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Germany is the most popular country in Europe due to its rich student culture, world-famous universities, and research organisations. The country is an excellent destination for studying and exploring prospects. Every year, many students study in Germany to achieve a better future.
If you are also considering studying in Germany in 2025, you should know which intake is best for you.
Germany has two intakes: summer (April) and winter (September/ October). Although both are good for studying, you should start researching if you want to go for the winter intake in 2025..
Read on to explore the opportunities for winter intake in Germany.
| Key features | Winter Intake 2025 |
|---|---|
| Application start time | Early Feb 2025 |
| Application end time | Early May- Mid-June 2025 |
| Acceptance letters | April/June 2025 |
| Term dates | September-October 2025 |
It is vital to opt for the correct intake according to your needs. Here are some reasons to choose the winter intake in Germany. Find the reasons below and why you should opt for winter intake in Germany.
All top universities in Germany offer almost all the courses during winter intake.
The admission rates are more remarkable, as are class sizes.
More campus job and internship options will be available with the academic year commencing this semester.
The winter season in Germany is best for extra-curricular activities and joining different clubs and communities.
Orientation Universities also offer orientation programs, which will give you all the vital details.
German universities are popular among overseas students because of their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses and research programs. These programs accept applicants primarily via winter and summer intakes. You should prepare for admission at least a year before the application begins.
In Germany, intakes are divided into two categories: winter and summer. Winter is the principal intake season, and most programs are open for enrollment.
The winter semester lasts from October to March, whereas the summer semester runs from April to September.
Intakes in Germany have a start and end date for applying to undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Summer intake in Germany, also known as secondary intake, is less popular, and students will find only a few institutions with extremely few slots to study.
During the winter intake, all major institutions in Germany offer undergraduate and graduate programs.
Winter intake in Germany is an unforgettable experience, with its vibrant beer halls, charming holiday markets, and distinctive Christmas street decor. Also, it opens up various career opportunities in different fields. Furthermore, education in Germany has become affordable with the plethora of scholarship offerings available to international students
Check out the essential highlights of the winter intake in Germany, which will help you understand why it is more favourable for international students.
All the universities allow students to take winter intake in Germany.
Many courses, such as master's, bachelor's, certificate, diploma, and Ph.D., are available for international students.
You can apply for jobs in different fields.
There are many scholarships provided by German institutes that could make education affordable for all
The winter intake in Germany for German universities' application process begins in October and ends in March. However, you must also check the deadline of the university you are applying for so that you do not miss out on an opportunity.
Once you have gathered all the necessary information to get admission, you must list the universities you wish to apply to.
Choosing the best university to study abroad can be a complex process. Let us help you with some options.
| Universities Name | Courses |
|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich |
|
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
|
| Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg |
|
| Humboldt University of Berlin |
|
| KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
|
| University of Berlin |
|
| RWTH Aachen University |
|
| Berlin Institute of Technology |
|
| Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen |
|
| Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg |
|
Germany is home to many famous universities accepting overseas students for winter intake. Let's look at some of the best colleges known for their academic brilliance, diversified programs, and supportive learning environments. Here is a list of the top five colleges to consider.
Technical University of Munich (TUM) : Technical University Munich is a well-known university that excels in science, engineering, and technology. The university holds 28th rank as per the QS World University Rankings 2025. The average fee structure for international students in the UG program is INR 12977.28, and for the PG program is INR 27486.6. Most international students are granted merit-based and need-based scholarships upon admission. Other scholarships are available for international students, such as the Scholarship Deutschlandstipendium and the Oskar Karl Forster Scholarship.
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich : Ludwig Maximilian University is one of the oldest universities worldwide, famous for its research and culturally diverse student community. The university ranks 59h in the QS world ranking 2025. The average bachelor’s and master's program fee is INR 25864.44. Ludwig Maximilian University also provides scholarships that help students ease their financial burden.
University of Heidelberg : The University of Heidelberg is famed for its diverse programs and outstanding academic history. It is ranked 84th in the QS World University Ranking 2025. The average tuition fee at Heidelberg is around INR 34425.84. The university offers Amirana and Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM scholarships to support students financially.
Free University of Berlin : FU Berlin has approximately 4,500 international students and is well-known for its exceptional research, diverse range of academic and scientific networks, and quiet campus life, which provides a perfect environment for learning or doing research. According to the QS World University Ranking 2025, it is ranked 97th worldwide. The scholarships offered are merit- and need-based, such as the Royal Society International Exchange Programme and Ramboll Scholarships.
RWTH Aachen University : RWTH Aachen institution is Germany's largest technical institution and one of Europe's most recognised. Every year, a large number of international students and scientists visit the institution to take advantage of its high-quality courses and exceptional facilities. The 2025 QS World University ranking of RWTH Aachen University is 99. The scholarships offered here are the Country Scholarship, Women in Engineering Scholarship and many more.
| University Name | Courses | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Free University of Berlin |
|
Free |
| Technical University of Munich |
|
2,000 - 3,000 euros |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
|
1500 Euros |
| University of Tübingen |
|
1500 Euros per Semester |
| University of Bonn |
|
Free |
| Clausthal University of Technology |
|
500 EUR |
| University of Bayreuth |
|
750 Euros |
| University Name | Courses | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Free University of Berlin |
|
Free |
| Technical University of Munich |
|
4,000 - 6,000 euros |
| Humboldt University of Berlin |
|
Free |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
|
1500 Euros |
| University of Tübingenm |
|
1500 Euros per Semester |
| RWTH Aachen University |
|
Free |
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
|
4,000 or 6,000 euros |
| University of Bonn |
|
Free |
| Clausthal University of Technology |
|
Free |
| University of Bayreuth |
|
750-1800 EUR |
Application Deadline : Early May- Mid-June 2025
Classes commencement : September/october 2025
Letter of Acceptance : April/July 2025
| Winter Intake in Germany Deadline 2025 | Actions Taken by the Students |
|---|---|
| Oct to Dec | Apply for English proficiency exams necessary to study at your desired institution. |
| Dec to Jan | Ready all the documents such as SOPs, LORs, and other required documents necessary to get admissions. |
| Feb to May | Apply to universities as soon as possible and prepare for personal and video interviews. |
| June to August | Once you get the offer letter from the university, apply for the visa. |
Note : Arrive in Germany at least one month before the semester starts so that you have enough time to find suitable accommodation and learn about German culture.
