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Can you help me with the end-to-end process including university application in Germany/France for a Master's?

04 Sept 2026 · Answered by Tharun Kumar U · 2 min read
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Yes, Germany and France each follow a distinct Masters route. Germany charges only 250 to 350 euros per term, with winter deadlines from May 31 to July 15, while France uses Campus France for up to seven program choices, with deadlines from January through March.

Tharun Kumar U
Tharun Kumar U Verified
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Yes, Germany and France both offer excellent and affordable Master's degrees, but you will need to follow two very different application routes. Germany runs mostly on nominal semester fees and the uni-assist system, while France leans on the Campus France portal for non-EU applicants and separate portals for its Grandes Ecoles.

Germany vs France: Application Snapshot

FeatureGermanyFrance
Primary application portaluni-assist or direct university portalEtudes en France (Campus France) or direct intake
Intake seasonMostly winter (October), a few in summer (April)Mostly fall (September/October)
Typical Master's duration2 years (4 semesters)2 years (M1 and M2)
Winter/main deadlineMay 31 to July 15January to March application window

Steps to Follow in Each Country

  • Germany: check program fit on the DAAD database, verify degree equivalency via Anabin, meet IELTS 6.5+ or TestDaF requirements, then apply via uni-assist or directly
  • France: non-EU applicants use the Etudes en France portal for up to seven program choices, while Grandes Ecoles like HEC or Sciences Po run their own independent admissions
  • France also requires a Campus France interview for non-EU applicants, evaluating your academic fit and career project

My Advice

Start your uni-assist application in Germany by April or May even though official deadlines run to July 15, since document verification processing time is the real bottleneck, and in France block out time for your Campus France interview well before the January to March window closes.

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