If you have completed vocational training or have work experience, you may still be able to study under certain conditions. This is governed by a specific regulation on vocational education and training (BBHZVO).
If you meet the requirements, you can apply for Degree programmes leading to a Bachelor’s degree. Unfortunately, applications for Master’s programmes are not possible, as these are postgraduate programmes and a Bachelor’s degree is always a prerequisite. If you have completed a Bachelor’s degree, you can then go on to study for a Master’s degree.
The Study Advisory Service will be happy to show you the options available for starting a degree at our university and will check with you whether you meet the requirements. Make an appointment as early as possible so you do not miss any deadlines and can plan your start of studies smoothly.
Which degree programme is right for you? Take a look:
Your qualifications, your opportunities
Holders of a “Meister” qualification and those with equivalent qualifications have direct access to all degree programmes. However, they must meet the programme-specific entry requirements (such as proof of language proficiency, an internship or, in some degree programmes, an aptitude test)
Admission to a degree programme is granted (in accordance with Section 2 of the BBHZVO) to those who have obtained one of the following advanced vocational training qualifications:
- Master craftsman’s certificate in a trade pursuant to Sections 45 or 51a of the Crafts and Trades Regulation Act
- An equivalent further training qualification for which examination regulations exist under Sections 53 or 54 of the Vocational Training Act or under Sections 42 or 42a of the Crafts and Trades Regulation Act
- A qualification from a technical college in accordance with the Framework Agreement on Technical Colleges of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs
- A qualification from an equivalent further training course regulated by state law for professions in the healthcare sector and in the field of social care and social pedagogy
- Completion of other equivalent advanced training regulated by federal or state law
Applicants with relevant vocational training and professional experience are eligible for degree programmes that correspond to their vocational training and professional experience. In addition, they must meet the programme-specific entry requirements (such as proof of language proficiency, an internship or, in some degree programmes, an aptitude test).
Requirements pursuant to Section 3 of the BBHZVO:
- Vocational training recognised and completed in accordance with federal or state law, lasting at least two years, followed by at least three years of full-time professional experience in the trade in which the training was undertaken. Further vocational training in a related field may be recognised as professional experience.
- For recipients of the Federal Upgrading Scholarship Programme, two years of full-time work are sufficient.
- Part-time employment of at least half-time is counted as professional experience in proportion to the hours worked.
Applicants whose vocational training and professional experience do not correspond to the subject area may, after successfully passing an entrance examination or completing a trial period of study, enrol on a Degree programme that does not correspond to their vocational training and professional experience. In addition, they must meet the programme-specific requirements (such as proof of language proficiency, an internship or, in some programmes, an aptitude test).
Requirements pursuant to Section 4 of the BBHZVO:
- Vocational training recognised and completed in accordance with federal or state law, lasting at least two years, followed by at least three years of full-time professional experience – including experience outside the trade in which the training was undertaken.
- For recipients of the Federal Upgrading Scholarship Programme, two years are sufficient.
- Part-time employment of at least half-time is counted as professional experience in proportion to the hours worked.
Important: Professional experience also includes situations where you are or have been primarily responsible for and independently managing a household with at least one minor child or a relative in need of care. Further details are set out in the statutory instrument.
The following are also recognised as professional activities:
- voluntary military service
- the Federal Voluntary Service
- the voluntary social year
- the voluntary ecological year
- work as a development aid worker
- completion of further vocational training
In degree programmes with restricted admission, applicants from outside the subject area must sit an entrance examination; in degree programmes with open admission, you can choose between an entrance examination and a trial period of study lasting at least two semesters.
Enrolment can only take place after a successful trial period. A trial period is considered successful if, after two semesters, an average of at least 20 credit points under the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) has been earned.
The entrance examination determines whether you meet the subject-specific and methodological requirements for the Degree programme you wish to pursue. The examination covers general and subject-specific knowledge; it usually comprises written and oral components.
