
Timeline | Details |
January 2025 – February 2025 | Research about various programs and universities available in Germany |
January 2025 – March 2025 | |
March 2025 – April 2025 | Prepare the required documents |
April 2025 – July 2025 | Submit the application |
June 2025 – August 2025 | Universities start sending the admission letters. |
July 2025 – September 2025 | Apply for a German student visa |
August 2025 – September 2025 | Plan for accommodation, travel, and other arrangements. |
September 2025 - October 2025 | Course starts |
Winter Intake in Germany: Deadlines for Top Universities
After understanding the timelines, it is important to keep in mind the respective deadline for your preferred university. Each university provides a different deadline for applications.
Winter Intake in Germany Deadlines
University in Germany | Winter Deadlines for Masters Programs |
November 17 | |
August 20 | |
Masters Programs with Admission Restrictions– May 1 to June 15 | |
Freie Universität Berlin | May 31 |
Admission Restriction- July 15 |
Why Winter Intake in Germany?
For a fact, winter intake in germany iscosidered the ost popular intake. There are plenty of reasons for its popularity. Some of the reasons are mentioned below.
Many universities offer more courses for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in the winter intake.
The winter intake often comes with a wider range of funding opportunities, like scholarships or grants, as compared to the summer intake.
During the winter intake, Germany is hiring and the internship season is ongoing. This serves as a better opportunity for students to land jobs and internships.
With more students enrolling in the winter intake, there are plenty of orientation programs, networking events, and a vibrant campus life to explore.
Explore More Articles:
Summer Intake in Germany 2025 - 2026
After the winter intake in Germany 2025, the upcoming intakes in Germany 2025-2026 will be the summer intake in 2026. The summer intake in Germany starts in the month of March or April. So, after September 2025, the next month that commences a new academic session will be in March or April 2026. This is the secondary intake in Germany for international students. There are fewer courses available as compared to the winter intake.
The application deadlines for the summer intake in germany will be between themonths of November 2025 to January 2026. While the summer intake is less competitive and gives students who missed the Winter deadlines a chance to apply, it does come with its challenges. It can be a great option for those who need a bit more time to polish their applications.
Summer Intake in Germany Timeline 2026
The below mentioned table below provides an ideal timeline for the summer intake in Germany 2025-2026. However, you can make the changes as per your comfort, but make sure to abide by the deadlines for each step to successfully achieve admission in the summer intake in Germany 2026.
Summer intake in Germany Timeline
Timeline | Details |
August 2025 – October 2025 | Research about various programs and universities available in Germany |
October 2025 – November 2025 | Take standardised tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE, and prepare the required documents |
November 2025 – January 2026 | Submit the application |
January 2026 - February 2026 | Universities start sending the admission letters. |
February 2026 - March 2026 | Apply for a German student visa, plan for accommodation, travel, and other arrangements. |
March 2026 - April 2026 | Course starts |
Summer Intake in Germany: Deadlines for Top Universities
University in Germany | Summer Deadlines for Masters |
Technical University of Munich | May 19 |
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München | January 15 |
Universität Heidelberg | October 1-November 15 |
Freie Universität Berlin | January 15 (Only UG programmes) |
RWTH Aachen University | January 15 |
Why Summer Intake in Germany?
If the upcoming intake in Germany 2025-2026 is missed, then you can aim for the summer intake in Germany 2026. There are several advantages to this intake as well.
Admissions tend to be less competitive during the summer intake since there are fewer applicants, giving you a better chance at acceptance.
Summer intake in Germany allows a little more time to gather documents, meet the requirements, or retake tests.
With smaller student groups in the summer, you can enjoy more personalized interactions with your professors.
This is a great chance for those who might have missed the winter intake deadlines to still get a shot at admission.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When to start applying for fall 2025 in Germany?
If you are looking to apply for the winter semester in Germany, which starts in September or October 2025, then the application process usually starts in early May 2025 and ends around July 15th, 2025. Keep in mind that some universities might set their deadlines a bit earlier, especially for competitive programs.
2. Which intake is better for Germany?
For many international students looking to study in Germany, the Winter Intake, in September or October, is usually seen as the more favorable option. This is mainly because it is the primary intake period for most universities, providing a broader selection of programs and courses.
