Posted on December 02 2025
Which Intake Is the Best to Study in Germany?
By , Editor
Updated December 04 2025
The Winter Intake is the best intake to study in Germany for international students. It offers the widest range of programs, more seats, stronger scholarship availability, and better access to part-time jobs and internships. With over 400,000 international students in Germany, most begin in Winter because nearly 80% of programs open during this period, including top courses in engineering, IT, business, and STEM. Since it aligns with major hiring cycles, the Winter Intake also provides stronger industry exposure and early career opportunities.
The Summer Intake offers fewer programs but is suitable for students seeking faster processing or specific technical and applied sciences courses. However, for overall flexibility, career alignment, and broader opportunities, the Winter Intake remains the preferred and most beneficial choice for international students.
*Want to study in Germany? Let Y-Axis guide you through entire process.
How many Study Intakes are there in Germany?
Germany offers two main study intakes for international students: the Winter Intake and the Summer Intake. Each intake has its own advantages, deadlines, and course availability, helping students choose the timeline that suits their academic goals.
1. Winter Intake (September/October)
- Major intake with the highest number of courses and seats
- Ideal for engineering, IT, business, STEM, and most bachelor’s and master’s programs
- Better scholarship availability and structured university support
- Aligns with hiring cycles, offering stronger industry interaction opportunities
2. Summer Intake (March/April)
- Offered by fewer universities with limited programs
- Suitable for students seeking faster processing and less competition
- Popular for technical, applied sciences, and select master’s programs
- Ideal for students who missed Winter deadlines or already have documents ready
Why the Winter Intake is considered the major Intake in Germany?
The Winter Intake (September/October) is the primary academic session in Germany and the most popular choice for international students. It offers the widest selection of programs, more seats, and better overall opportunities for academic, financial, and career growth.
- Universities open 70–80% of their programs, including top courses in engineering, IT, business, and STEM
- Higher availability of scholarships and funding options from DAAD and institutions
- Better access to part-time jobs, internships, and early industry exposure
- More accommodation options and comprehensive orientation support for new students
How to Choose the Right Study Intake in Germany?
Choosing the right study intake in Germany depends on your course availability, application readiness, and long-term goals. Comparing key factors and timelines helps international students select the intake that best supports their academic and career plans.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Intake in Germany:
These factors help you understand which intake aligns best with your course, scholarships, and job opportunities.
| Factor | Winter Intake | Summer Intake |
| Program Availability | High | Limited |
| Admission Chances | High | Higher for eligible courses |
| Scholarship Opportunities | High | Medium |
Application Timelines for Both Intakes in Germany:
These timelines help you plan your applications, documents, and visa process in advance.
| Process Stage | Winter Intake | Summer Intake |
| Applications Open | December – March | June – October |
| Admission Decisions | May – July | November – January |
| Visa Processing | June – September | January – March |
| Course Start | September / October | March / April |
Top Universities Offering Winter and Summer Intakes in Germany
Germany’s universities follow structured admission cycles, with most opening their major programs in the Winter Intake and select institutions offering limited options in the Summer Intake. Knowing which universities accept applications in each intake helps students plan more effectively.
Universities for Winter Intake:
- Technical University of Munich (TUM): Leading programs in engineering, IT, and sciences
- RWTH Aachen University: Renowned for engineering and research excellence
- Heidelberg University: Strong in sciences, humanities, and medical fields
- Humboldt University of Berlin: Known for social sciences and interdisciplinary studies
- University of Stuttgart: Popular in engineering and aerospace fields
Universities for Summer Intake:
- Universities of Applied Sciences (FH): Technical & industry-focused programs
- University of Kassel: Engineering & environmental sciences
- Leipzig University: Select master’s and language programs
- TU Kaiserslautern (RPTU): Engineering & applied mathematics
*Planning to study in Germany? Sign up with Y-Axis to guide you through the process.
List of Popular Courses Offered in Germany’s Winter and Summer Intakes
Germany offers a wide range of programs across both intakes, but the Winter Intake offers the highest number of courses and seats.
- Engineering: Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, Robotics
- Computer Science & IT: AI, Data Science, Software Engineering
- Business & Management: Finance, Supply Chain, Marketing
- STEM: Biotechnology, Environmental Engineering, Mathematics
- Applied Sciences: Industrial Engineering, Renewable Energy
- Foundation Programs: German language & pre-study courses
Eligibility Requirements to Study in Germany for International Students
International students must meet specific academic, language, and financial requirements for either intake.
Academic Qualifications: Recognized high school certificate (bachelor’s) or bachelor’s degree (master’s).
Language Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL or TestDaF/Goethe for German-taught programs.
Financial Proof: Blocked account or equivalent funding.
Valid Documents: Passport, transcripts, CV, SOP, LORs.
Additional Requirements: Some programs require portfolios, GRE/GMAT, or prerequisite subjects.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Germany Intakes
Step 1: Choose Your Program and Intake
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Step 3: Apply via Uni-Assist or University Portal
Step 4: Wait for the Admission Decision
Step 5: Arrange Financial Proof
Step 6: Apply for the German Student Visa
Which Intake Offers More Scholarships in Germany?
The Winter Intake offers more scholarships in Germany for international students. Funding bodies like DAAD and university scholarships align with Winter cycles.
Summer Intake has fewer scholarship options due to fewer programs.
Read more: Top 10 scholarships to study in Germany
FAQs
Which intake is best to study in Germany for international students?
The Winter Intake is the best intake to study in Germany due to more programs, higher admission chances, and better scholarships.
How many study intakes are there in Germany?
Germany has two main study intakes: Winter and Summer.
Why is the Winter Intake considered the major intake in Germany?
Because 70–80% of university programs open during the Winter Intake.
What is offered in the Summer Intake in Germany?
Summer Intake includes select technical and applied science programs.
When should international students apply for Germany Winter Intake?
Between December and March.
Which intake is better for master’s students in Germany?
Winter Intake is better because most master’s programs open then.
Are more courses available in the Winter or Summer intake in Germany?
Winter Intake offers significantly more courses.
Is the Summer Intake good for international students applying to Germany?
Yes, it offers quicker processing but fewer programs.
Which intake has better scholarship opportunities in Germany?
Winter Intake provides more scholarship options.
How do I choose the right study intake in Germany?
Check program availability, deadlines, visa timelines, and your readiness.
Tags:
Germany Study Intakes
Winter Intake Germany
Summer Intake Germany
Study in Germany
International Students
Germany Admissions
German Universities
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