Germany University Intake Deadlines: Winter and Summer 2026/27 Planner
Germany university intake deadlines for Winter 2026/27 and Summer 2027. Uni-assist July 15 rule, country bottlenecks, and month-by-month timeline.
Germany university intake deadlines look simple on paper (15 July / 15 January) but real timelines are longer because of APS, uni-assist, and VPD backlogs. Plan backward from your target semester.
Two intakes
| Intake | Lectures start | Typical uni-assist deadline | Apply ideally |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | October | 15 July | April to May |
| Summer | April | 15 January | October to November |
Always verify on the programme page. NC (restricted) programmes and top universities often close weeks earlier.
Month-by-month: Winter 2026/27
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| 12 months before (Oct 2025) | Shortlist programmes; start APS if required |
| 10 months before | Language tests (IELTS/TestDaF); GPA conversion |
| 8 months before | Draft SOP, CV, LORs |
| 6 months before (Apr 2026) | APS submitted; uni-assist account ready |
| 5 months before (May 2026) | Target uni-assist submission for APS countries |
| 4 months before (Jun 2026) | Late safe window for non-APS; VPD requests |
| 15 July 2026 | Official uni-assist cutoff (many unis already closed) |
| Aug to Sep 2026 | Admissions; blocked account; visa |
| October 2026 | Arrival and enrolment |
Month-by-month: Summer 2027
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | Research Summer 2027 programmes |
| Apr to Oct 2026 | APS, tests, documents |
| Nov 2026 | Target uni-assist submission |
| 15 Jan 2027 | Typical uni-assist cutoff |
| Feb to Mar 2027 | Visa and housing |
| April 2027 | Semester start |
APS bottleneck (India, China, Vietnam, Mongolia)
The APS certificate often controls your timeline, not July 15.
- Processing: 3 to 12 weeks (peak: May to August)
- Apply APS before or in parallel with university applications
- See APS India, China, Vietnam
Rule: If APS is not in hand by May, July 15 submission is risky for Winter.
Uni-assist and VPD time
- Uni-assist review: 4 to 8 weeks; longer in June to July
- VPD: Similar; see VPD guide
- Fees: €75 first university, €30 each additional (fee calculator)
Submit complete scans per uni-assist documents guide.
Universities that close early (examples)
Many close before 15 July. Check each portal:
- RWTH Aachen, Stuttgart, FU Berlin: often May
- TU Munich: programme-specific, some in May to June
Do not assume one deadline for all programmes.
Direct apply vs uni-assist
Some universities are not uni-assist members. They use their own portal and deadlines. See direct apply vs uni-assist.
After admission: visa chain
| Step | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Zulassung received | Day 0 |
| Blocked account + insurance | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Visa appointment | 4 to 6 weeks wait (peak) |
| Visa processing | 6 to 10 weeks |
Use visa timeline tool and appointment guide.
Tools and checklists
- Application checklist
- Visa rejection prevention
- DAAD application calendar
- Uni-Assist: application deadlines overview
According to YourWeg, pick Winter or Summer first, then work backward 12 months. Missing May because July feels far away is the most common intake mistake for APS applicants.
Frequently asked questions
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Dev Adnani is the founder of YourWeg, helping international students navigate the path to studying in Germany with data and precision.