There are two main Intakes in Germany: the Winter Intake and Summer Intake. The Winter semester usually starts around September or October, while the Summer semester generally starts around March or April. The exact dates can vary between universities and courses.
The Winter Intake in Germany usually has more study options. Many degree program start in the Winter semester, while fewer program are available for the Summer Intake. So, students should check the intake available for their chosen course before applying.
The common application deadline is 15 July for the Winter semester and 15 January for the Summer semester. However, these are not fixed deadlines for all German universities. Some courses, especially certain Masters program, may have earlier deadlines.
Here is a quick look at the Intakes in Germany 2027-28:
Intake
Semester start
Common deadline
Winter Intake
September/October
Often 15 July
Summer Intake
March/April
Often 15 January
In the article below, you will learn about the Intakes in Germany 2027-28, including intake dates, application deadlines, universities, courses, eligibility, documents and the application timeline.
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Winter Intake in Germany
The Winter intake in Germany is the main intake for many degree program. At most German universities, the Winter Semester runs from 1 October to 31 March. Universities of applied sciences may start and end their semesters about a month earlier.
For many courses, the application deadline is often 15 July for the Winter Semester. However, this is not a fixed deadline for every university or course. Some universities set earlier deadlines, especially for certain Masters courses in Germany.
Below are the key points about the Winter Intake in Germany:
Key point
Details
Semester
Winter Semester
Semester start
Usually October
Common application deadline
15 July is a common deadline for the Winter Semester, but some program set an earlier date.
Programme options
MSc Mechanical Engineering at the University of Duisburg-Essen, along with many other Bachelors and Masters program that start in Winter.
The Winter Intake can be useful for students who want more programme options, as some courses start only in the Winter Semester. uni-assist also notes that many courses are offered only in the Winter Semester and not in the Summer Semester.
Summer Intake in Germany
The Summer Intake in Germany is the second main intake for international students. At most German universities, the Summer Semester usually runs from April to September. At universities of applied sciences, it generally runs from March to August. The exact semester dates can be different at each university.
The common application deadline for the Summer Intake is often 15 January. However, this date is not the same for every university or course. Some program have earlier deadlines, especially certain Masters courses.
Below are the key points about the Winter Intake in Germany:
Key point
Details
Semester
Summer Semester
Semester start
Usually March or April
Common application deadline
15 January is a common deadline for the Summer Semester, but some courses have different or earlier deadlines.
Programme options
MSc Mechanical Engineering at the University of Duisburg-Essen is available for both Winter and Summer entry.
The Summer Intake can still work well for students whose chosen course accepts applications for this semester. For example, the DAAD database lists program such as the MSc User Experience Design at Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt with both Winter and Summer starts. Some other program may only accept students in the Winter Semester.
Application Deadlines for Intakes in Germany 2027-28
The application deadlines for Intakes in Germany 2027-28 are different for each university and programme. Many courses use 15 July for the Winter Intake and 15 January for the Summer Intake, but these dates are not fixed for all courses. Some Masters program may have earlier deadlines.
The table above shows the common dates, but students should not treat them as fixed Germany-wide deadlines.
Intake or application type
Common or estimated deadline
What students should know
Winter Intake 2027-28
Often 15 July 2027
This is a common deadline for many courses, but some program may close applications earlier.
Summer Intake 2027-28
Often 15 January 2028
This is common for many Summer courses, but the exact date depends on the programme.
Masters program
Often May to July for Winter Intake
Some Masters courses have earlier deadlines than 15 July. Always check the course page.
VPD applications
Start at least 2–3 months before the university deadline
A VPD can take around 4–6 weeks to process, so apply early if your university requires one.
The dates above are useful for planning, but they should not be treated as Germany-wide fixed deadlines. The exact deadline can depend on the university, course, admission type and applicant category.
Germany Intake Deadlines by University
Germany has no single deadline that applies to every university or course. Each university can set its own application period. Some Masters program also have deadlines much earlier than the common 15 July Winter Intake deadline.
Below are the deadlines for university intakes in Germany:
University and programme
Deadline
Intake
Technical University of Munich (TUM) – MSc Informatics
1 February to 31 May
Winter and Summer
University of Stuttgart – MSc Technology Management
15 May to 15 July for Winter; 1 December to 15 January for Summer
Universities Offering Winter and Summer Intake in Germany
Several university intakes in germany have program that accept students in both the Winter and Summer Intakes. But this depends on the course. For example, TUM lists some Masters program with both start options, while other program may have only one intake.
