Timeline for September Intake in German Universities

If you have plans to go to Germany for either undergraduate or postgraduate studies, the first thing you need is an action plan. Here is an application timeline to give you an idea about what to do in which month as part of your application process for international students looking to study in Germany.

There are two main intakes in Germany: the Summer intake and the Winter Intake. The duration of summer intake is April to September, and the winter intake runs from October to March. The September intake is also known as fall intake, one should aware about how to apply for the September intake. In Germany, the September intake is the main admission season. Most German universities open their courses during this time, especially English-taught programs for international students. 

In this article, we will discuss about Summer intake in Germany. To simplify the application method, we have put down a step-by-step application process for candidates looking to study in Germany. 

Why Choose the September (Winter) Intake in Germany?

The September intake in Germany is the most preferred by international students. Here's why:

• Most top universities in Germany open admissions in this intake
• Many English-taught courses are available
• Higher chance of getting scholarships
• Easier to find part-time jobs and internships
• Enough time to process the student visa and plan travel

Application Timeline for September 2025 Intake in Germany

Here is the point-wise information about the September intake in German universities.

Start early by March 2025: 

• Shortlist 8-12 universities that you will apply to. Visit university websites and note application requirements, deadlines etc.
• By then, explore education loans offered by banks and scholarships to fund your studies.
• Start working on admission forms.
• Do some initial research on various accommodation options.
• Prepare for required standardised tests like GMAT, GRE, TestDaF or IELTS - depending on the course and university.

By April and May 2025

• Register for GMAT/ GRE or any other standardized tests.
• Register for language exams at least a month before the test date.

By June 2025

• Plan for buffer time in case you need to retake the test.
• Shortlist the colleges and prepare for your application. Think hard about what makes you unique as an applicant and sketch out your strengths and self-assessment.
• Contact your professors and direct managers for the required 2-3 reference letters. At least a month before your application deadline.
• Begin drafting your SOP and essays. Give a month’s time to structure these documents properly.
• Search for and begin applying for DAAD scholarships (if applicable).
• Apply before the deadline!
• Do not delay replying to college emails. And there will be quite a few!
• Appear for personal/video interviews.
• Once you get acceptance letters, make your decision as soon as possible.
• Depending on the deadline, notify the universities of your decision.

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By July 2025

• You would need to pay a non-refundable deposit to confirm your admission.

• Apply for a student loan to study in Germany, after you get your acceptance letter.
• If you get the admission letter from the university then plan for German student visa.
• Apply for your student visa in time. Keep in mind the time taken for visa processing!
• Book airline tickets.
• Arrange for an international debit/Credit card or forex card.
• Collect all the documents and their photocopies, to take along.
• Check out the Pre-departure checklist!

Which Courses Are Available in September Intake?

In the September intake, many English-taught courses in Germany are open, like:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Business Management
• Data Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Architecture
• MBA
• Automotive Technology
• Artificial Intelligence

Top Universities Accepting September 2025 Applications

Some popular German universities open for Winter Intake are:

• Technical University of Munich (TUM)
• RWTH Aachen University
• University of Heidelberg
• LMU Munich
• University of Freiburg
• Humboldt University of Berlin
• University of Stuttgart

Related Read:

• Student Discount Flights: How to Get Cheaper Air Ticket?
• How to Prepare for Your First Flight