Are you a student looking to study in Germany? Look no further! CareerSky has all the information you need to begin your journey.

German universities are highly sought after by international students for their research programs and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses. These programs are available for admission through two intakes in Germany: winter and summer. While both intakes have equal academic standing, the winter intake is considered the primary season for applying to German universities, with deadlines in July-August. The summer intake, with deadlines in December-January, is an option for students who miss the winter intake.

The application process can be time-consuming and requires careful planning and organization. Here's our recommended timeline:

While many informational posts on the internet might recommend starting a couple of months before the deadline, it is important to note that the competition for admission to German universities has been increasing each year and Germany has become a popular destination for Indian students. In order to put your best foot forward, it is recommended to start preparing well in advance, as this requires time and careful planning. This is especially important for final year students who are applying, as balancing the application process with final exams requires time management skills. Starting early is key to success, as this is what most successful applicants do.

Starting your journey to study in Germany can be overwhelming, but CareerSky is here to help. Our team of experts has a wealth of experience in guiding students to the top programs they can reach. Follow our suggested timeline to ensure you have a smooth and successful application process:

January-February:

• Finalize target universities, programs, and corresponding timelines. Use DAAD's new portal https://www.myguide.de/en/ to shortlist universities.
• Finalize projects and points to add to your resume.
• Purchase study materials for standardized tests you intend to give (GRE/IELTS etc).

February-March:

• Book dates for standardized tests such as GMAT/GRE or language proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, TestDaf, or TELC
• Start preparing for exams.
• Communicate with intended professors or industry colleagues for letters of recommendation
• Complete the first draft of your resume, including finalized projects, internships, and publications.

March-April:

• Start drafting your statement of purpose and finalizing professors for letters of recommendation.
• Invest at least two months in completing these tasks, as they are critical components of the application.

April:

• Take standardized exams such as GRE, TOEFL/IELTS.
• Get your statement of purpose reviewed by experts. Finalize it, including customizations for individual universities.
• Start emailing target research groups and professors.
• Fill up your applications in Uni-assist.
• Gather your documents and apply for APS certification.

May:

• Finalize scholarships to target.
• Retake standardized exams if scores or AWA are not satisfactory
• Assemble your application packet. Get it reviewed by experts.
• Send in your applications to universities.
• Follow up on APS certification. If requires an interview, complete it.

June-August:

• Application deadlines for most universities fall within these two months.
• Prepare for personal or video interviews.

August-September:

• Apply for the German student visa as soon as the acceptance letter arrives.
• This process typically takes about three months, so be sure to keep enrolment deadlines in mind.
• Consider applying for student loans or scholarships available in Germany for international students if needed.
• Get your blocked account sorted.

September-October:

• Arrive in Germany a month before the semester starts to find suitable accommodations and get settled in your new location.

See also:

• Study in Germany guide
• Student community for higher education in Germany
• MS in Germany notion planner
• Application help and Profile review from experts