Upcoming Intakes in Germany for Indian Students 2025–2026: Timeline, Universities, Courses & Requirements

Are you an aspiring Indian student planning to study in Germany but not sure which intake to choose? There are two major intakes in Germany: Winter (September) and Summer (March) intakes. Among these intakes, Winter is the most chosen intake by Indian students, followed by the summer intake.

Did you know? According to the DAAD, the Indian student population in Germany has doubled in 5 years, making them the largest group of International students in the country.

Germany, the Land of Ideas, is a highly sought-after study abroad destination for Indian students. Germany is known for its high-quality education, welcoming environment, research opportunities, and reputed universities. German universities are renowned for meeting the diverse academic needs of students through their two main intakes.

In this article, you will find a comprehensive guide on the timeline, universities, pros, and cons of each German intake, along with eligibility criteria, scholarships, and part-time job opportunities. By the end of the article,e you can decide on which intake you can opt for.

Table of Contents

• What are the Intakes in Germany 2025-2026?
• Timeline for Germany Admission Intakes 2025-2026
• Winter Intake in Germany 2025: Primary Intake
• Winter Intake Timeline 2025
• Top-Ranked Universities for Winter Intake in Germany 2025
• What are the Pros & Cons for Winter Intake in Germany?
• Summer Intake in Germany 2026: Secondary Intake
• Summer Intake Timeline 2026
• Top-Ranked Universities for Summer Intake in Germany 2026
• What are the Pros & Cons for Summer Intake in Germany?
• Eligibility Requirements to Study in Germany
• Popular Scholarships to study in Germany universities
• How do International Students Manage Tuition Fees and Living Costs during Semesters?
• Which Intake is right for you?
• Other Popular Country Intakes
• Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Intakes in Germany 2025-2026?

German universities and colleges typically offer two main intakes for international students: Winter Intake (September) and Summer Intake (March).

1. Winter Intake (September) - This is the primary intake in which universities offer a wide range of courses. It starts in late August or early September and ends in December.

2. Summer Intake (March) - This is the less competitive intake during which universities offer fewer courses like specialized or vocational programs. It starts in late March or early April and ends in August or September.

An overview of the timeline for each intake is given below.

Timeline for Germany Admission Intakes 2025–2026

According to DAAD, prospective students are advised to begin preparing their applications 12–15 months before their preferred intake.

The table shows the optimum duration and deadline to apply for each German admission intake.

Timeline for Germany Intakes 2025–2026
Germany Intakes	Program Duration & Semester Break (Varies)	Application Deadline
Winter Intake	Program Duration: Late August/ Early September – December 2025 (Semester Break: March – Early April)	November 2024 – March 2025
Summer Intake	Program Duration: Late March/Early April 2026 – August/September 2026 (Semester Break: September – Early October)	November 2025 – Jan 2026

Winter Intake in Germany 2025: Primary Intake

The Winter intake in Germany is the main and most popular admission period among Indian students. Many students prefer the Winter semester because universities and colleges in Germany offer more application slots for a wide range of programs compared to the Summer intake.

The Winter/September intake is the best intake in Germany to study undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, doctoral, and co-op programs. This academic session offers scholarships, research, and internship opportunities, aligns well with the hiring season and job market, and also allows ample time to adapt to the academic and social environment.

The Winter intake period usually begins in September and coincides with the start of the academic year, which aligns with the global academic calendar. The application deadline for the Winter intake in Germany 2025–2026 typically spans from August 2025 to September 2025.

Winter Intake Timeline 2025

Here’s the timeline for the students planning to study in the Germany fall intake.

1. January – February 2025

Research and Shortlist Universities: Begin researching how Germany suits best for the winter intake a year in advance. Shortlist universities and programs 8–9 months ahead based on QS World University Rankings. Download brochures/viewbooks for 2025 to review program requirements and application checklists.

2. February – March 2025

Prepare for Applications: Start the application prep 7–6 months before intake. Take required exams (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo, GRE/GMAT) with buffer time for retakes. Gather academic transcripts (grades 10, 11, 12), SOP, LORs, resume, and application essays.

3. March – April 2025

Submit Applications: Begin submitting applications before deadlines. Upload documents or supplemental applications on the university application portal, pay application fees, and complete any required personal or video interviews.

4. May – June 2025

Track Decisions and Apply for Visa: Monitor email for admission updates. Expect admission decisions within 2 to 3 weeks of applying. After acceptance, apply for government, non-government, or university scholarships, financial aid, loans, and German student visa.