3. Is IELTS required for Germany?
Yes, if you aim to study in Germany, especially in English-taught programs, you will need to take the IELTS. Most German universities ask for some proof of your English skills, and IELTS is one of the most recognized exams.
4. Is admission in Germany easy?
Getting into German universities is not usually a challenge if you meet the necessary requirements. However, it can get pretty competitive, especially for popular programs at top-tier universities.
5. Which city is better to study in Germany?
For international students, Munich consistently ranks as the top city in Germany to study. Apart from Munich, Aachen, Berlin, Hamburg, Dresden and Leipzig are some of the popular options.
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Questions related to
Have a question related to ?
Hello,
yes you can study for a bachelor's degree in Germany, as your diploma in nautical science may be considered equivalent to the 12th year for admission purposes. However each university may have specific requirements, so its important to check their entry criteria you might also need to provide additional documentation, like your diplomas' equivalency to German standards.
Riya Dhoot 01 April,2025
Hello,
It depends on the university you are applying to. Most German universities do not require GATE for admission to a Master's in Biotechnology. However, some universities may ask for the GRE , especially if you are applying to a highly competitive program.
You should check the specific admission requirements of the universities you are interested in. Generally, having IELTS (or TOEFL) and a German language proficiency certificate (if the course is in German) is enough.
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 20 March,2025
Hello,
No, an online BCA degree from Shoolini University may not be considered valid for APS. APS (Academic Evaluation Center) mainly verifies regular degrees. Since German universities generally do not recognize fully online degrees, there is a chance that your one-year online BCA may not be accepted.
It’s best to contact APS India directly to confirm whether your online degree will be considered valid for the evaluation.
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 13 March,2025
Germany is a fantastic destination for higher education.
Regarding your online BCA degree from Shoolini University , its validity for APS (Akademische Prufstelle) purposes is uncertain. Here's what you should know:
1. APS requirements: The APS certificate is mandatory for Indian students seeking admission to German universities. APS verifies the authenticity of your educational documents and ensures they meet German academic standards.
2. Online degrees: APS has specific guidelines for online degrees. They might not recognize online degrees or may require additional documentation for verification.
3. Shoolini University: As a recognized Indian university, Shoolini University's degrees are generally accepted. However, the online nature of your BCA degree might raise concerns.
To confirm the validity of your online degree for APS purposes:
1. Contact APS directly: Reach out to the APS office in New Delhi or visit their website to inquire about their policies on online degrees.
2. Consult with Shoolini University: Verify with your university whether they have any information or experience with APS recognizing their online degrees.
3. Prepare additional documentation: Be prepared to provide additional documents, such as transcripts, course certificates, or proof of online coursework, to support your application.
It's essential to clarify this aspect before applying for APS to avoid any potential issues or delays.
sadafreen356 12 March,2025
Hello!
You are planning to enroll in bachelor studies at Germany following twelve years of school and an additional one year of B.C.A. online courses at Shoolini University in India. You need to apply for Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certification but you doubt whether an online degree will be accepted here.
Key Points to Consider:
1. German University Admission Requirements:
German universities demand students to possess the Abitur certificate which students earn at the end of secondary school after completing either 12 or 13 years of education.
All international students must obtain a qualification that corresponds to the German Abitur. Many education institutions do not accept students with just 12 years of post-GCSE education as equivalent to a German Abitur certificate and might need supplementary qualifications and exams assessments.
2. APS Certification:
As part of their functions the APS carries out document and qualification verification services for students from India and other select nations who want to study in Germany. The main function of the APS centers on authenticating academic documents regardless of the education delivery method which can be either online or in-person.
3. Recognition of Online Degrees:
Different German educational institutions follow various approaches to acknowledge online academic credentials. Specific universities allow admission of web-based qualifications as other institutions doubt their validity. You need to verify how particular universities handle online learning through direct communication.
Recommendations:
You must contact APS for verification regarding the suitability of your Shoolini University online B.C.A. year as a qualification for APS certification.
Make contact with the acceptance offices of German universities where you plan to enroll. The entry requirements of universities become clear through discussions with them because they will specify what you need along with your qualifications to meet program admission standards.
Enough evidence shows that your current qualification level falls short of German entry requirements so you need to conduct additional qualifications through studies or preparatory courses.
Divyanshi Priya 12 March,2025
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