Which Intake Is Best For International Students In Germany?

By Author: Jeduka
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Germany is one of the most sought-after countries for students looking to study abroad. It offers excellent opportunities in terms of higher education with top-notch colleges and universities. The culture and lifestyle of Germany are also top-rated by international students. A large number of students choose Germany for their further higher education. 

International students arrive in Germany with a wealth of information and experience, but many of them face challenges when it comes to choosing the best intake for them. This blog is for students who are facing these challenges and want to learn about how to choose the right intake for them in Germany. 

Intakes in Germany

Intakes are the terms of the classes that will start at that particular time of the year at the higher education institutions. Specifically, September and March/April are the Intakes at universities in Germany for students coming from other countries. Both the intakes are equally important for both students and universities in Germany. 

Summer ...
... Intake: Pros and Cons

The summer intake in Germany starts in March-April, with the entire application duration covering the period between early December and mid-January.  Here are the pros and cons of applying for admissions during the Summer Intake as an international student in Germany:

Pros of Applying for a Summer Intake

Competition is less fierce at this time. The number of students applying during this period is fewer, which means the competition is lower to fill university seats. 
Your chances increase of obtaining a seat at the German university for a course of your choice. 
The class size is smaller. Smaller class sizes create a more intimate learning environment between students and professors. You're able to get to know your peers and professors on a more personal level which makes for a hassle-free start to your program.
The summer intake is the best chance for those who have missed out on the September intake. 
Attending classes starting with the summer intake at some universities, will help you finish graduation swiftly and take up work even quicker. However, this is not an easy task. 

Cons of Applying for a Summer Intake

The course and university options are fewer when applying in the summer intake. 
Fewer opportunities for on-campus employment/part-time jobs and other internships during the summer intake since it signals the middle of the academic sessions. 
Those into extracurricular pursuits will find the summer season not much favorable as winter students will take the lead and get leadership positions in various clubs and activities. 
Students applying for Summer Intake in Germany would not have the same number of financial aid or scholarship options, as compared to the September Intake students.

September Intake: Pros and Cons

Fall Intake begins around late August or September and receives the highest number of admission applications. Here are the pros and cons of applying during the Fall Intake in Germany as an international student:

Pros of Applying for a September/Fall Intake

The most significant advantage of the September Intake is that you would have a wide range of courses to select from. Most colleges in Germany offer almost all courses in the Fall Intake, thereby, allowing you to opt for any course offered by any college you like.
The acceptance rates are higher in September intake, and so are class sizes. 
With the academic year beginning in fall intake, there are more opportunities to obtain jobs on campus and internships. 
The scholarship opportunities are more in the Fall semester when compared to the Summer Intake.
The September semester is perfect for those who are interested in participating in extracurricular activities and taking membership in clubs and organizations. 
Students can also begin studying in Germany immediately after completing their undergraduate or graduate studies without wasting time.  

Cons of Applying for a September/Fall Intake

Not many universities in Germany offer Summer admissions, so the applicant pool can get more competitive. This may, thus, lower your chances of obtaining admission to your chosen university.
Upon completion of your studies, the competition for suitable jobs may also be a little 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 April and September Intake to study in Germany. Here are the steps you can take when choosing the right admission intake in Germany.

Step 1: Shortlist your Desired Universities and Courses

Your first step should be finalizing the course and university you wish to study in Germany. This will help you narrow down your confusion. Some courses are only offered only in the fall Intake while some may only be offered in the Summer Intake. You will also find a few courses which may be offered during both the intakes in Germany. 

Step 2: Read the Admission Policies and Requirements

The next step is to read the admission guidelines and requirements thoroughly from the university website. This is where you will find the relevant information regarding admissions during different intakes. Moreover, the admission procedures for each university and course will define the admission intakes and the application deadlines.

Step 3: Collect Your Documents

The main task of the admission process is submitting your essential documents with your admission 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 do not have the necessary documents ready by submitting your applications, you will find it easier to apply for the next admission intake.

Which Intake is Best for International Students in Germany?

There are many factors to consider while deciding which semester to apply to German University. Well, it will take a little time for you to plan and go through the entire process of finalizing the intake. Various factors play an important role when deciding which intake is more favorable for your admission to a German university.

1. Universities

You need to check whether your chosen universities in Germany accept applications for both intakes. A considerable number of universities do not have any admission open for the Summer season. So, if you wish to apply for the March or April intake, you should do some research on your selected university/courses to find out which season intakes are available. 

2. Acceptance Rate

Many universities in Germany have fixed numbers of seats for international students each semester. The fact that the class sizes are much larger for the Fall Intake, means you have a good chance of getting accepted then. If your profile is above average, then have more chances to get benefits from the Summer Intake.

3. Courses

Universities in Germany usually offer more courses for winter Intake students than summer intake students. It also means that if you are looking for an exceptional course that is not picked by a lot of students, there are higher chances it won’t be available in the Summer semester.

4. Extracurricular Activities

If you are looking to join organizations and student clubs, then applying for the fall semester in Germany may be the best option. It can be difficult to join later on and try to obtain leadership roles. However, if your goal is just to be a part of an organization, then you can opt for any intake.

5. Readiness

Applying for the fall intake is generally the most popular time for students to apply, as by then they have completed their undergraduate studies. However, some students might need more time to settle down before starting their studies. If you do not feel prepared to start your studies by September, then it is important not to rush your applications.

Conclusion of Fall vs Summer Intake in Germany

In a nutshell, the answer is simple. It depends solely on you. It all depends on your specific plans and needs. First, be clear about what you expect out of a college education in Germany. You are the best judge of your career, so there is no problem in using any intake to study in Germany.