MSc International Management is offered for both Winter and Summer semesters.
The table above shows some of program with different intake options. It does not mean that every course at these universities accepts students in both intakes.
Popular Courses by Intake in Germany
German universities mainly have two intakes: Winter Intake and Summer Intake. The Winter Intake usually has more course options, while the Summer Intake has fewer program. However, some courses are available in both intakes. The exact options depend on the university and programme.
1. Winter Intake in Germany
The Winter Intake usually starts in September or October. It is the main intake for many courses in Germany. Students can find program in areas such as Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Business and Natural Sciences.
Some courses are offered only in Winter, while others also accept students in Summer.
Computer Science and IT: Many universities offer Computer Science and related program with a Winter start. Students can also find some program that accept applications for both Winter and Summer.
Data Science and AI: Data Science is available in both intakes at some universities. For example, the Data Science programme at Kiel University of Applied Sciences accepts students for both the Winter and Summer semesters. The MSc in Artificial Intelligence at Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt also has both intakes.
Engineering: Engineering has options across both intakes. However, the available courses can be different in each semester.
Mechanical Engineering: Some Mechanical Engineering program accept students in both intakes. For example, the University of Duisburg-Essen offers its MSc in Mechanical Engineering for both Winter and Summer.
Business and related fields: Students can find Winter-start program in areas such as Business, Management and related subjects. The exact intake depends on the course.
2. Summer Intake in Germany
The Summer Intake generally starts in March or April. There are fewer courses compared with the Winter Intake, but students can still find suitable options in areas such as Data Science, AI and Engineering.
Some of the courses offered in Summer Intake are as follow :
Data Science: Kiel University of Applied Sciences offers its MSc in Data Science in both Winter and Summer. Chemnitz University of Technology also lists Winter and Summer starts for its Data Science programme.
Artificial Intelligence: The MSc in Artificial Intelligence at Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt accepts applications for both Summer and Winter starts.
Mechanical Engineering: Some Mechanical Engineering courses are open for Summer admission. For example, the University of Duisburg-Essen offers its MSc in Mechanical Engineering in both semesters.
Other Engineering courses: Some universities also have specific engineering program for the Summer Intake. For example, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences lists a BSc in Mechanical Engineering with a Summer start.
The eligibility for Intakes in Germany 2027-28 depends on the course, university and level of study. A Bachelors applicant and a Masters applicant do not have the same requirements. German universities can also set their own admission rules, especially for Masters program.
For Indian students, APS requirements also need to be checked before applying. The exact documents depend on the applicant's previous qualification and the course they want to study.
1. Undergraduate Eligibility
Students applying for a Bachelors programme in Germany usually need a recognised university entrance qualification. For Indian students, the documents can include the Class XII certificate, subject and grade details, the school grading system and an APS certificate. JEE Main and Advanced results may also be relevant where applicable. The exact eligibility can be different for each course.
Common documents and checks include:
Class XII qualification: Submit the school leaving certificate with subjects and grades.
School grading system: The grading information should also be provided.
JEE results: JEE Main and Advanced results may be required or relevant for certain applicants.
APS certificate: Indian applicants should check the current APS requirement for their case.
Subject requirements: Some courses may require specific subjects in Class XII.
University entrance qualification: The qualification must meet the German requirements for higher education entry.
Language proof: The university decides the English or German language requirement for the course.
2. Masters Eligibility
For a Masters in Germany, students normally need a recognised Bachelors degree or another qualification that meets the university's admission rules. German universities can set their own requirements for Masters program, including specific subjects, credits or tests.
For Indian applicants, uni-assist asks for documents such as the official transcript, degree certificate where available, grading system and APS certificate.
Masters applicants may need to meet these requirements:
Relevant Bachelors degree: The previous degree should meet the academic requirements of the chosen Masters programme.
Required subjects or credits: Some courses ask for a specific number of credits in subjects related to the Masters.
Academic documents:Transcripts, marksheets and the degree certificate may be required.
Language proficiency: The required English or German level depends on the programme.
GRE or other tests: Some universities or program may ask for additional tests. This is not a Germany-wide requirement.