5. June – July 2025

Make Necessary Arrangements: Pay tuition fees or non-refundable deposits via Visa, MasterCard, or other payment modes. Book flights, arrange housing, and do the residential application for on-campus accommodation. Prepare essentials: SIM card, international debit/credit card.

6. July – August 2025

Start Your Semester: Arrive in Germany, attend orientation programs, explore the culture, and start your first semester of the Winter intake at your dream university!

Top-Ranked Universities for Winter Intake in Germany 2025

Here is the list of top universities in Germany, along with the popular programs, tuition, and application fees.

Top-Ranked Universities to Apply for Winter Intake in Germany
Universities	QS Ranking 2025	Popular Programs	Tuition Fee & Application Fee	On-Campus Accommodation
Technical University of Munich	28	Computer Science, Management, Engineering	Tuition Fee: Bachelor’s - EUR 2,000 – 3,000. (INR 1,90,350 – INR 2,85,525) Master’s - EUR 4,000 – 6,000 (INR 3,80,700 – 5,71,050) No Application Fee.	Yes
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München	59	Medicine, Law, Humanities, Sciences	No Tuition Fee. Semester fee of €373.50 (INR 35,548) is applicable. No Application Fee.	Yes
Universität Heidelberg	84	Natural Sciences, Humanities, Management, Medicine	Tuition Fee: €1,500 (INR 1,42,762) per semester (for non-EU/non-EEA students) + €161 (INR 15,323) semester fee. Application Fee: €75 (INR 7,138)	Yes
Freie Universität Berlin	97	Social Sciences, Political Sciences, economics, Psychology	Tuition Fee: €2,000 – €3,000 (INR 1,90,350 – INR 2,85,525) per semester + €304.50 (INR 28,980) semester fee is applicable. Application Fee: €75 (INR 7,138)	Yes
RWTH Aachen University	99	Computer Science, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Humanities	No Tuition Fee. €300 (INR 28,552) semester fee is applicable. No Application Fee.	Yes

Also Read: Cost of studying in Germany

What are the Pros & Cons of Winter Intake in Germany?

The Winter intake in Germany offers a wide range of programs and universities with a high acceptance rate. However, it also has challenges like higher competition and tight deadlines. Check the following pros and cons given below:

Pros:

• Wider Program Choice: Most universities and colleges offer a range of UG, PG, diploma, PhD and co-op programs during the Winter intake.
• Higher Acceptance Rates: Universities in Germany have higher acceptance rates for the Winter intake compared to Summer intake, giving students a better chance of admission.
• Summer Break: Students enjoy a longer summer break between semesters, allowing for rest, travel, or exploring internship or job opportunities.
• Comfortable Weather: Starting in September means arriving in mild and pleasant weather before winter sets in.
• Timely Graduation: Starting with the main intake ensures students can graduate on time without delays.

Cons:

• High Competition: Higher demand leads to more competition for preferred programs and admission, especially for top-ranking universities.
• Limited Availability: Some programs and courses may have limited spots due to high demand.
• Crowded Campus: Campuses may get overcrowded, resulting in busier classrooms, libraries, and other facilities.
• Strict Deadline: The rigorous deadlines and increased workload for preparing applications (essays, recommendations, standardized tests) can be challenging for some students.
• Higher Costs: Finding suitable on-campus or nearby housing can become difficult, often resulting in higher costs or less ideal options.

Summer intake in Germany 2026: Less Competitive Intake

The Summer intake in Germany is the secondary intake with the least competition. The Summer semester has fewer applicants as compared to the Winter intake, since only a handful of universities offer a selective range of courses.

International students usually opt for the summer intake if they missed the first two intakes and don’t want to wait till the next year. The summer intake is chosen for its primary focus on postgraduate courses, diploma certifications, vocational programs, specialised and short-term courses. Furthermore, summer intake has some significant advantages such as shorter wait time, less crowded campuses, quicker program completion, and less competition.

The summer intake in Germany commences in March and lasts till August. Welcoming a smaller cohort of students, this intake offers a quiet campus life along with ample opportunities to explore the local events during the warmer months. The summer intake is ideal for students who prefer a less competitive admission cycle that offers their desired program.

Summer Intake Timeline 2026

Students applying for the summer intake should start at least 8–10 months before the commencement of the summer semester. Let's take a look at the major timelines and the necessary action you must take:

1. April – August 2025

Research & Shortlist Universities: Do a thorough research on your desired course availability, preferred universities, along with their application deadlines, admission requirements, and academic qualifications.  

