Application ABC
There are a few things to consider when applying for a university place. It can seem complicated to find the right information. In addition, some of the terms used in the application process are not exactly self-explanatory and can quickly lead to confusion.
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 university places are awarded as follows:
...90% according to the university’s own selection (merit quota)
University places are awarded on the basis of selection criteria that are set out in the selection regulations for each degree program: Average grade of the university entrance qualification (A-levels, high school diploma, etc.), weighted individual grades of the university entrance qualification, selection interview, relevant vocational training, internships, voluntary work, prizes, and awards.
...10% according to waiting time (waiting time quota)
Every half year that has passed since you obtained your university entrance qualification and have not been enrolled at a university in Germany is automatically counted as a waiting semester. In principle, a maximum of seven semesters of waiting time are taken into account.
The applicant with the most semesters of waiting time, i.e. who has waited the longest, is awarded the first place. The person who has waited the second longest takes the second place and so on. This continues until 10% of the university places have been allocated.
The grades of the university entrance qualification (A-levels, high school diploma, etc.) do not play a role here.
