Studying in Germany: How Intakes and University Admissions Actually Work
Germany runs two intakes a year and a centralised pre-check system. Here's how to navigate it — and where to check which programmes are actually open right now.
Official source — verify hereUni-Assist — international application portal ↗Germany doesn't have one central "admission open/closed" system you can check for the whole country — each university sets its own programme-specific deadlines within a broadly predictable two-intake calendar. Here's how to navigate it properly.
The two intakes
- Winter semester (Wintersemester) — starts around October, the main intake with the widest course selection
- Summer semester (Sommersemester) — starts around April, fewer programmes accept new international students at this intake
General deadline pattern (varies by university)
- For Winter semester: applications commonly close between May and July
- For Summer semester: applications commonly close between November and January
- Highly selective programmes (numerus clausus / NC subjects like Medicine) often close earlier
These are general patterns, not guarantees — each university and programme sets its own exact date, so this guide won't claim a specific university is open right now. Use the official checks below.
Uni-Assist: the centralised pre-check
Many German universities use Uni-Assist, a centralised service that pre-checks international applicants' documents before forwarding them to the university. If your target universities use Uni-Assist, you apply through their portal; if not, you apply directly to the university's own admissions office.
How to check what's actually open right now
- Shortlist target universities and programmes using DAAD's international programme database.
- Visit each university's own admissions page (or Uni-Assist, if they use it) to see the live, current deadline for your specific programme and intake.
- Note the language requirement (German-taught vs English-taught programmes have very different admission profiles).
- Prepare documents early: transcripts, certified translations, APS certificate (required for some countries like India, China, Vietnam), and language certificates.
Tips
- Apply to both Uni-Assist and non-Uni-Assist universities in parallel if your subject allows — don't assume one deadline covers everything.
- APS certification (for some nationalities) can take weeks to months — start it far ahead of any application deadline.
- If you need a student visa, budget several weeks to months for German consulate appointments in your country — start that process the moment you have an offer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a specific German university's admission is open right now?
There's no single national tracker — you must check that specific university's own admissions page (or Uni-Assist, if they use it) for the live, current deadline. This guide gives you the general calendar pattern (Winter/Summer) so you know roughly when to start checking, but the authoritative real-time answer is always on the university's own site.
What is Uni-Assist and do I have to use it?
Uni-Assist is a shared service many German universities use to pre-check international applicants' academic documents before the university reviews them. Only some universities use it — others require you to apply directly, so check each target university's admissions page to see which route applies.
Do I need German language skills to study in Germany?
Only if your programme is taught in German — many Master's and some Bachelor's programmes, especially in STEM and business, are taught fully in English. Check the specific programme's language of instruction before assuming you need German.
What is an APS certificate and do I need one?
APS (Academic Evaluation Centre) certification verifies your academic credentials and is required for applicants from certain countries (including India, China, Vietnam) applying to German universities. It can take weeks to months, so start it as early as possible if your country requires it.
References & official sources
Always confirm current deadlines, eligibility and open programmes on the official sites below — they are the authoritative, real-time source, and this guide is only a plain-English summary.
Related tools
⚠️ Deadlines, eligibility and open programmes change every cycle. This guide is general information — always confirm the current details on the official portal linked above before you apply.