2. August – September 2025

Prepare Documents: Appear for the necessary standardized tests and get your scorecards ready, along with all the documents required for the German student visa. 

3. September – November 2025

Apply to Universities: Prepare an application for your shortlisted institutes and submit the same. 

4. January – February 2026

Check your admission status: Look out for a response from the academic institutes you applied to and confirm your admission if you get shortlisted.

5. February – March 2026

Apply for Student Visa: Start the application process for Germany student visa, scholarship, or education loan.

6. April 2026

Plan your Travel: Find accommodation, book a ticket and reach Germany before the commencement of the summer semester.

Top Ranked Universities for Summer Intake in Germany 2026

Now that you are familiar with the summer intake timeline, it is time to explore the top universities for summer intake in Germany along with their popular programs, tuition fee and application fee.

Top Ranked Universities to apply for Summer Intake in Germany
Universities	QS Ranking 2025	Popular Programs	Tuition Fee & Application Fee	On-Campus Accommodation
Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)	147	IT, Architecture, Urban Planning, Engineering	Tuition Fee: €300 – €400 (INR 28,552 – INR 38,070) per semester  Application Fee: €75 (INR 7,138)	Yes
University of Stuttgart	314	Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, IT	Tuition Fee: €1,500 (INR 1,42,762) per semester No Application Fee.	Yes
University of Mannheim	487	Law, Economics, Social Sciences, Business	Tuition Fee: €1,500 (INR 1,42,762) per semester No Application Fee.	Yes
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)	102	Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Social Sciences	Tuition Fee: €1,500 (INR 1,42,762) per semester No Application Fee.	Yes
Goethe University Frankfurt	309	Business, Life Sciences, Law, Social Sciences	Tuition Fee: €300 – €900 (INR 28,552 – INR 85,657) per semester Application Fee: €75 (INR 7,138)	Yes

Also Read: Cost of studying in Germany

What are the Pros & Cons for Summer Intake in Germany?

The summer intake has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. This could be your ideal intake if it meets your academic needs. Let's have a detailed look:

Pros:

• Less Competition: Only a few students apply for the summer intake, making it less competitive than other intakes.
• Shorter Wait Time: Universities process applications much quicker with only few applicants to assess.
• Smaller Class Size: An ideal environment for more personalised learning due to a smaller class size.
• Availability of Specialised Courses: Specialised courses, postgraduate programs, vocational diplomas, and short-term courses are available.
• Pleasant Weather: The warm and pleasant weather during the summer intake is ideal for Indian students.

Cons:

• Less Programs: Universities only offer a selected set of programs during the summer intake.
• Fewer Scholarship Availability: Summer intake has lesser scholarship opportunities as compared to winter intake. 
• Limited Job/Internship Opportunities: Companies have a lower recruitment rate during the summer intake, leading to less job opportunities for students.
• Lower Housing Availability: On-campus housing might be limited during the summer semester.
• Slow Social Life: With fewer students, the scope for social events, club activities, and networking opportunities could be low.

Eligibility Requirements to Study in Germany

1. Academic Requirements

• Secondary School/Diploma/Bachelor Certificates: You should submit the high school, diploma or bachelor scorecard. Ensure your scores meet the benchmarks set by the international admission specialists of the Germany universities or by the World Education Services (WES).
• Subject Prerequisites: You are expected to complete five academic subjects that align with your chosen course. For eg: if you choose STEM programs, it requires advanced mathematics, physics and Chemistry. 
• GPA: The Admission Committee requires a grade point average between 7 – 9 out of 10 or an equivalent percentage of marks. Make sure you convert your scores to the standard GPA format expected by the universities.
• Standardized Test Scores: You are required to submit the scores of standardized tests like TestAS/SAT/GRE/GMAT. Refer to the universities for the specific tests to be taken.
• Work Experience Certificate: Applicants may need to provide a relevant work experience certificate for selected Postgraduate programs like MBA and few other professional degrees. 
• Doctoral Admission Requirements: A minimum of 75% or equivalent GPA in your previous degree is required. You are also expected to submit the relevant work experience certificate and other research papers.

