Study.eu
Your gateway to universities in Europe

Study in Europe in 2023: When to apply? - Deadlines

Big Ben - London by Norbert Reimer, CC BY-SA 2.0, modified
  1. Study.eu
  2. Study in Europe in 2023: When to apply? - Deadlines

Study in Europe in 2023: When to apply? - Deadlines

Author: Study.eu Team — Last update: 24 October 2022

If you want to get a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Europe in 2023, it is important to do your research early. In some countries, you may have to submit your applications up to 9 months before the start of term.

This article is regularly updated with the relevant university application deadlines.

When do university applications close?

University application deadlines are very different from country to country. And they sometimes depend on whether you need a student visa. To start studying in autumn 2023, applications might close as early as January 2023 (Sweden or Finland) up until as late as July 2023 (Germany) or even August/September (Austria or Poland).

Europe: Application deadlines for autumn/winter semester 2023

We have compiled an overview of university application deadlines in Europe - check out the table below. The following dates are generally valid to start studies in the following autumn semester, in some countries called fall semester or winter semester; and they apply to the majority of public universities in the respective countries.

Country Common application deadlines
Austria (search now) June to September 2023 (varies by university)
Belgium (search now) 1 June 2023 (students from the EU/EEA); February/March (non-EEA students)
Czech Republic (search now) usually February to April for most universities
Denmark (search now) 15 March 2023 (Bachelor degrees); varies for Master degrees
Estonia (search now) between March and June 2023; deadlines for non-EEA citizens are usually earlier
Finland (search now) 19 January 2023 (most universities); March/April 2023 (some universities of applied sciences)
France (search now) between February and April 2023 for most universities
Germany (search now) 15 July 2023 for most universities/programmes; deadlines can be different especially if a visa is needed
Hungary (search now) between February and May 2023 for most universities
Iceland (search now) varies by university; between January and April 2023
Ireland (search now) Bachelors: 1 February 2023 is the priority deadline, later applications might also be possible; Masters: varies by university and programme
Italy (search now) varies by university; but generally from May to July, and earlier for students who need a visa
Latvia (search now) May/June 2023; varies by university
Lithuania (search now) June/July 2023
Netherlands (Holland) (search now) 1 April 2023 or 1 May 2023 for most universities; some universities offer assistance with accommodation if you apply early
Norway (search now) 1 December 2022 for non-European students, 1 March 2023 for students from EU/EEA; might be different for some universities
Poland (search now) varies by university; but generally from July to August
Russia (search now) beginning of July 2023 for most universities
Spain (search now) varies by university; some as early as January, some as late as July
Sweden (search now) 16 January 2023 to register application, and 1 February 2023 to submit all documents and pay the application fee
Switzerland (search now) varies by university; but generally from February to April, and earlier for students who need a visa
United Kingdom (search now) Bachelors/undergraduate: usually by January, and vacant places are filled via Clearing applications from July until October 2023
Master/postgraduate: varies by university; some accept applications until the summer; some popular courses are full much earlier

Some study programmes, or some private universities, may have different application deadlines before or after the entries in the table. Be sure to do your research early so that you won’t be caught in a hurry.

Which documents do you need for your university application?

The application closing dates in the table above usually mean that by then you must have submitted your complete application. Check with the universities for the details - but in general, applying for a Bachelor or Master means you have to submit the following documents:

  • Cover letter (or motivation letter)
  • Curriculum vitae (CV, or resume)
  • Previous degree certificates or grade transcripts
  • Proof of English proficiency (usually IELTS or TOEFL)
  • Copy of your passport or national ID
  • Academic reference letters (sometimes)
  • Documentation for programme-specific requirements

In some cases, some of these documents can be supplied after the actual application deadline - so long as you began your application before that date. Make sure to read the admissions guidelines to know exactly what documents are needed when.

Can I apply to university later?

It is definitely recommended to apply by the official application deadlines - and in some cases it is even technically impossible to apply later, because the websites through which you would have applied are shut down. However, many universities in many countries allow late entries when there are still places available.

What to do if I missed the university application deadline?

Even if you missed the application date for a study programme, there is still a chance you can apply and get admitted. Here is what you should do:

  • Check the university website, and perhaps the country’s application system website. You might find information on how to apply late.
  • Call or e-mail the university that offers the programme, and ask if they accept a late application. Don’t explain too much why you missed the deadline, just focus on convincing them that you will be a good candidate.
  • Once you can confirm that a late application will be considered for admission, don’t waste time: Prepare all required documents and send them off. You may just be in luck!

What if I can’t get a visa in time?

During the coronavirus pandemic, many countries temporarily closed their embassies and consulates. While this situation has now improved, visa processing capacity can occasionally be limited in some places.  Staff shortages can make it difficult for non-Europeans to apply for a student visa to study in Europe. Details vary a lot depending on your country of origin and the country you plan to study in. Be aware that waiting times can still be longer in 2023 and therefore, plan ahead! Reach out to universities early to find out what they recommend.

Which countries accept late applications?

Universities in some countries require you to send your applications very early, for example Sweden or Finland, where first-round closing dates are usually in January. However, it is common that you can send in late applications for a second admissions round. This could be successful if the courses you apply to did not otherwise get enough applicants.

Otherwise, some countries generally have very late application deadlines. In the Baltic countries - Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania - you can usually apply to university until June. German public universities commonly accept applications until mid-July. In Austria and Poland, you can sometimes send in your application until shortly before the start of the semester.

17292 Programmes in Europe
Study.eu Team
Author: Study.eu Team

Our multi-national team has done extensive research to provide you with detailed and correct information. The content is regularly checked and kept up-to-date.

Featured universities:
University of Derby
University of Derby
Derby, United Kingdom
298 study programmes
EU Business School
EU Business School
Geneva, Switzerland
46 study programmes
KU Leuven
KU Leuven
Leuven, Belgium
103 study programmes
University of Helsinki
University of Helsinki
Helsinki, Finland
73 study programmes
Aarhus University
Aarhus University
Aarhus, Denmark
37 study programmes

You might be interested in this:

7 reasons why you should study in Europe
7 reasons why you should study in Europe
Triple accreditation: Business schools in Europe with the “Triple Crown”
Triple accreditation: Business schools in Europe with the “Triple Crown”
These are the best universities in Eurovision host cities
These are the best universities in Eurovision host cities

Copyright © 2023 Study.eu



Imprint · Privacy Policy · About Study.eu · Jobs
Press

Universities:
Advertise on Study.eu
Study in Europe:
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Recent articles:

Denmark: Tuition fees & cost of living

Getting a degree in Fashion Design: All you need to know

Top 10 Best UK Universities for Psychology in 2023

Guide to Masters degrees: MA, MSc, MBA, LLM, ... - Glossary

7 Reasons to Study in Croatia

Study.eu has been mentioned in numerous news publications worldwide, such as:
L'Étudiant (France)
Frankfurter Allgemeine (Germany)
The Standard (Hong Kong)
The Independent (UK)
Al-Masry Al-Youm (Egypt)
Le Monde (France)
The Local (Europe)
Forbes (USA)
Cookies & analytics help us deliver our services. Privacy policy