Which Intake is Best for International Students in Germany?

When determining which intake is best for international student admission, a number of factors might come into play. In general, winter intake is recommended for a number of factors that are expanded upon in this article. However, base your choice ultimately on your own preferences.

Generally, there are 2 intakes:

• • Winter intake- starts in September/October and ends in February/March
  • Summer intake- starts in April and ends in July/August

Why do universities have two intakes?

Universities’ educational and research facilities may not significantly alter between the two semesters. Universities have historically accepted students in two distinct intakes, mostly for the following two reasons:

1. 1. It is quite challenging to host several students in a single semester. Every year, hundreds of students apply to various German institutions, making it challenging to admit all of them at once. For this reason, the two-intake semester method was initiated.
   2. There may be a number of reasons why students aren’t able to apply for the winter semester. Because of this, institutions allow students who weren’t able to apply for the Winter term.

Which intake you should choose to apply?

Before applying there are many factors to think about, so let’s list some of them:

1. Universities

Verify that the colleges of your choosing allow applications for both application seasons. Because not all German universities provide admittance throughout both seasons. As a result, you should explore the universities and courses you want to enroll in to learn about the season intakes that are offered.

2. Acceptance rate

The ratio of accepted students to applicants is known as the acceptance rate. Typically, the season has no bearing on this. However, compared to summer, class sizes are significantly bigger during the winter intake. That suggests that you could have a greater chance of being admitted.

3. Course

The fact that universities offer many more courses for Winter intake is the main benefit of applying for Winter intake. As a result, there are many candidates. But this also suggests that there will be stiff competition, and you must win in order to get admitted.

4. Assistantships

It is quite likely that there will be a big number of possibilities for students to earn internships or on-campus positions because the academic year is when many academics start their studies and when they hire or recruit a significant number of students. The academic year begins in the Winter semester. Fewer possibilities will be available during the summer semester.

5. Graduation

Some German universities are accommodating enough to enable you to finish your degree in three semesters. You can acquire your graduate degree and start working sooner if you enroll in the summer intake. But keep in mind that finishing your degree in three semesters is not simple. ​

6. Job Opportunity

At the time of job fairs and campus recruitments, which often take place in March or April, you would have finished 3 semesters if you started in the winter and 2 semesters if you started in the summer. The third semester will often increase your profile thanks to a higher GPA, more internships, and seminar experiences. As a result, you will be more likely to receive the employment offer. ​Learn more about how to find a job in Germany.

7. Additional Academic Activities

The Winter semester is preferable to the Summer semester if extracurricular activities are more important to you. If you’re vying for a prominent position, leadership, or accolades in a club or student group, it’s true. It doesn’t matter if your goal is to join an organization, though. ​

8. Visa

This only depends on your overall profile and the profile of the university, not on the timing of your application to that university. Don’t worry about any rumors you have heard about having a preferred intake for a visa because it doesn’t matter which season semester (Summer or Winter intake) you are taking. ​Learn more about how to book an appointment for a German visa.

9. Flexibility

Many undergraduate and graduate applicants prefer the Winter intake since it allows them to go right into their master’s programs without wasting any time.

10. Orientation

Many universities provide orientation programs that are only offered during the Winter semester at the start of each academic year. Because universities will give incoming students all the information they need about courses, schedules, grading, internships, flexibility, assistantships, rules and regulations, parties, clubs and organizations, job opportunities, etc. during the orientation, it will be important for all students to take this into consideration.

For the several reasons covered above, Winter intake is undoubtedly preferred by German applicants. However, if you apply for Summer intake, you won’t lose out on anything either. Don’t hesitate to enroll if your preferred course is only offered in the summer. Regardless of the input, you started with, if you make the appropriate corrections, you can succeed.

Also, Read

Masters Degrees Offered by German Universities

What to do if you have a medical emergency in Germany?

Germany Post Study Work Visa Requirements and Application Process

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