2. Language Proficiency Requirements

• IELTS Academic: The minimum IELTS band requirement to study UG in Germany is 6.0  to 6.5, and PG is 6.5 to 7.0.
• PTE Academic: The minimum PTE score requirement for undergraduate programs is 58 to 6,5 and for postgraduate programs is 65 to 70.
• TOEFL iBT: The minimum TOEFL iBT score for Bachelor programs is 80–100 and for Master programs is 90–110.
• Duolingo: The Duolingo Test score required for German university admissions is 110–130.
• German Language Requirements: You are expected to ace the German-taught programs like TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) and the DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang), Goethe-Zertifikat C1/C2 or telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule (a minimum level of C1 is required).

3. Other Documents Required

• Bank Statement
• Education Loan approval document.
• Scholarship grant letters.
• Valid Passport 
• Medical certificates
• Insurance certificates
• German Study visa
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Letter of Motivation
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Academic transcripts in English. If in another language, provide certified English translations of the transcripts.
• Resume/CV 
• Portfolios for arts and design courses, Academic transcripts
• Application fee receipt
• Conduct certificate
• Qualify Criminal Record Review Act (CRRA)
• Proof of Citizenship
• Certificates for extra-curricular activities
• Passport-size photographs

Popular Scholarships to study in German universities

Following are the popular scholarships in Germany available for international students, planning to pursue their studies in the upcoming intakes.

Winter intake scholarships:

1. Scholarship Name: DAAD Scholarships
Eligible Amount: €850–€1,200 per month 
Application Deadline: Usually starts by August. However, it varies by program. 
Who can Avail: Non-German students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree with a strong academic performance.

2. Scholarship Name: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship
Eligible Amount: €850–€1,200 per month plus allowances
Application Deadline: Usually starts by July. It varies by program. 
Who can Avail: Students below 30 pursuing Master’s/PhD with strong academics & social engagement. 

3. Scholarship Name: Deutschlandstipendium
Eligible Amount: €300 per month 
Application Deadline: Usually starts by May–July. It varies by program. 
Who can Avail: Students pursuing Master’s/PhD with strong academics & interest in sustainability and social issues.

4. Scholarship Name: RWTH Aachen University Scholarships
Eligible Amount: €300–€500 per month
Application Deadline: Usually opens by May–June.
Who can Avail: Awarded based on merit for eligible students.

Summer intake scholarships:

1. Scholarship Name: DAAD Scholarships
Eligible Amount: €850–€1,200 per month 
Application Deadline: Usually starts by March/April. However, it varies by program. 
Who can Avail: Eligible students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degree with a strong academic performance.

2. Scholarship Name: LMU Munich International Student Grant
Eligible Amount: €650 per month
Application Deadline: Usually starts by July. However, it varies by program. 
Who can Avail: Eligible students with the appropriate academic merit and financial need.

3. Scholarship Name: TUM Scholarship for International Students
Eligible Amount: One-time grant €500–€1,500 per month
Application Deadline: Applications usually close by May 31st.
Who can Avail: Eligible students enrolling in TUM with financial need.

How do international students manage tuition fees and living costs during semesters?

International students can manage their tuition fees and living costs by taking up part-time jobs and paid internships, other to scholarships. According to DAAD, the German student visa allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during the semester breaks. As per Glassdoor, you can earn up to €12–€20 per hour from the below mentioned jobs.

• Retail Sales Assistant
• Waiter/Waitress
• Delivery Driver/Rider
• Call Center Agent
• Data Entry Clerk
• Library Assistant
• Teaching Assistant
• Event Staff

Read More: Cost of Living in Germany

Which Intake is right for you?

Choosing the right intakes in Germany depends upon factors like academic goals, the course of your choice, acceptance rate, personal preferences and many more.

Here we have provided a few recommendations for intakes based on the questions you might have.

