Should you apply for a Master's in Germany in your 3rd year or after your 4th year?

The right time depends not on your year of study but on the target program's deadline and on whether it accepts applications before graduation. Germany has no single master's deadline for everyone; each university sets its own.

#Applying before graduation

• Whether a current transcript or an expected-graduation certificate is accepted is up to the university; there is no general rule.
• Look for a rule on this on the program page, or ask the international office.

#Plan backwards

• First note the deadlines of your target programs.
• Get your language certificate and required documents ready before that date; language requirements vary by program.
• If the program uses uni-assist, processing usually takes 4–6 weeks, and uni-assist's deadline is the university's deadline.
• A VPD is needed only if the university asks for one. It is issued for that specific university and is valid for one year from the date of issue. After receiving it, you still apply directly to the university.

#What to do in your 3rd year

• Research programs and list subject fit, grade and language requirements and the documents needed.
• Start language preparation early so your certificates are ready in your final year.

Source: uni-assist – VPD · uni-assist member universities