When are the application deadlines for German university intakes?
Germany has two intakes. Winter semester starts in October and is the main Computer Science intake, with deadlines around 15 July. Summer semester starts in April with fewer CS programs and deadlines around 15 January. Always start your APS certificate months ahead.
You have two windows to apply. The winter intake is the big one for Computer Science, starting in October with deadlines around 15 July, while the summer intake in April has far fewer CS programs and closes around 15 January. Your APS and documents must be ready well before these dates.
German Intake Deadlines
| Intake | Starts | Typical Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Winter semester (main CS intake) | October | Around 15 July |
| Summer semester (fewer CS programs) | April | Around 15 January |
Prep Timeline Before You Apply
| Task | When To Start |
|---|---|
| APS certificate | When 7th-semester marksheet is ready (3-5 weeks, up to 10 in peak) |
| IELTS or TOEFL | 4-6 months before deadline |
| Apply to 6-10 programs | 4-8 weeks before the deadline |
My Advice
Target the winter intake, since that is where almost every CS Master's opens up. Work backwards from 15 July and start your APS the moment your 7th-semester results land, because APS delays are the single biggest reason strong students miss a deadline. Apply to 6-10 balanced programs rather than a handful.
More expert answers
You can apply to German universities for two main intakes:
- Winter Semester (October start): Main intake with the most courses. Applications typically open in May/June and close by mid-July. Classes begin in September or October.
- Summer Semester (April start): Fewer courses available. Applications usually open in December and close by mid-January. Classes begin in March or April.
Since it’s late July 2026, the Winter Semester 2026/2027 deadline has just passed or is about to close. The next available intake is the Summer Semester 2027, with applications opening around December 2026 and closing by mid-January 2027.
You’ll need to complete the APS certificate and language tests before applying, so start preparations early.
September or January: which intake can you still make?
Get a personalised timeline before deadlines close.
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