Intakes in Germany 2026

Germany follows a well-defined academic calendar with two main university intakes, commonly referred to as the intakes in Germany. These include the Winter semester, which begins in September or October, and the Summer Semester, starting in March or April. The Winter intake is the primary and larger intake, offering the widest range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across German universities.  

Most applications for this intake close by 15 July, as outlined by DAAD. The Summer intake, while smaller, provides an alternative entry point with limited course availability and lower competition for select programs. 

Key Highlights:  

Aspect	Winter Intake in Germany	Summer Intake in Germany
Intake type	Primary intake	Secondary intake
Semester start	September / October	March / April
Application deadline	Mostly by 15 July	Usually January
Course availability	Widest range of UG, PG, PhD programs	Limited, mostly PG programs
Number of universities	Almost all German universities	Fewer universities
Competition level	Higher due to more applicants	Relatively lower
Preferred intake for international students	Yes	Only if Winter is missed

Start your journey to study in Germany in 2026 with expert guidance from upGrad. 

Winter Intake in Germany: Main Semester for Admissions 

The Winter intake in Germany is the primary admission cycle and the most popular choice among international students. This semester typically begins in September or October and offers the widest range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes.  

According to DAAD, most applications for the Winter intake close by 15 July, though deadlines may vary by university and course. Because this intake aligns with Germany’s academic and internship calendar, early preparation is strongly recommended to secure admission, funding, and timely visa approval. 

Key Details of Winter Intake in Germany: 

Feature	Details	Notes
Start Month	September / October	Primary academic semester
Applications Open	April – May	Varies by university
Application Deadline	Usually by 15 July	Some courses close earlier
Course Availability	High	Most UG, PG, and PhD programmes
Scholarships & Funding	Widely available	Most funding aligns with this intake
Internships & Academic Activities	Fully aligned	Matches German academic cycle

Key Advantages of Winter Intake in Germany: 

• Maximum Course Availability: Almost all undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes open admissions during the Winter intake. 

• Better Scholarship Opportunities: Most government and university-level scholarships are aligned with the Winter semester. 

• Aligned Academic and Internship Calendar: Students can easily participate in internships, research projects, and industry-linked programmes. 

• Stronger Peer Network: The majority of international students start in Winter, making it easier to build academic and professional connections. 

Summer Intake in Germany: Secondary Entry Point for Select Programmes 

The Summer intake in Germany is a secondary admission cycle that begins in March or April. This intake offers limited programme availability and is primarily suited for select master’s and specialised postgraduate courses.  

According to DAAD, fewer universities open admissions during the Summer semester, which is why it attracts a smaller pool of international applicants. Application deadlines for the Summer intake usually fall between November and January, making early planning essential. 

Key Details of Summer Intake in Germany: 

Feature	Details	Notes
Start Month	March / April	Secondary academic semester
Applications Open	October – November	Depends on university
Application Deadline	November – January	Limited flexibility
Course Availability	Low to Moderate	Mostly PG & specialised courses
Scholarships & Funding	Limited	Fewer options compared to Winter
Internships & Academic Activities	Partially aligned	Depends on course structure

Key Advantages of Summer Intake in Germany: 

• Lower Competition: Fewer applicants apply, which may slightly improve chances for eligible programmes. 

• Alternative Entry Opportunity: Useful for students who miss the Winter intake deadlines. 

• Focused Academic Environment: Smaller class sizes in some universities allow closer faculty interaction. 

• Extended Preparation Time: Students get additional months to prepare finances, documents, and visas. 

Top Universities in Germany: Intake Deadlines 

Choosing the right university and understanding intake timelines is a critical step when planning to study in Germany. While Winter intake deadlines typically close by mid-July, some universities and specific programs may still accept applications through Summer intake, depending on course availability.  

Since deadlines vary by institution and program, students should always refer to official university websites for the most accurate information. Early planning helps ensure enough time for entrance exams, document submission, and visa processing. 

Top German Universities and Intake Timelines: 

University	Intake	Application Window
Technical University of Munich (TUM)	Winter / Summer	Apr–Jul (Winter), Nov–Jan (Summer)
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)	Winter / Summer	Apr–Jul, Nov–Jan
Heidelberg University	Winter / Limited Summer	Mainly Apr–Jul
RWTH Aachen University	Winter / Summer	Apr–Jul, Nov–Jan
Humboldt University of Berlin	Winter / Limited Summer	Mostly Apr–Jul
Free University of Berlin	Winter / Summer	Apr–Jul, Nov–Jan
University of Freiburg	Winter / Limited Summer	Mainly Apr–Jul
University of Mannheim	Winter / Limited Summer	Apr–Jul
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)	Winter / Summer	Apr–Jul, Nov–Jan
Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)	Winter / Summer	Apr–Jul, Nov–Jan

How to Choose the Right Intake in Germany 

Choosing the right intake in Germany is a strategic decision that affects your course options, funding opportunities, and academic progression. Since German universities follow strict intake cycles, understanding these factors early helps avoid delays and missed opportunities. 

Key Factors to Evaluate Before Selecting an Intake: 

• Availability of Your Chosen Programme: Not all programmes are offered in both semesters. Most bachelor’s and master’s programmes are available in the Winter intake, while the Summer intake is limited to selected postgraduate and specialised courses.  

• Application Deadlines and Flexibility: Winter intake deadlines usually fall between May and mid-July, whereas Summer intake deadlines are typically between November and January. German universities rarely extend deadlines, so missing one usually means waiting for the next intake. 

• Scholarships and Financial Planning: Most scholarships, including government-funded and university-based aid, are structured around the Winter semester. Students applying for Summer intake may find fewer funding options available. 

• Readiness of Tests and Documents: Language tests (IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF) and academic documents take time to prepare. If your scores or documents are not ready in time for the Winter intake, the Summer intake can offer an additional preparation window. 

• Alignment with Academic and Internship Cycles: The Winter intake aligns best with Germany’s academic structure, internships, research projects, and campus activities. This alignment supports smoother academic progress and better integration into university life. 

• Long-Term Academic Planning: Starting in the Winter intake allows students to follow the standard study sequence without gaps. Summer intake students may face limited course sequencing in some programmes, especially at the undergraduate level. 

Conclusion 

Understanding the intakes in Germany is essential for planning a smooth and successful study journey. With two main options, the Winter intake, which offers the widest range of programs and funding opportunities, and the Summer intake, which serves as a limited but useful alternative, students must choose based on course availability, deadlines, and readiness.  

Early preparation, close attention to official timelines, and realistic planning around tests, documents, and visas can make a significant difference. By aligning your academic goals with the right intake, you improve your chances of admission and ensure a well-structured start to your studies in Germany. 

Have more doubts? Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad experts today. We are here to help!