Leave of Absence
Are you unable to continue your studies in the following semester for an important reason? You can apply for a leave of absence instead of re-registering in the following cases:
- For professional reasons
- Due to pregnancy or taking care of a child
- In the event of illness that makes studying impossible
- Due to the care of a spouse/registered partner or a first-degree relative
- For other reasons of equal importance.
Deadlines for leave of absence
- Summer semester: 1 December to 31 January
- Winter semester: 1 June to 31 July
Application for leave of absence
The application for leave of absence is available on the German version of this page during certain times.
Information on Taking a Leave of Absence
- A leave of absence is only possible for full-time, part-time students and students on two degree programs,
- A leave of absence must be re-applied for each semester,
- The basic fee of EUR 60.00 and the student body fee (currently EUR 9.00) must also be paid during the semester of leave,
- Students on a leave of absence receive a certificate of enrollment,
- With a few exceptions, it is not possible to register for modules/courses,
- During a leave of absence, it is not possible to take examinations/acquire credit points, with a few exceptions.
Exceptions to exam participation and course enrollment:
- During your leave of absence, you may retake failed examinations (second or third attempt),
- In the case of a leave of absence for family reasons (raising a child, caring for a spouse/registered partner or a close relative within the first degree), you are allowed to take an examination (first attempt),
- To prepare for examinations, it is possible to register using the repeater code (WHK). Please contact belegung, stating your matriculation number and the module/course number(s),
- Please note that an approved leave of absence does not result in automatic deregistration from examinations. Please deregister yourself via the examination portal.
FAQs on Leave of Absence
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No, only full-time, part-time students and students on two degree programs can take a leave of absence for an important reason. Open Access Studies students who are unable to complete their studies in the coming semester are recommended to re-register without taking modules/courses.
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Generally speaking, you can apply for a leave of absence from studies within the enrollment and re-registration deadlines. For the summer semester this is possible in the period from 1 December to 31 January and for the winter semester in the period from 1 June to 31 July.
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A leave of absence can only be applied for retroactively for semesters not yet completed in the event of serious illness. Please note that already registered modules/courses cannot be canceled. The fees must be paid in full.
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Only those who have been granted a leave of absence to raise a child or care for a first-degree relative or wife/husband are permitted to take examinations for the first time during a leave semester.
However, all students on a leave of absence may retake a failed examination. If you need access to the Moodle learning platform in connection with the examination, you must take the relevant modules/courses as a repeater (not subject to a fee).
