Germany is one of the most popular countries for students who want to study abroad. It offers excellent opportunities in terms of higher education with top-tier colleges and universities. The culture and lifestyle of Germany are also highly valued by international students. A large number of students choose Germany to continue their higher education.
International students come to Germany with a lot of information and experience, but many of them face challenges in choosing the best course for them. This blog is for students facing these challenges who want to learn how to choose the right course for them in Germany.
Intakes in Germany
Admissions are the terms of classes that will start at that specific time of the year at higher education institutions. Specifically, September and March/April are the entrances to universities in Germany for students from other countries. Both entries are equally crucial for students and universities in Germany.
Summer Intake: Pros and Cons
The summer entry to Germany starts in March-April, and the total duration of the application covers the period between the beginning of December and the middle of January.
Here are the pros and cons of applying for summer admission as an international student in Germany:
Advantages of applying for a summer admission
The competition is less fierce at this point. The number of students enrolled in this period is lower, which means that there is less competition to fill university vacancies. They increase your chances of getting a place at a German university for a course of your choice.
The class size is smaller. Smaller classes create a more intimate learning environment between students and teachers. You can get to know your peers and teachers on a more personal level, making it easier to get started on your program.
Summer admission is the best opportunity for those who missed September admission.
Attending classes beginning with summer admission at some colleges will help you finish your degree quickly and get to work even faster. However, this is not an easy task.
Cons of Applying for a Summer Admission
Course and college options are lower when applying for summer admission. Fewer opportunities for on-campus employment/part-time jobs and other internships during summer admission as it marks the middle of academic sessions.
Those in extracurricular activities will not find the summer season very favorable as winter students will take the lead and gain leadership positions in various clubs and activities.
Students applying for summer admission to Germany would not have the same amount of financial aid or scholarship options compared to September students.
Winter Intake: Pros and Cons
Fall admission begins in late August or September and receives the largest number of applications for admission. Here are the pros and cons of applying for fall admission in Germany as an international student:
Advantages of applying for a September/Fall intake
The most significant advantage of September admission is that you will have a wide variety of courses to choose from. Most universities in Germany offer almost all courses at Fall Intake, allowing you to opt for any course offered by any university you like.
Acceptance rates are higher in September intake, as are class sizes. With the academic year beginning in the fall, there are more opportunities to get jobs and internships on campus.
Scholarship opportunities are more in the winter semester compared to summer admission. The September semester is perfect for anyone interested in getting involved in extracurricular activities and joining clubs and organizations.
Students can also start studying in Germany immediately after completing their undergraduate or postgraduate studies without wasting time.
Disadvantages of Enrolling in a September/Fall Intake
Few universities in Germany offer summer admissions, so the applicant pool may be more competitive. Therefore, this may reduce your chances of gaining admission to your chosen university.
Upon completion of your studies, the competition for suitable jobs might also be a bit high as the number of graduates entering the job market would also be high.
How to Choose Between the April and September Intake to Study in Germany?
It is important to know how to choose between the months of April and September to study in Germany. Here are the steps you can take to choose the right admission to Germany.
Step 1: Select the universities and courses you want
Your first step should be to finish the course and university you want to study in Germany. This will help reduce your confusion. Some courses are only offered in fall admission, while others may be offered only in summer admission.
You will also find some courses that may be offered during admission to Germany.
Step 2: Read Admission Policies and Requirements
The next step is to carefully read the admission guidelines and requirements on the university’s website. This is where you will find the relevant information about admissions during the different entries.
In addition, the admission procedures for each university and course will define admission tickets and application deadlines.
Step 3: Collect your documents
The main task of the admission process is to submit your essential documents with the application form. Some of these documents may take some time to collect, which could mean that you may not have the documents ready before the application deadlines.
In cases where you don’t have the necessary documents ready when you submit your applications, it will be easier to apply for the next intake.
Which Intake is best for international students in Germany?
There are many factors to consider when deciding which semester to apply to the German university. Well, it will take you a little time to plan and go through the entire process of finishing the ingestion.
Various factors play an important role in deciding which admission is the most favorable for your admission to a German university.
Universities
You need to check if the universities you chose in Germany accept applications for both admissions. A considerable number of universities do not have open entries for the summer season.
So if you want to apply for March or April admission, you need to do some research on the university/selected courses to find out what seasonal applications are available.
Acceptance rate
Many universities in Germany have a fixed number of places for international students each semester. The fact that class sizes are much larger for fall admission means you have a good chance of being accepted. If your profile is above average, you are more likely to benefit from Summer Intake.
Courses
Universities in Germany generally offer more courses for winter admission students than for summer admission students. This also means that if you are looking for an exceptional course that is not chosen by many students, it is likely that it will not be available for the summer semester.
Extracurricular activities
If you are looking to join student organizations and clubs, applying for the fall semester in Germany may be the best option. It can be difficult to join later and try to get leadership roles. However, if your goal is just to be part of an organization, you can opt for any admission.
Preparation
Applying for fall admission is often the most popular time for students to apply, as they have already completed their undergraduate studies by then. However, some students may need more time to settle down before beginning their studies.
If you don’t feel ready to start your studies in September, it’s important not to rush your applications.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the answer is simple. It completely depends on you. It all depends on your specific plans and needs. First, be clear about what you expect from a university education in Germany. You are the best judge of your career, so it is fine to use any ticket to study in Germany.