APS certificate: Indian applicants should check the APS requirements that apply to their academic background.
dMAT: From the Summer Semester 2027 Masters intake onwards, the dMAT is required as part of the APS documentation for selected Indian Masters applicants whose previous degree is in Engineering, Commerce/Accounting/Finance/Economics, or Business/Management, subject to the official transitional exemptions.
The documents needed for Intakes in Germany 2027-28 depend on the university, course and level of study. Indian students may also need an APS certificate as part of the process. The exact checklist should always be checked before applying because universities can ask for additional documents.
1. Documents for Bachelors Applicants
Students applying for a Bachelors course with Indian school qualifications may need the following documents:
Class X marksheet and certificate
Class XII marksheet and certificate
School leaving certificate with subjects and grades
Grading system of the higher secondary school
JEE Main and Advanced results, if available and applicable
APS certificate
Proof of language skills, if required by the university or course
Passport
Any other documents asked for by the university or application portal
For Indian Class XII applicants, uni-assist specifically asks for the school leaving certificate, including all subjects and grades, along with information about the school's grading system. JEE Main and Advanced results can also be submitted if available.
2. Documents for Masters Applicants
Students applying for a Masters programme need to submit documents related to their previous university studies. These can include:
Bachelors degree certificate
Transcript or marksheets for all semesters
Official overview of subjects and grades
Grading system used by the university
APS certificate
Class X and Class XII documents, where required
Language certificate
uni-assist says that Indian university applicants should provide an official overview of their subjects and grades. This can be a transcript of records, consolidated statement of marks or grade sheets, depending on the university.
Application Process for Intakes in Germany 2027-28
The application process depends on the university and course. Indian students may also need to complete APS verification before moving to the visa stage. Some universities accept applications through uni-assist, while others use their own application portal.
5 Steps to Apply for Intakes in Germany:
1. Choose your course and intake
Check whether the course is available for the Winter or Summer Intake.
Check the eligibility criteria.
Check the language requirement.
Note the application deadline.
Check whether you need to apply through uni-assist or directly to the university.
2. Check your admission requirements
Bachelors applicants should check how their Class XII qualification is assessed.
Masters applicants should check the requirements for their Bachelors degree.
Check required subjects, credits, grades and language scores.
Use the DAAD admission database for an initial check of your qualification.
3. Complete APS and submit your application
Check the APS India requirements for your academic background.
Prepare the required academic documents.
Complete the APS process if it applies to you.
Submit the university application through uni-assist or the university's own portal.
If using uni-assist, apply early. Uni-assist recommends applying at least eight weeks before the deadline where possible.
4. Wait for the admission decision
Track your application through the relevant portal.
Check if the university asks for any additional documents.
Submit missing documents within the given deadline.
If accepted, keep your admission letter safely for the next steps.
Prepare your admission letter and other required documents.
Show proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
Complete the visa application through the relevant German mission.
Check the latest financial requirement before applying because the amount can change.
Once the visa is approved, students can make travel plans and complete the university's enrolment process after reaching Germany.
Application Timeline for Intakes in Germany 2027-28 for Indian Students
Indian students should start preparing several months before the application deadline for Intakes in Germany 2027-28. There is no single timeline for every university. Deadlines can change by course, university and application route. For many courses, 15 July is a common Winter Intake deadline, while 15 January is common for the Summer Intake. Some Masters program have earlier deadlines.
1. Winter Intake Timeline 2027-28
The Winter semester generally starts around September or October. The timeline below is an estimated planning schedule for Indian students.
Time
What to do
September to November 2026
Shortlist universities and courses. Check eligibility, intake, language requirements and deadlines.
November 2026 to January 2027
Prepare academic documents, language test and other course requirements. Start the APS process if required.
January to March 2027
Finalise your course list, prepare application documents and check whether the university uses uni-assist or direct application.
March to May 2027
Submit applications as soon as the course opens. If VPD is required, apply for it early.
May to July 2027
Complete pending applications and documents. A common deadline for Winter courses is 15 July 2027, but some courses close earlier.
July to August 2027
Track admission results, arrange finances and start the visa process after receiving the required documents.
August to September 2027
Finalise accommodation, travel and university enrolment before the semester starts.
Summer Intake Timeline 2027-28
The Summer semester generally starts around March or April. Since fewer program are available in this intake, students should first check whether their preferred course accepts Summer applications.
