Winter Intake in Germany - Top Universities & Deadline for Indian Students

Germany is home to some top universities in the world. Its public universities offer free education for all. Germany has a stable economy that generates various jobs every year. Thousands of Indian students apply to German universities every year, hoping to be part of their world-class education and workforce.

Many Indian students are interested in studying in Germany, and one of the best times to apply is during the Winter Intake. This intake is very popular because it offers a wide range of programs and courses at many universities. German Winter Intake usually starts in September or October and runs until February or March. It is the main admission period for most universities in Germany, making it an ideal choice for students looking to pursue their Master's or Bachelor's degrees.

This article is important for Indian students interested in applying to German universities for the Winter Intake. Through this article, we are going to delve into the specifics of the Winter Intake, guide students through the application process step-by-step, and equip them with valuable tips to ensure a smooth application journey.

What is the Winter Intake in Germany?

Like most countries abroad, German universities have two intakes around the year. The Winter intake in Germany is the major intake that sees the maximum footfall of international/Indian students applying to the country. It is during the Winter Intake that most universities and courses accept applications. The other intake, the Summer Intake in Germany, is minor and only has select universities and courses for candidates looking to study in the country.

Winter Intake in Germany: Key Details

Application Timeline for Winter Intake 2025

In this section, we are going to be looking at the timelines and deadlines for Public Universities in Germany. 

Winter Intake in Germany: Student Timeline

Indian students looking to apply to German Universities are required to follow the below public university admission timelines and deadlines to avoid any last-minute hassle.

1. University research and shortlisting- October 01 to October 31 of the previous year is the ideal time to start shortlisting universities in Germany.

2. English/German language exam and APS- From November 01 to December 01 of the previous year, Indian students should register and take English proficiency tests such as IELTS and TOEFL. Taking the test early will allow applicants to re-take the test to improve their scores. Candidates who have opted for German-taught programmes are required to register and appear for the TestDAF and DSH. This is also the right time to apply for your APS Certification to speed up your application process.

3. Winter intake for Germany Application- Get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors to put the final touches to your Statement of Purpose (SOPs) and get your application-related documents ready to apply to Public Universities in Germany. Candidates should also send out requests for Letters of Recommendation (LORs), work experience certificates, or anything that would add value to their application. The admission process for the Winter Intake in Germany starts on December 01 of the previous year. Indian students can apply to universities abroad directly or get in touch with Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors for assistance with university admissions. Candidates should also explore scholarships from universities, government and private bodies. Look at organisations like the German Academic Exchange Service or DAAD or check out German scholarships on our website. 
4. The admission deadline for public universities in Germany ends around July 15 of the same year. 
5. Acceptance Letter Period- From February 15 to August 15 of the same year, you should ideally hear back from your universities with offer letter. The next step involves candidates having to zero in on their preferred university and book their seats by informing the university of their choice and paying the required tuition fee before the deadline.
6. Visa filing Period- Once candidates have received their admit letter. They should immediately proceed to apply for their German Student Visa to be able to enter the country. The visa filing period for the Winter Intake in Germany is from May 01 to September 15 of the same year.
7. Winter Intake in Germany Academic Session- The academic session of the winter intake in Germany is from October to March. Candidates are advised to depart for Germany in advance to complete any pending formalities and have enough time to settle into the foreign country.  

Top Universities for Winter Intake 2025

Germany's winter intake (Winter semester) is the main admission period for most universities. It generally starts in October. Here are the five top universities in Germany that offer winter intake

Popular Courses Available in Winter Intake

Winter intake (October semester) offers more program choices than summer. Common fields available include-

• Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive)
• Computer Science & Data Science
• Business Administration & Management
• Finance & Economics
• Architecture
• Medicine (select programs)
• Social Sciences and International Relations

Winter Intake in Germany- Pros and Cons

In this section, we are going to discuss the Pros and Cons of the Winter Intake in Germany. 

Uni-Assist vs Direct Application- Which One Should You Use?

To apply for intakes in Germany, they follow a different application process. Indian students should know that German universities follow two application routes-

• Uni-Assist- It is a centralized platform that evaluates your documents on behalf of certain universities.

• Apply via uni-assist.de

• Processing fee- Approx. €75 for the first application, €30 for each additional

• Best for public universities

• Direct Application- Some universities accept applications directly through their portals.

• Check the specific university’s international admissions page for instructions.

• Example- RWTH Aachen, LMU Munich often use direct systems.

Note- Always check on the university website which method is accepted for your course.

Winter vs Summer Intake- Which is Better?

Indian students highly prefer the Winter intake in Germany. This semester in Germany offers a wider selection of programs, a smoother admission process, and better alignment with internships. Candidates looking for further assistance can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. Candidates wanting to join the conversation can write to us in the comments below.