Germany Intakes 2024-25: Universities & Preparation Timeline
The esteemed universities of Germany offer quality education at an affordable price. Each year, they open gates to over 4.5 lakh international students. The world perceives them as one of the most desired educational institutions coupled with outstanding academic curricula and strong research facilities. As Germany receives a large number of applications in each intake, the competition is cutthroat. Under such circumstances, a small error or mismanagement during the university application process can cost students their seats. Hence, it is important to understand each intake and their procedures to secure admission to the university of choice.
In this blog, we will discuss the Summer Intake and Winter Intake in Germany.
Application Timeline
Unlike Indian colleges, German universities have two major intakes. Some universities may even admit them throughout the year. German universities hold intakes two times a year – summer and winter. The admission process takes about a year and, more often than not, the classes commence about the same time the intake applications begin. Germany indeed follows a strict guideline for paperwork completion coupled with prior accommodation and travel booking. Ideally, Students must start selecting courses and universities 6 months before their intake application opening. A month after rigid research, they must start preparing for language and entrance tests as required for their selections. Two months later, they should start arranging their finances, ie. looking for scholarships, loans and sponsorships. These give them a clear idea about which courses and universities they can aim for, financially.
Choice and Availability
Germany is quite popular for its research and STEM programs. As the winter intake is the main intake, students can choose from a wide range of programs to study in Germany. Almost all programs are available during this period. Students aspiring to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Germany can apply for a number of engineering, sciences, humanities, and business courses. Universities accept applications from all parts of the world and permit students who match their eligibility criteria and requirements. Students can explore Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (#59), Heidelberg University (#84), Free University of Berlin (#97) and RWTH Aachen University (#99) among others during this intake.
Whereas in the Summer Intake, students have fewer options in both universities and programs. Some of the top universities accepting students from this intake are the University of Law, the Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI), the University of Applied Sciences and the University of Hamburg (#191). The Braunschweig University of Technology, Schiller University, Munich Business School and Macromedia University, too, have admissions open during this time along with the Technical University of Berlin (#28) which allows students to apply from both intakes.
Read: Top Cities to Study in Germany
Students Experience
Student life in Germany is exceptional. During their course, students can participate in university events, leverage the available resources on campus and indulge themselves in various activities. Germany hosts an encouraging environment for all students. A large portion of the student population, in fact, comprises students from different nations. These students have access to not only the cutting-edge technology and facilities the universities provide but also the multicultured ecosystem they host. International students can take advantage of it and make strong ties and networks to utilise after completing their courses.
Read More: Student Life in Germany: Community, Events, Leisure and Jobs
As the winter intake invites more students, the experience is even better for students joining through this intake. Not only that, it coincides with other countries’ academic calendars to help students enjoy a smoother transition. However, this also means fewer part-time jobs. Students enrolled on full-time courses can also take part-time jobs. These jobs allow them to work 20 hours a week during and 40 hours a week off their terms for EUR 10-15 per hour. At the same time, projects, internships and placement opportunities are for all students alike and only vary as per their academic performance and universities’ connections.
Also Read: Working in Germany after Completing Studies
How to Choose?
It is more of a matter of preference. While the summer intake offers more time to research, organise and plan your studies, the winter intake offers a wide array of courses. Students must take quality time to outline their interests and goals from their courses in Germany. As no particular intake increases their chance of admission, only the foundations of their preferences can help them choose the intake they want to opt for.
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Read: Specialised Scholarships for STEM Students Studying Abroad
The application for the Summer Intake pans from April to August-September. However, as this is the secondary intake, only a few programs and scholarships are available. On the other hand, the Winter Intake is open from September-October to February-March. Universities have specific application deadlines typically varying through programs available. International students must check with the university to understand the application timeline to avoid missing out on any opportunity. They must put in their application in December (Summer Intake) or July (Winter Intake) as soon as the application window. Students can submit their applications to universities and institutions independently or via the University Application Service for Overseas Students. German universities typically take 1-2 months to review applications. After receiving an unconditional offer letter, they can hop onto the visa application process.
