Unlike at school, university study relies heavily on personal responsibility and self-organisation. You plan your own timetable, prepare course material independently before and after classes, and often work on project-based and practical tasks. Courses such as lectures, seminars and internships provide the framework, whilst a large part of the learning takes place through self-study.
Step by step: Application and course of study
The first question is: university, vocational training, or perhaps something completely different?
No matter what stage you are at, feel free to make use of our personalised advisory services or attend our events if you need help making a decision.
Have you decided to study? Then find out about degree programmes, course content and modes of study, and discover which subject area suits your interests and strengths. Advisory services and events on study orientation help you gain an initial insight and clarify any unanswered questions.
Typical questions at this stage:
- What degree programmes are available?
- What do they cover and what career prospects do they offer?
- Would a full-time degree or a work-study programme suit me better?
Before you apply for a degree programme, you should check whether you meet the entry requirements. For a bachelor’s degree, you will usually need a University entrance qualification or equivalent: a general or discipline-specific university entrance qualification, or an entrance qualification for university of applied sciences (comprising both academic and practical components).
For degree programmes with restricted admission, a selection process is carried out if more applications are received than there are places available.
Depending on the degree programme, additional requirements may apply, such as specific language skills or practical experience. You can find out exactly what the requirements are in the description of the relevant degree programme.
Once you have decided on a degree programme and meet the entry requirements, you can apply for admission. Applications are usually made online, typically via the university’s application portal and, for degree programmes with restricted admission, additionally via hochschulstart.de. You can also find more detailed information about the application process on our website.
During the application process, your application will be checked to ensure that all entry requirements are met. For degree programmes with restricted admission, a selection process will also take place. If your application is successful, you will be offered a place on the programme and receive a letter of admission.
Once you have been admitted, you can then proceed with enrolment. It is only upon enrolment that you officially become a student and can begin your studies.
At university, you are responsible for organising your own study. Unlike at school, there is no fixed timetable for each week and no one checks your progress on a daily basis. You decide for yourself which lectures to attend, register for examinations, and prepare for and review the material independently.
Typical components of a degree course include, for example:
- Lectures: Here, lecturers teach the theoretical foundations of a subject. Lectures usually take place in lecture theatres and are similar to school lessons.
- Seminars and tutorials: In smaller groups, content is discussed, explored in greater depth or put into practice.
- Internships, projects and laboratory work: Many degree programmes include practical modules in which you apply your knowledge directly.
- Self-study: A large part of the degree programme takes place outside of scheduled sessions, for example when reading specialist literature, working on assignments or preparing for Examinations.
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is a campus-based university, so lectures, tutorials, lab sessions and other classes take place on campus.
Self-study in particular is a key component: a significant proportion of study time is planned and organised independently.
For students at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, the Study Advisory Service offers examination and presentation coaching. Through examination and presentation coaching, we teach techniques and strategies to help you study with motivation and get through the examination period more relaxed. You can simply send appointment requests by email to studienberatung(at)
During your degree, you will earn credit points (ECTS) in each module. You will receive these when you successfully pass various types of examinations.
Depending on your degree programme, the types of assessment can vary greatly; for example:
- Written examinations
- Assignments
- Presentations
- Project work
- Oral exams
The examinations are spread over several semesters and together form the basis for your degree. Further information on examinations at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences can be found on the Examination Services page.