Find Your Ideal Intake in Germany
Your Academic Needs	Recommended Intake	Why?
I want a large number of program options to choose from.	Primarily Winter	Winter intake offers the highest number of programs as it's the primary intake.
I need more scholarships and funding options.	Consider Winter	Since winter is the main admission cycle, the funding pool is significantly larger compared to summer intake.
What if my academic transcripts get delayed?	Check Summer	Summer is the next major intake that allows you to avoid a gap year. So If you've missed the winter intake due to transcript delay, you can catch up with summer intake.
I'm looking for short-term or a language course.	Choose Summer	Universities typically offer short-term and language courses during the summer intake.
I prefer a smaller student batch.	Opt for Summer	Summer semester has a smaller batch size compared to winter semester.
What if I still haven't decided my exact major?	Consider Winter	Winter intake offers a wide range of majors to choose from. Hence, Winter is the ideal choice for you to explore and select the program best suited to your interests.
Which intake is the easiest to get into?	Try Summer	Summer intake is the least competitive intake with fewer applicants, making it the easiest intake to get into among the two intakes.
Which intake is best if I have a low GPA?	Choose Summer	Try applying to the summer intake as it gives you more preparation time to strengthen other factors such as test scores, SOPs, LORs, and work experience. Summer semester has a relatively lower competition, giving you a better chance for admission.
I'm an Indian student, can I survive the harsh weather in Germany?	Try Summer	As Indian students are used to hot and warmer weather conditions, they may find the Winter extremely cold. Hence, summer would be a better choice.
As a freshman, which German intake is the ideal choice for me?	Winter	Winter is the ideal intake for a freshman, as it offers a plethora of programs in an array of fields.
As an Indian student, which intake in Germany does not require an APS certificate?	Choose Summer	Summer intake in Germany offers several short-term courses. APS certificate is not required for courses that last less than 90 days.
Which intake has a buzzing campus life and more opportunities to socialise?	Winter	Winter, being the primary intake, has the maximum number of applicants among the two intakes. Hence, you have more opportunities to socialise and make new friends during winter.
I want to work part-time immediately after my arrival. Which intake is the best option?	Primarily Winter	Winter is the main intake with ample part-time job opportunities for international students.
I am a physically challenged person willing to study in Germany. I am worried about my accommodation. Which intake can I choose?	Winter	Winter intake is generally the most advantageous intake for the physically challenged students. As, this is the time where the disability service office or the accessibility service will be open. You can contact them to get the support you need in terms of accommodation and campus accessibility.

Other Popular Country Intakes

Intakes in Canada
Intakes in USA
Intakes in UK
Intakes in Australia
Intakes in New Zealand
Intakes in Ireland

If you need expert guidance on deciding the suitable intake to study in Germany, you can contact our study abroad counsellors. They will clear all your doubts and guide you through the entire process from choosing the right university till you land in your dream country!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many intakes does Germany have?

Germany has a Bi-semester system which consists of Winter and Summer intakes.

2. When should I apply for the intake in Germany?

Students can start the application process for any German intakes 8-12 months before the intake period. The earlier you start the process, higher the chances of getting admitted into the university.

3. How long does it take to get a student visa for Germany?

The time required to obtain a German student visa typically ranges from 6 to 8 weeks. It usually takes 2 months to submit the documents, clear the visa interview and get the German student visa.

4. Can international students work in Germany while studying?

Yes, International students are allowed to work 20 hours per week in Germany while studying.

5. How much of a gap is acceptable to study in Germany?

The gap year accepted in Germany is 1–2 years for bachelor's and 4–5 years for master's programs.

6. What are the things I should pack to study in Germany?

• The things that you should pack are:
• Clothes
• Thermal wears
• Boots
• Sweaters
• Umbrella
• Passport / Visa
• Toiletaries & Personal Care
• Medicines
• National Identity Proof
• Electronics (Phone/Charger/Laptop/Ear phones/Power bank)
• Books
• Cash and credit cards.

7. What should I do if the university has deferred my intake?

If the university has deferred your admission, it means you still have a chance to get admitted to the university for the next intake. You need to wait, follow up with the university while strengthening your profile in the meantime.

8. What is the procedure to open a bank account after arriving in Germany?

To open a bank account upon your arrival in Germany, you need to follow the steps below.

• Choose a traditional bank (Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank) or an online bank (N26, DKB).
• Prepare the necessary documents like passport, visa, enrollment proof, address registration etc.
• Visit the bank or apply online.
• Complete identification process in-person or through a video call.
• Wait for Account activation.

9. Can I carry an Indian SIM card to study in Germany?

Yes, you can carry your Indian SIM card to Germany. However, you need to enable international roaming with your network provider. Alternatively, you can also opt for SIMs from the local network providers like Telekom, Vodafone, O2/E-Plus and 1&1.

10. Which is the best province to study in Germany in terms of low expense?

Provinces like Saxony, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are good choices for international students looking to study in Germany on a budget. These provinces with relatively lower cost of living and affordable accommodation, along with some student-friendly amenities. 

11. Which is the best intake to study master's in Germany?

Winter is the best time to study a master's in Germany, as it provides the largest number of master's programs since it’s the primary intake.

12. Is an APS certificate required to study in Germany?

APS certificate is not required for courses that last less than 90 days. However, courses with a longer duration may require an APS certification.