Time
What to do
May to July 2027
Shortlist courses that offer a Summer 2028 start and check their requirements.
July to September 2027
Prepare academic documents, language scores and APS documents, if required.
September to November 2027
Complete your applications and apply for VPD early if your university requires it.
November 2027 to January 2028
Submit applications and complete any pending documents. 15 January 2028 is a common Summer deadline, but the actual date can be different.
January to February 2028
Track your application, arrange finances and prepare for the visa process after admission.
February to March 2028
Finalise accommodation, travel and university enrolment.
Conclusion
There are two intakes in Germany: Winter and Summer. The Winter Intake usually offers programs while the Summer Intake has fewer options. The common deadline is often 15 July for Winter and 15 January, for Summer. These dates do not apply to every university or course.
For the 2027-28 intakes students should check the university and programme page before applying. Some Masters programs have deadlines. If the application goes through uni-assist it recommends applying least 8 weeks before the deadline so there is time to fix any document issues.
Starting early can make the application process easier. Students can shortlist courses check eligibility prepare documents and apply before the deadline of waiting until the last few weeks.
Germany mainly has two intakes: Winter and Summer. The Winter Semester usually runs from October to March at universities, while the Summer Semester usually runs from April to September. Universities of applied sciences can follow slightly different semester dates.
Which intake is better for Germany?
There is no single intake that works for every student. The right intake depends on the course you want to study, its starting semester and its application deadline. Some degree program are offered only in the Winter Semester, while others accept students in both intakes.
Which intake is open for Germany?
This depends on the university and programme. Some courses accept applications for both Winter and Summer, while others have only one intake. For example, the DAAD listing for MSc User Experience Design at Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt shows both Winter and Summer entry.
Can Indian students apply for both Germany intakes?
Yes, Indian students can apply for program that accept international applicants in either intake. However, the eligibility rules, documents and deadlines can change from one course to another. Indian students should also check the current APS requirements before applying.
Can I apply for a Masters in Germany in the Summer Intake?
Yes, some Masters program accept students in the Summer Semester. But not every course has a Summer start. For example, the DAAD listing for Data Science at Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt has a limited Summer application window with specific eligibility conditions.
When should I start preparing for the Germany intake?
It is better to start several months before the application deadline. You may need time to collect academic documents, meet language requirements and complete other steps before submitting the application. uni-assist recommends applying at least 8 weeks before the deadline where possible.
Do all German universities follow the 15 July and 15 January deadlines?
No. These are common dates, not Germany-wide fixed deadlines. uni-assist says many courses use 15 July for Winter and 15 January for Summer, but universities can set earlier deadlines for specific program.
Can a programme have an earlier deadline for international students?
Yes. Some courses have separate deadlines for students from non-EU countries. For example, the DAAD listing for Chemistry shows different application periods for applicants with a first degree from outside the EU and those from EU countries.
What happens if I miss the application deadline in Germany?
You may not be able to submit an application for that intake once the deadline has passed. The next step depends on the programme and whether it is offered in another semester. It is better to check the next available intake on the official university page rather than assume that every course accepts applications twice a year.
Is APS required for Indian students applying to Germany?
APS requirements depend on the applicant and study level. APS India verifies academic documents and educational qualifications for Indian students planning to study in Germany. Selected Indian Masters applicants in Engineering, Commerce/Accounting/Finance/Economics, and Business/Management also have a dMAT requirement for applications related to the Summer Semester 2027 and later, subject to the stated exemptions.
Can I change from the Winter Intake to the Summer Intake?
You cannot assume that a course will allow you to simply move your application to another intake. The course may have different admission rules, deadlines or even no Summer start. If you want to change your intake, check with the university and apply according to the rules for that semester.
What are the intakes in Germany for Masters?
German universities generally have two intakes for Masters program: Winter and Summer. The Winter Semester usually starts in October, while the Summer Semester usually starts in April. However, not every Masters programme is offered in both intakes, so students need to check the admission semester for their chosen course.
What percentage of universities in Germany offer Masters intakes in Winter and Summer?
There is no official percentage for all Masters program in Germany. As a rough planning estimate, around 70% to 80% of Masters program may have a Winter intake, while around 20% to 30% may offer a Summer intake. The DAAD programme database shows that some Masters courses accept students in both Winter and Summer, while others are available only in Winter.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |5052 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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