Probationary Studies for Professionals with Non-academic Vocational Qualifications
To enroll as a probationary student, you have to register on your chosen bachelor’s degree program at the FernUniversität. In practice, your studies will be no different from those of “regularly” enrolled students; you are merely studying “on probation” for the time being. To pass the probationary period in a bachelor’s degree program, you need to achieve at least 40 ECTS credits in a maximum of 4 semesters or at least 60 ECTS credits in a maximum of 6 semesters from the respective bachelor’s program. A different regulation applies to the state examination course “First Legal Examination,” and this is described in more detail below.
Photo: Torsten Silz
Who Is Eligible for Probationary Studies?
If you have a professional qualification but no German higher education entrance qualification and would like to study a subject at the FernUniversität in Hagen that does not match your previous career path, you can start the course as a probationary student. This applies, for example, to people who have gained practical experience outside of their trained occupation or whose vocational training does not correspond to the subject of the degree program.
Admission as a probationary student is possible if you
- have completed at least two years of vocational training, and
- can provide evidence of at least three years of subsequent professional experience (part-time employment is taken into account on a pro rata basis; raising underage children or caring for a relative are recognized as a substitute for employment).
Do I Meet All the Requirements for the Probationary Studies Program?
If you are unsure whether you meet the necessary criteria to enroll as a probationary student, you can send us your documents in advance and we will check them for you. Make sure you enclose a copy of any certificate of vocational training/advanced vocational training.
Registering as a Probationary Student
To enroll, you must submit an officially certified copy of your certificate showing that you have completed vocational training and provide documentation information of at least three years of subsequent professional experience together with your application form.
You can apply as a probationary student via the standard online application process for enrollment in a bachelor’s degree program.
This Is How the Probationary Bachelor’s Study Program Works
You study your chosen bachelor’s degree program following the same curriculum as all full-time or part-time students and take the scheduled examinations. To successfully complete the probationary period, you need to achieve at least 40 ECTS credits in a maximum of 4 semesters or at least 60 ECTS credits in a maximum of 6 semesters from the respective bachelor’s program.
- Bachelor’s degree programs in Educational Science, Cultural Studies, and Political Science, Administrative Science, and Sociology:
3 modules in the first 4 semesters (equivalent to 45 ECTS) or 4 modules in the first 6 semesters (equivalent to 60 ECTS) - Bachelor’s degree program in Psychology:
3 modules in the first 4 semesters (equivalent to 40 ECTS) or 4–5 modules in the first 6 semesters (equivalent to 60 ECTS) - Bachelor’s degree programs in Economics, Business Informatics:
4 modules in the first 4 semesters (equivalent to 40 ECTS) or 6 modules in the first 6 semesters (equivalent to 60 ECTS) - Bachelor’s degree programs in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Mathematical-Technical Software Development:
4–5 modules in the first 4 semesters (equivalent to 40 ECTS) or 6–7 modules in the first 6 semesters (equivalent to 60 ECTS) - Bachelor’s degree program in Law:
4 modules in the first 4 semesters (equivalent to 40 ECTS) or 6 modules in the first 6 semesters (equivalent to 60 ECTS)
Probationary Studies in the “First Legal Examination” Degree Program
In the state examination course “First Legal Examination,” the probationary period is considered successfully completed when the student has met the following conditions:
- In full-time studies, the probationary student has achieved at least 40 ECTS credits in the first 2 semesters or at least 60 ECTS credits in the first 3 semesters from the foundation course.
- In part-time studies, the probationary student has achieved at least 40 ECTS credits in the first 4 semesters or at least 60 ECTS credits in the first 6 semesters from the basic studies.
Completing the Probationary Study Period
Once you have completed all the above-mentioned requirements, apply to your examination office for a certificate confirming that you have successfully completed your probationary studies at the FernUniversität in Hagen.
You can use this certificate to informally apply for final enrollment in your bachelor’s degree program at the Registrar’s Office anytime and continue your studies without losing any time. You can apply for enrollment in the following ways:
- by post: FernUniversität in Hagen, Registrar’s Office, Universitätsstr. 47, 58097 Hagen
- by email: bachelor
- by fax: +49 2331 987-19246
Transitional Regulation for Students Who Started Their Probationary Studies Before the Winter Semester 2021/2022
Students who enrolled as probationary students before the winter semester 2021/22 under the old regulation for completing the probationary study period (at least 80 ECTS in 8 semesters) can continue to work toward completing their probation in 8 semesters due to the protection of legitimate expectations. If these studies are terminated and then resumed at a later date, this protection of legitimate expectations no longer applies.
However, you can also benefit from the new regulation if you have achieved at least 40 ECTS during your first 4 semesters or at least 60 ECTS in your first 6 semesters.
