Intakes in Germany for International Students

For international students considering studying in Germany, intake is an important factor. It can influence your experience in various ways, including aspects like tuition fees. Some universities may have different fee structures depending on the intake period

Germany is known for its excellent education system and diverse culture, making it a popular destination for international students. However, the academic calendar and intakes in Germany may differ from those in your home country, so it’s important to understand the process.

Choosing the right intake can significantly impact your academic journey in Germany. In this article, we will explore the different intakes available for international students, the admission process, and intakes for masters.

Intakes in Germany

Germany has two intakes for international students, namely the summer intake and the winter intake. The summer intake in Germany is also known as the secondary intake. This intake is not very feasible for international students due to limited openings. The winter intake is regarded as the primary intake for all universities in Germany. This intake offers admission to a wide range of degrees and is the preferred intake for most international students.

The table below shows the intakes in Germany, the top summer and winter intake universities, and their deadline to apply.

Germany Intakes for Masters

In Germany, most universities only admit students for Masters Programmes in the winter. Very few universities are offering summer admissions to master’s programmes for German intake. The master’s degree intake for Germany varies depending on the course. Each selected course’s availability must be independently verified by the students. If they are unable to attend winter intake, they might choose to apply by the January deadline for summer intake. The acceptance rate varies depending on the intake. Prior to the start of the study, much thought must be given to acquiring a German student visa. They might miss a semester if they don’t. Applying for a visa usually takes at least three months ahead of the start of the course to account for possible delays.

Difference between the Intakes

The summer and winter intakes in Germany have several differences. The summer intake is a special case scenario for universities, with limited students and courses available, while the winter intake is the primary admission intake at German universities, with a higher number of courses available

Factor	Summer Intake	Winter Intake
Application Deadlines	Around November or December	Around May or June
Program Availability	Fewer program options	More program options due to larger intake
Weather	In warmer months, easier to adjust	Colder months, shorter daylight hours
Competition for Admission	Higher competition due to fewer program options	Less competition due to more program options
Scholarship Opportunities	Potentially fewer opportunities	Potentially more opportunities
Part-time Job Availability	Seasonal jobs in tourism, outdoor events	Retail jobs, Christmas markets, winter events
Cultural Experiences	Summer festivals, outdoor activities	Christmas markets, winter traditions
Full-time Job Prospects at Graduation	Graduating during peak hiring season (summer)	Graduating during off-peak hiring season (winter)
Networking Opportunities	Networking events may be more common outdoors	Indoor networking events, holiday-themed gatherings
Preparation Time for Application	Shorter preparation time	Longer preparation time

Admission Process for Both Intakes

The admission process for both intakes is similar. Students need to apply online through the university’s website. The application process includes submitting various documents, such as academic transcripts, language proficiency scores, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a resume. Some universities may also require students to take entrance exams or interviews

How to Apply For Intakes in Germany? Step By Step Guide

Here are the steps to apply for intake in Germany.

• Research and select universities and programs that match your academic and career goals.
• Check the application deadlines and requirements for the selected universities and programs.
• Prepare and gather all the required documents, such as academic transcripts, language proficiency scores, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a resume.
• Create an account on the university’s application portal and fill out the online application form.
• Upload the required documents and pay the application fee, if applicable.
• Apply and wait for the admission decision.
• If accepted, apply for a student visa and make arrangements for accommodation and other logistics