Deadlines Are Tightening: Germany and Austria Update Application Dates for International Students in 2025

As the winter semester of 2025 approaches, universities in Germany and Austria have released updated timelines for international student applications. These revised deadlines are especially relevant for applicants from non-EU countries, due to visa procedures and diploma recognition requirements.

Note: The academic year at universities in Austria and Germany consists of winter and summer semesters. 

In Austria, the winter semester lasts from October 1 to January 31, and the summer semester from March 1 to June 30. At German universities, the winter semester starts on October 1 and lasts until March 31, while the summer semester runs from April 1 to September 30.

Enrollment at most universities takes place twice a year. However, programs usually start with the winter semester.

Austria: Admissions Run on a Strict Calendar

According to the Mastersportal admissions guide, non-EU/EEA applicants must follow these deadlines:

• Winter semester: early September 2025
• Summer semester: early February 2025

For EU/EEA and Swiss citizens, the dates are slightly more flexible:

• Winter semester: until mid-October
• Summer semester: until mid-March

If spots remain open after the primary round, some universities offer a late application window:

• Winter semester: until end of November
• Summer semester: until end of April

Important: No extensions are allowed — late submissions will not be considered!

Deadlines can also vary by institution. For instance, the University of Vienna has announced the following for non-EU applicants:

• Winter semester 2025/26: June 23 – September 5, 2025
• Summer semester 2026: November 13, 2025 – February 5, 2026

At the University of Graz, deadlines differ once again. For non-EU applicants:

• Bachelor’s & Master’s: June 9 – July 6, 2025

For EU/EEA/Swiss students:

• Bachelor’s: June 16 – August 10, 2025
• Master’s: June 7 – August 31, 2025

Be sure to check each university’s official website for program-specific dates.

Some institutions also hold entrance exams as early as six months before semester start, especially for undergraduate programs.

Germany: Deadlines Vary by Institution

In Germany, deadlines are set by individual universities. However, the common application deadline for the winter semester is July 15, whether applying through Uni-assist platform or directly to the university.

Some universities set earlier internal deadlines, especially where a student visa is required — sometimes as early as May or June.

For non-EU applicants, it's strongly recommended to apply at least six months in advance to ensure enough time for diploma recognition and visa processing.

Key Recommendations

Recommendation #1: Start preparing your documents at least 6 months in advance — this allows time for translations, legalization, visa applications, and responses from universities.

Recommendation #2: Language requirements matter. The language of instruction at universities is predominantly German (requirements: minimum level A2 for undergraduate studies in Austria, B2 for most programs in Germany). For English-language programs, you will need an international certificate such as IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, etc. 

Recommendation #3: Be aware of the Nachweis der besonderen Universitätsreife — a document proving eligibility for your chosen degree. This document must be issued by either a state-run university or an accredited private higher education institution in your country.

Recommendation #4: Many universities — especially universities of applied sciences — require entrance exams for bachelor’s admission. Always check the exact requirements on the university’s official site.

Final reminder: The earlier you start the process, the better your chances — not just for admission, but also for securing your visa and accommodation. So plan ahead!