Winter Intake in Germany 2024

Updated on 01 February, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

The winter intake in Germany is the primary one in Germany, contrary to many other countries. In this period, almost all leading universities and educational institutions start taking applications for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses. This intake starts from September/October and continues until February/March. 

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Pros and Cons of Winter Intake in Germany 

The advantages are the following: 

  • The biggest advantage is that almost all top universities are available in this period with more courses on offer. 
  • The acceptance rates are higher, and so are class sizes. 
  • With the academic year beginning this semester, there are more opportunities to obtain jobs on campus and internships. 
  • The winter semester is ideal for participating in extra-curricular activities and taking membership in clubs and organizations. 
  • You can also begin studying in Germany without wasting any time at all. 
  • Orientation programs at institutions start this time, benefiting everyone applying since they get all vital details and support. 

The disadvantages are the following: 

  • Huge competition for seats. 
  • Lower chances of finding seats in the preferred institutions. 

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Learning more about winter intake in Germany

The winter intake is the primary admission intake in Germany. During this period, almost all leading institutions in the country take applications for UG and PG programs. The academic year begins this semester, and all orientation programs also take place accordingly. The intake starts from the September-October period and ends either in February or March. 

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Universities offering admissions in winter intake

Here is a list of institutions that offer admission during this period: 

Name of the Institution Winter Intake Deadlines  Popular Courses
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich 15th July for UG courses and 20th August for PG courses  Quantitative Economics, Data Science, Theoretical and Mathematical Physics
Technical University of Berlin 1st July to 20th August for undergraduate and 31st July for postgraduate courses  Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability, Computer Science, Energy Management 
Technical University of Munich Varies between November to December  Civil Engineering, Cell Biology, Agricultural Sciences
Heidelberg University 15th July for undergraduate courses and 15th June for postgraduate courses  Economics, Physics and Astronomy, Law, Earth Sciences
Free University of Berlin 20th August or 7th September for undergraduate and 30th June or 15th August for postgraduate courses  Data Science, Biochemistry, Computational Sciences
University of Tubingen 15th July is the deadline  Molecular Medicine, Sports Management, Machine Learning
RWTH Aachen University 15th October for undergraduate courses and 1st March for postgraduate courses  Applied Geosciences, Architecture, Applied Geophysics

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Step by Step Guide to Apply for Winter Intake in Germany 

  • October-December (of the earlier year) – Start your homework regarding universities and courses in Germany. Narrow down universities and make sure that you note down their deadlines and application procedures along with all important aspects. Register for the standardized examinations like GRE and GMAT in December and language examinations such as TOEFL and IETLS. 
  • January-February- Start putting your application kit together, including LORs, CV/resume, SOP, scores of all tests, and application essay. Make sure that you have a valid passport. 
  • March-April- Do your homework on the options available for scholarships and other funding, especially from organizations like the German Academic Exchange Service or DAAD. Find options for student accommodation near your institution. Apply for education loans based on test scores and work out loan eligibility. Take standardized tests in April. You can retake them once again in June if you want a better score. 
  • May-June- Check all your documents again, highlight key points and make edits. Send your application kits to universities directly or through the University Application Service for International Students. Many universities in Germany are Uni-assist members.
  • July-August- Institutions accepting your application will begin notifying you via confirmation letters. Review all of them, compare and then make a final decision. Inform the institution instantly and cautiously before the deadline. Pay your admission fees and get the health insurance and blocked account before applying for the visa since these are compulsory for getting your study visa. Apply for the same since it will require around two to three weeks on average. Start applying for DAAD scholarships before your deadline while arranging accommodation, contacting the International Offices of universities to learn about housing. 
  • August-September- Begin preparing for your departure, including flight bookings, checking travel documents, and getting photocopies of vital documents. Reach Germany a few days ahead of the session. 
  • October-December- Obtain your residence permit within three weeks after landing in Germany. You can get this from the registration office for foreigners. 

Important Resources to Read About Germany:

Masters in Germany Cost MS in Data Science in Germany Germany Study Visa
SOP for Germany Why Study in Germany Student Accommodation in Germany
How to study in Germany for free Cost of Study in Germany MBA in Germany without IELTS
Requirements to study in Germany for Indian students Job Opportunities in Germany How to settle in Germany from India

Necessary Documents

You will require several documents for applying to universities. They include score sheets in examinations like GRE and GMAT along with providing SOPs, LORs, application essays, and other crucial papers. Your document kit should also include your score sheets in English languages proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS. You will also require a valid passport and proof of funds. 

Deadlines for Applying

The deadline for applying is usually around mid-July, and the session begins from September to October, concluding in February to March. 

Recommended Read: MBA in Germany without GMAT

Conclusion

The winter intake is the primary one in Germany when most educational institutions begin accepting applications for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. There are several benefits of applying in this period. Make sure that you check all application timelines before proceeding.  

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More Resources to Read About Germany:

Germany Post Study Work Visa Study in Germany after 12th How to apply for German Universities
Salary after MS in Germany Study MS in Germany without IELTS Germany Job Seeker Visa
Free Education in Germany Job Opportunities in Germany after MS MBA Cost in Germany
Part time Jobs in Germany for Indian Students Data Science Course in Germany Cost of living in Germany

Frequently Asked Question

Which month is winter intake in Germany?

The winter intake begins from September to October. It is always recommended to reach the country at least a month before the beginning of the session. Find accommodation options beforehand and ensure that you have all vital documents in hand. The winter intake concludes around February or March.

 

 


 

 

 

When can I apply for the winter semester in Germany?

You can usually apply by mid-July at the most. Applications usually happen in June. You should always check the individual application deadlines at various educational institutions and universities. In most cases, applications are to be submitted by 15th July at the most. It all depends upon individual application deadlines at universities.

Can we apply in September for German universities for the winter semester?

You cannot apply for the winter intake in Germany in the month of September. Most applications are to be submitted in June and at the most by mid-July. The intake itself starts from September to October and ends in February to March. Hence, you should check individual application deadlines at the official websites of universities before applying.

Will the corona situation in Germany affect the winter intake admissions?

The winter intake admissions are steadily opening up at many institutions. For example, universities in the region of North Rhine-Westphalia will be opening up for on-campus teaching although digital alternatives will continue to be present. Earlier, universities in Hessen also implemented on-campus teaching in the winter semester. Bremen is allowing students who are vaccinated to attend physical classes.

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upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

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 process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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