Application ABC
There are several points to remember when applying for a study place. It may appear difficult to find the relevant information. In addition, some of the terminology used throughout the application procedure is not exactly self-explanatory and can quickly cause confusion.
We want to give you assistance with this and will therefore try to explain the most important terms on these pages.
What can I apply for?
How are places in the program allocated?
Places for the first subject-related semester, if limited, are allocated in the following manner:
If you would like to do service after completing your secondary school degree, you can apply for a university place either before or during your time of service. If you are admitted during your time of service, you can defer starting and complete your service.
It is important to keep the notification of admission somewhere where you can easily find it again! At the latest at the second application date after your service is completed, you can once again apply for that degree program and your application will be given preference.
However, you will not automatically be considered in the application process the next year - you need to submit a new application for admission (online application).
Attach a copy of your earlier notification of admission as well as a certification of your time of service.
After the preferred candidates have been awarded a place, the following quotas are filled before further candidates are considered:
| 5% | Hardship cases |
| 8% | International applicants (non-EU citizens) |
| 2% | Those pursuing a second degree |
| 1% | Persons with a high public profile and are tied to a place (e.g. top athletes) |
The remaining places in the program will be allocated as follows...
...90% according to selection by the university (achievement quota)
The study places are awarded on the basis of selection criteria which are laid down in the selection regulations for each degree program: average grade of the university entrance qualification ("Abi grade"), weighted individual grades of the university entrance qualification, selection interview, relevant vocational training, internships, voluntary work, and prizes and awards.
...10% according to waiting period (waiting period quota)
Every half year that passes since you acquired your university entrance qualification and that you are not enrolled at a university in Germany is automatically counted as a waiting semester. As a rule, a maximum of seven waiting semesters are taken into account.
The applicant who has the most waiting semesters, i.e. who has waited the longest, is awarded first place. The one who waited the second longest, the second place, etc. This continues until 10% of the places are allocated, regardless of the grades of the university entrance qualification ("Abitur").
