Is there a Spring intake in Germany?
Yes, Germany does have a Spring intake, commonly referred to as the Summer Semester intake. While it is not as large or widely available as the main Winter intake, many German universities do offer Spring/Summer admissions, especially for Master’s programs.
This intake is a good option for students who missed the Winter deadlines or want to start their studies earlier in the year.
How the German Academic Intakes Work
Universities in Germany generally follow two intakes:
Winter Intake (Main Intake)
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Semester starts: September / October
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Largest intake with the most courses and universities
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Available for both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs
Spring Intake (Summer Intake)
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Semester starts: March / April
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Limited intake compared to Winter
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More common for Master’s programs
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Fewer Bachelor’s options
Which Programs Are Available in the Spring Intake?
Spring intake in Germany usually includes:
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Selected Master’s degrees
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Technical, business, and management-related programs
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Research-oriented and specialized courses
Most Bachelor’s programs are offered in the Winter intake, but a small number may still be available in Spring depending on the university.
Spring Intake Application Timeline (2026)
For the 2026 Spring intake, the general timeline is:
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Applications open: October–November 2025
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Application deadlines: December 2025 – January 2026
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Semester starts: March–April 2026
Exact deadlines vary by university and program.
Advantages of the Spring Intake in Germany
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Second chance if Winter intake was missed
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Less competition compared to Winter intake
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Faster start for students ready with documents
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Flexible option for Master’s applicants
Things to Keep in Mind
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Not all universities offer Spring intake
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Course availability is limited
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Visa preparation timelines must be planned carefully
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Early application is important due to fewer seats
Key Takeaway
Yes, Germany offers a Spring (Summer) intake, mainly for Master’s programs and selected courses. While the Winter intake remains the primary admission period, the Spring intake is a valuable alternative for international studentsplanning to study in Germany in 2026.
