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Intakes in Germany

Intakes in Germany

Germany is one of the most preferable study destinations for Indian students who want to pursue higher degree courses in Science, Arts, Engineering, Computer Science, etc. because it is considered a hub of technology and innovative minds. It is one of the most developed countries in the world.

It ranked third in the World Economy Index and has a modern education system, rapid-growing infrastructure, booming job markets, and more!

Let’s have a look at them in great detail.

How many Intakes in Germany?

There are several reasons why Indian students are attracted to Germany, including its hub of world-renowned institutions, home to top global recruiters, diversity in culture and multiethnicity, and the opportunity to learn German as a foreign language.

German universities accept admissions in two intakes: Summer and Winter.

The availability of different study programs also depends on the particular intake, so it is essential to prepare for the application process accordingly.

Below, we have tabulated the study intakes in Germany, which will be helpful for you when applying for university admission. 

Intake typeCommencement of ApplicationApplication DeadlinesCommencement of Session
Summer intakeDecember 2023January 2024April-May 2024
Winter intakeJanuary 2024May 2024August-September 2024

Winter Intake in Germany

The winter intake in Germany usually starts in October and ends in March, when the academic year begins in Germany. The intake provides several benefits for Indian students, including:

Availability of Programs

Since winter intake is the onset of the new academic year in Germany, universities offer various study programs for undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses.

Most Indian students prefer to be admitted in winter because of the optimum weather conditions and abundant opportunities.

Preparation Time

Although the duration of the Winter intake in Germany is concise, it still offers students sufficient time to prepare for admission and arrange the required documents.

Smooth Transition

Since winter intake corresponds to the beginning of the new academic year in Germany, students find the transition from the previous academic year to the newer one smooth.

Admission to World renowned universities 

Taking admission in winter intake in Germany provides opportunities for students to get engaged with the best brains of top German universities, which are:

  • URWTH Aachen
  • FH Aachen
  • University of Aalen 
  • SRH Berlin
  • Frei Universitat
  • Humboldt University
  • University of Bonn
  • TU Darmstadt
  • Frankfurt School of Finance & Management

Summer Intake in Germany

The summer intake in Germany typically spans from April to September. During this period, universities offer very few academic programs for Indian students. Here are some critical aspects of the summer intake:

Availability of Fewer Programs

Summer intakes in Germany allow Indian students to be admitted to fewer courses. Unlike winter intakes, German universities mainly offer skill-based diplomas and full-time courses.

More Opportunities for Internships

Germany’s summer intake offers diploma courses, which provide several benefits to students, including the opportunity to strengthen their skills through internships and part-time jobs.

It provides flexibility and freedom to pursue extracurricular passions outside the academic box.

Small Class Size

The class size in the summer intake in Germany remains small because of the low student-teacher ratio. Because of this, students get numerous chances to engage with teachers and learn more efficiently.

Admission to Skill-Based Universities 

These are some top German universities that offer several diploma and skill-based programs to international students:

  • Berlin School of Applied Sciences (HTW)
  • TU Darmstadt
  • Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences 
  • University of Bremen
  • Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

Academic Requirements for Intakes in Germany

The application process for top German universities is very complex since it involves lots of preparatory work.

Depending on the university, applicants may need to undergo additional steps on Uniassist, such as preparing certain documents, appearing for aptitude tests, etc. Students are advised to review these details on the particular university website.

Below, we have enlisted some standard procedures required before applying to top universities in Germany.

  • Find at least 8–10 universities that offer the program you want and list them briefly.
  • Go to their websites, gather information about them, and then compare the details they offer, such as fees and career advantages.
  • Visit the university’s website and fill out the application form.
  • Upload scanned copies of all the necessary documents.
  • If there are any, pay the application fees.
  • Check your emails for information from the university about possible interview dates and times.
  • Walk through the interview.
  • You will be given a conditional offer letter if your application is vital.
  • Make sure you’re accepted and save your spot at the university. Usually, this means paying a non-refundable deposit and agreeing to the terms and conditions.

Documents Checklist

Here is the document checklist required while filing the application process for any intakes in Germany. They may also differ depending on the university:

  • Academic transcripts
  • Minimum CGPA of 7.0 in bachelor’s degree course.
  • Duly completed application form
  • GRE, GMAT scores (depending upon the university).
  • Results of English-language proficiency tests such as IELTS/TOEFL.
  • Minimum overall score of 6.5 in IELTS
  • Minimum overall score of 60-90 for TOEFL
  • Some universities need German proficiency, like TestDAF.
  • 2-3 Letter of Recommendation
  • 1-2 Statement of Purpose
  • 0-2 years of work experience (non-consecutive course)
  • Two passport-sized photographs
  • Blocked Account for showing proof of funds (Minimum €11,208 must be deposited before applying for a study visa)
  • CV (if required)
  • Passport

Which Intake is Best for You?

It is evident that while looking to study in Germany, students may need clarification about which intake is best for them. You can consider several factors while choosing the appropriate intake for yourself. They include your:

  • Interest 
  • Passion 
  • Circumstances
  • Rankings of selected universities
  • Availability of the desired program
  • Desired skills to develop for your career, etc.

You could choose winter intake if you are looking for a diverse range of courses and alignment with your previous academic year. On the other hand, if you are interested in pursuing skill based courses in Applied universities of Germany, more part-time jobs and smaller class size, then summer intake could be better for you. 

Conclusion

German universities accept admissions in two intakes: winter and summer. The academic year commences in June, which is when the winter intake application process begins.

There are several advantages to both winter and summer intakes. One of the most significant advantages of summer intakes is seeking internship programs while studying. It strengthens the students’ skill sets and prepares them for the challenges.

On the other hand, winter intakes offer several full-time professional courses that most applicants aspire to.

To conclude, both intakes have pros and cons but provide vibrant and meaningful opportunities to international students.

FAQs

Which intake is better for Germany?

This wholly depends on your interests and the passion you are looking to pursue. If you want to build specific skill sets, summer intake may be best for you as it offers various internship opportunities and exposure to faculty more easily. However, winter intake is best for you if you want to develop a career in some professional areas. However, not all universities offer admission to all courses in all intakes.

IELTS is required only for English courses taught in German universities. For German-taught courses, Indian students need to be proficient in the German language.

It may depend on various factors like recruiters, the region of the posting, the type of job, etc. However, with effect from 1 January 2024, the revised minimum wages are 12.41 Euros per hour.

If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.

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