Below are the essential eligibility criteria to get enrolled into a German University:
Language tests are another significant requirement for all German universities. Because the student will be living in Germany and studying at a German institution, they must be proficient in German.
Deutsche Sprachprufung fur Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) - 82% and above
TestDaF - TDN 4
TELC - 180 Points or 60% of the overall score.
IELTS - 6.0-6.5
TOEFL - 80 and above
Following are some standardised test scores required to study in German universities:
The admission process and eligibility criteria for winter intake in Germany are easy. You must collect all the documents below to apply for the visa.
Germany Visa Application Form.
Valid Passport.
Two identical German visa Photos.
Proof of Accommodation in Germany.
Transportation / Round trip reservation or itinerary.
Adequate Health Insurance Coverage.
Proof of Financial status.
To apply for winter intake in Germany, you must have the following documents as part of your application process.
Transcripts from the previous academic year, i.e. 12th, bachelor, or master
English proficiency test scores accepted by your chosen university
Recommendation letters
Proof of financial resources
An updated CV
Work Experience Certificate, if relevant
Passport-sized photograph
So, have you made your pick? Now, start applying to your selected universities by following our guide.
October-December : Start researching universities and courses to choose from in Germany. Shortlist the universities that perfectly support your career goals. Also, remember to write down their deadlines and application processes. Moreover, in December, appear for standardised exams like the GRE and GMAT and English proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL.
January-February : Gather all the required documents to attach to your application, which includes
- CV/Resume
- Scores of the tests
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal Essay
- A valid passport
March-April : Explore financial aid and other funding options, especially those offered by organisations like the German Academic Exchange Service or DAAD. Find student housing near your college. Apply for educational loans based on exam scores and determine loan eligibility. Take the standardised exams in April. If you want a higher score, you can retake them in June.
May-June : Recheck all the documents, highlight all the key points, and make changes. For international students, send all these documents directly to the universities or through the university application service
July-August : Universities that accept your application will begin alerting you through confirmation letters. Review them all, compare them, and then make your final decision. Inform the institution immediately and carefully before the deadline. Pay your entrance costs and obtain health insurance and a blocked account before applying for a study visa, as these are required. Apply for the same since it will take two to three weeks on average. Begin applying for DAAD scholarships before the deadline while organising lodging and contacting the university's International offices for more information.
August-September : You can start preparing for travel, like booking flights, arranging travel documents and getting photocopies of all the vital documents. Fly a few days before the semester begins to settle down nicely.
October-December : Apply for your residence permit within three weeks of arriving in Germany. This is available at the foreigners' registration office.
If you wish to study in Germany, one of the first things you'll consider is how to pay for it. The affordability of higher education in Germany is one of the most important factors to consider. The German government provides the scholarships listed below.
| Name of Scholarship | Eligibility | Average Amount (in CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| DAAD Scholarship Program | Two years of relevant and proven work experience, research work, and teaching/graduate assistantship. |
|
| Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships | Only Master’s degrees are eligible for EU and non-EU nationals. |
|
| DeutschlandStipendium National Scholarship Program | This is a merit-based scholarship |
|
| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship | Pursue master's or PhD programs from any of the KAS partner |
|
| Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships | Must be from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. |
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Germany has two intakes: summer (April) and winter (September/October). Winter intake is regarded as the principal intake in Germany for overseas students. Winter intake begins in September and concludes in February or March, depending on the course. Most courses at the university are offered for the winter intake, whereas only a few courses are available for the summer intake.
The winter intake classes starts from October. It is always advisable to arrive in the country at least a month before the start of the session. Find housing choices ahead of time and ensure you have the necessary documents. The winter intake classes ends around February or March.
You can typically apply by mid-July. Applications are usually submitted in June. You should always verify the particular application deadlines for each educational institution and university. In most circumstances, applications must be filed by May. It all depends on the specific application dates at universities.
You cannot apply for the winter intake in Germany during September. Most applications must be received in June first week. The intake period runs from October and concludes in February to March. As a result, you should check individual application deadlines on colleges' official websites before applying.
In order to secure admission in public universities the minimum percentage should be 76.
German public universities are generally affordable and highly recognised globally. EU/EEA students might even qualify for free education. Non-EU/EEA students can expect varying tuition fees, typically from €1,500 to €3,500 per semester.
Winter intake is preferable for international students in Germany. It is recognised as the primary intake at all universities. It is the ideal intake session because most colleges only offer courses during this session. All of Germany's significant institutions admit students to various degree programs during this intake.
Germany's 16 states eliminated tuition costs for undergraduate students at all public German universities. This implies that domestic and international undergraduates at German public institutions can now study for free, with only a small fee per semester to cover administration and other expenses.
If you want to study abroad, it is necessary to justify the study gap. The study gap entirely depends on the universities to which you are applying. You can explain the gap in your SOP.
According to the students, winter intake is better than summer intake in Germany because there are more seats available.
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