Timeline for Admission to German Universities: Plan Month by Month (Winter & Summer Intakes)

Administrator (Abyaas)
Oct 11
4 min read

Studying in Germany is a goal for many Indian students — and success depends not just on grades, but on timing.Whether you’re aiming for the Winter intake (October) or Summer intake (April), each step of your preparation must align with university and visa deadlines. This guide breaks down the complete month-by-month admission plan for both intakes, helping you stay ahead from document preparation to visa approval.

At Abyaas Institute, we help students not only master the German language but also navigate each step of the admission process smoothly. Knowing the Timeline for Admission to German Universities is first step of the process.

Timeline for admission to German universities. Features graduation cap, Germany map, winter/summer intake calendars. Bold text and red accents. — Timeline For Admission To German Universities

Understanding the Intakes in Germany

Intake	Semester Period	Application Window	Best For
Winter Intake	October – March	November – July	Most courses available; preferred by Indian students
Summer Intake	April – September	May – January	Limited programs, ideal for those finishing early

Timeline for Admission to German Universities : WINTER INTAKE TIMELINE (October Start)

The Winter intake is the main admission season in Germany, offering the widest range of programs and scholarship opportunities.

January – March: Explore and Prepare

Research universities and programs on DAAD and Uni-Assist portals.
Shortlist 6–8 target universities (a mix of public and private).
Decide between English-taught and German-taught programs.
Begin German language training (A1) and gather information on APS and Uni-Assist requirements.

April – May: Apply for APS Certificate

Register at aps-india.de and submit your academic documents.
Start the APS process early — it can take 4–8 weeks.
Private universities often receive faster APS approvals (3–4 weeks).

June – July: Prepare Application Documents

Draft your SOP, LORs, and CV.
Collect transcripts, MOI, and degree certificates.
Continue language learning to reach A2 or B1 level.

August – September: Submit Applications

University Type	Portal	Approximate Deadline
Public Universities	Uni-Assist	May – July
Universities of Applied Sciences	Uni-Assist / Direct	June – August
Private Universities	Direct	Rolling (flexible deadlines)

After applying, track your status on Uni-Assist. Evaluation usually takes 4–6 weeks.

October – November: Admission Decisions

Public universities announce results by late autumn.
Private universities send offers within 3–4 weeks of applying.
Keep preparing for B1/B2 level German for visa and integration.

December – February: Financial Preparation & Visa Process

Open your Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) — currently about €11,208 per year.
Arrange health insurance and accommodation proof.
Schedule your visa appointment and prepare all necessary documents.

March – June: Visa, Travel & Orientation

Complete visa interview and pre-departure checklist.
Attend orientation programs by DAAD or Abyaas.
Book flights and confirm your accommodation in Germany.
Register (Anmeldung) within 14 days after arrival.

Timeline for Admission to German Universities : SUMMER INTAKE TIMELINE (April Start)

The Summer intake has fewer courses but is ideal for students finishing early or wanting to fast-track their journey. Planning ahead by six to eight months is still crucial.

July – September (Previous Year): Explore and Prepare

Start researching courses that open for the Summer semester.
Shortlist programs, focusing on technical and applied sciences (many UAS programs open for Summer).
Begin your German language learning (A1 level) and understand APS requirements.

October – November (Previous Year): Begin APS Process

Register on the APS portal and submit documents early.
APS verification generally takes 6–8 weeks, so starting in October helps meet early deadlines.

December – January (This Year): Apply to Universities

University Type	Application Method	Deadline
Public Universities	Uni-Assist	September – November (previous year)
Fachhochschule (UAS)	Uni-Assist or Direct	October – January
Private Universities	Direct	Rolling admissions

Tip: Many summer programs close by January, so early submission is critical.

February – March: Prepare for Visa

Once you receive your admission letter, open your blocked account.
Arrange health insurance and complete financial documents.
Book your embassy appointment and gather required paperwork.
Continue German training (target B1 before departure).

March – April: Fly and Begin Your Course

Complete your visa interview and travel arrangements.
Attend pre-departure orientation sessions.
Arrive in Germany, register your residence, and get ready for classes starting in April.

Quick Comparison: Winter vs Summer Intake

Aspect	Winter Intake (October)	Summer Intake (April)
Program Availability	Wide range of courses	Limited selection
Competition	High	Moderate
APS Processing	Standard (longer queues)	Faster (fewer applicants)
Ideal For	Final-year or fresh graduates	Early planners or mid-year pass-outs
Admission Window	Nov – July	May – Jan