Intakes in Germany at a glance
Quick read
- Germany has two intakes: the winter semester, starting in October, and the summer semester, starting in April.
- Winter is the main intake. Most English-taught master's programmes start only in October.
- The usual uni-assist deadlines are 15 July for winter and 15 January for summer, but many universities close earlier: TUM's master's deadline is 31 May for winter and 30 November for summer.
- Indian applicants need an APS certificate before applying to most universities and for the visa, so start that process first.
- For the student visa you need a blocked account or other proof of €11,904 for the first year.
German universities split the academic year into a winter semester (October to March) and a summer semester (April to September). Lectures usually begin in mid-October and mid-April. Almost every programme admits students in the winter semester; a smaller number, mainly master's programmes at technical universities, also admit in summer.
Applications go either through uni-assist, a central service that checks international certificates, or straight to the university's own portal. Indian students also need an APS certificate, which verifies Indian academic documents and can take several weeks, so build it into your timeline from the start.
Types of intakes in Germany
Winter semester intake
Main intakeAlso called: October or WiSe intake
- Classes start
- October (lectures usually from mid-October)
- Applications open
- Often from December or January to mid-July; some programmes open earlier
- Typical deadlines
- Commonly 15 July through uni-assist; many master's close earlier, such as 31 May at TUM
- Courses available
- Almost all bachelor's and master's programmes, including most English-taught ones
Good for: Most students, especially those applying to English-taught master's programmes.
Summer semester intake
Secondary intakeAlso called: April or SoSe intake
- Classes start
- April (lectures usually from mid-April)
- Applications open
- Often from mid-October to mid-January
- Typical deadlines
- Commonly 15 January through uni-assist; some universities earlier, such as 30 November for TUM master's
- Courses available
- Selected master's programmes, mostly at technical universities, and fewer bachelor's options
Good for: Students who finish their degree in India in December or want to start sooner than October.
Upcoming intakes in Germany from 23 Oct 2026
Summer semester 2027 (April)
Closing soonLectures start mid-April 2027
Apply by: 30 November 2026 at TUM (master's); 15 January 2027 for many uni-assist programmes
Only realistic if you already have your APS certificate and English test. Check that your programme admits in summer.
Winter semester 2027/28 (October)
Opening soonLectures start mid-October 2027
Apply by: Application windows open from about December 2026; many deadlines fall between 31 March and 15 July 2027
The main intake. Apply for your APS certificate now so you are ready when portals open.
Summer semester 2028 (April)
Plan aheadMid-April 2028
Apply by: Mid-October 2027 to mid-January 2028
A good option if you graduate in India in mid-2027 and need time for the APS and language tests.
Status is worked out from the date this page was updated. Courses can close early once they are full, so treat each date as the latest safe point, not a target.
Not sure which intake you can still make?Tell us your course and marks and our counsellor will check which Germany intakes are realistic for you.
Month-by-month plan for the winter semester 2027/28
October to November 2026
Shortlist English-taught programmes on the DAAD database and check each programme's entry rules and deadline.
November 2026 to January 2027
Apply for the APS certificate and book IELTS or TOEFL (and a German test if your programme needs one).
December 2026 to March 2027
Collect documents, write your motivation letter and CV, and take a GRE or GMAT if your programme asks for it.
January to May 2027
Apply through uni-assist or the university portal before each deadline (TUM master's: 31 May).
May to July 2027
Receive admission letters and accept one. Open a blocked account with €11,904 for the first year.
June to August 2027
Book your visa appointment early, buy travel insurance and arrange student housing.
September to October 2027
Travel, enrol, take German student health insurance, register your address and start lectures.
How to choose the right intake
- 01
Programme intake
Many English-taught master's programmes start only in October. Check the DAAD database or the programme page.
- 02
APS and documents
If your APS certificate or final degree certificate will not be ready in time, the next intake is the safer choice.
- 03
Visa appointments
Appointment slots at German missions in India are busy in summer. Book as soon as you have your admission letter.
- 04
Housing
Student rooms are hard to find in October in cities like Munich and Berlin. A summer start can be slightly easier.
- 05
Language plans
If you plan to learn German before you go, a later intake gives you time to reach A2 or B1, which helps with part-time jobs.
Application deadlines at universities in Germany
| University | Intake | Deadline | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich (master's) | Winter semester 2027/28 | 31 May 2027 for most programmes; some close on 31 March | Check date |
| Technical University of Munich (master's) | Summer semester 2027 | 30 November 2026 | Check date |
| Technical University of Munich (bachelor's) | Winter semester 2027/28 | 15 July 2027 | Check date |
| Universities applying through uni-assist (general rule) | Winter semester 2027/28 | Usually 15 July 2027; portal opens around 15 April | Check date |
| Universities applying through uni-assist (general rule) | Summer semester 2027 | Usually 15 January 2027; portal opens around 15 October | Check date |
| APS India (all universities) | Any intake | Apply as early as possible; processing can take several weeks | Check date |
German deadlines differ by programme even within one university. Check the programme page before you apply, and remember that uni-assist needs time to check your documents before the university's deadline.
Eligibility and documents to keep ready
What you usually need to apply
- A recognised bachelor's degree for master's, usually in a closely related subject; many programmes set a minimum grade.
- For bachelor's: Class 12 alone is usually not enough; most Indian students need a year of university study or a Studienkolleg first.
- An APS certificate for Indian applicants.
- IELTS (often 6.5) or TOEFL for English-taught programmes; German at B2–C1 for German-taught programmes.
- Some programmes ask for GRE or GMAT scores, a motivation letter, CV and references.
- Proof of funds of €11,904 for the first year for the visa.
Documents checklist
- Passport
- APS certificate
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Bachelor's transcripts and degree certificate
- English or German language certificate
- Motivation letter and CV (European format is common)
- Letters of recommendation, if required
- Blocked account confirmation
- Health or travel insurance for the visa
Want us to check your documents?Our counsellor will go through your file before you apply, so a missing paper doesn't cost you an intake.
Intakes in Germany: FAQs
Which intake is better in Germany, winter or summer?
Winter (October) for most students, because most programmes, especially English-taught master's, start only then.
When should I apply for October 2027?
Between December 2026 and May 2027 for most programmes. Some close as early as 31 March, while uni-assist's general deadline is 15 July.
Is it too late for April 2027?
Not for every programme. TUM's master's deadline is 30 November 2026 and many uni-assist programmes close on 15 January 2027, but you need your APS certificate first.
What is the APS certificate?
A certificate from the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) in India that checks your Indian academic documents. Indian students need it to apply to most universities and for the visa.
Do I apply through uni-assist or directly?
It depends on the university. The programme page tells you which route to use.
How much money do I need for the visa?
€11,904 for the first year (€992 a month), usually in a blocked account.
Sources
- Technical University of Munich: application (opens in a new tab)
- uni-assist: international applications (opens in a new tab)
- Otto von Guericke University: uni-assist deadlines (opens in a new tab)
- APS India (opens in a new tab)
- DAAD: scholarship and programme database (opens in a new tab)
- German Missions in India: student visa (opens in a new tab)
- Make it in Germany: visa for studying (opens in a new tab)
Researched on 23 Oct 2026. Universities change dates every year, so confirm each deadline on the official page before you apply.