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Regular study period, mandatory student advisory service, allowance for disadvantages, equality of opportunity

Standard period of study

The period of study is restricted. The duration is described in the regluations of the study program. The period of study for degree programs leading to a bachelor’s degree is six semesters and comprises 180 ECTS credits. The period of study for consecutive master’s degree programs is four semesters and comprises 120 ECTS credits.

Mandatory student advisory service and timeframes

Pursuant to §§ 21 (2) sentence 2 and 20 (3) sentence 1 BbgHG, it is mandatory for students to seek advice if they have not passed successfully the Bachelor's examination within ten semesters or if they have not passed the Master's examination within eight semesters. An exception is made if failure to keep to an examination timeframe is not the fault of the student.

The student shall be summoned in writing to the mandatory student advisory service at the beginning of the semester following the expired timeframe (Bachelor: at the beginning of the elventh semester; Master: at the beginning of the ninth semester). The mandatory student advisory service is provided by the chairperson of the examination board. The mandatory student advisory service is always provided in the form of a personal interview. After receipt of the written invitation to the consultation, the interview usually takes place within four weeks.

The purpose of mandatory student advisory service is to conclude a curriculum agreement that takes into proper consideration the personal situation of the student.

In the case of non-compliance with the completed study agreement for good reasons, proof of the good reason must be provided to the chairperson of the examination board immediately after becoming known and in written form. In the case of illness as a valid reason, this must be proven by an official medical certificate by a public health officer. Applications must be made in writing and accompanied by appropriate evidence to take account of other valid reasons. The examination board decides whether there are valid reasons for an adjustment of the agreement on the course of studies and, if a valid reason is acknowledged, adjusts it together with the students concerned without delay. If there are no valid reasons, the provisions of § 6 Paragraph 7 Sentence 1 ASPO of 13 July 2022, as amended, shall apply.

Valid reasons can be, for example

  • Illness with inability to take the examination,
  • Unreasonable external influences during the examination,
  • Death of a close relative.

Working is usually not a valid reason!

If a student refuses to conclude a curriculum agreement, or fails to conclude such an agreement within the timeframe, or if the student has not obtained the ECTS credits even after expiry of a deadline specified in the curriculum agreement for the successful completion of the study or has failed to provide to the examination office documentary proof (i.e. in the form of ECTS credits), the student shall be de-registered pursuant to § 14 (5) sentence 2 number 2 BbgHG. Again, this shall not apply if failure to meet the deadline is not the fault of the student.

Allowance for disadvantages and equality of opportunity

In particular cases of hardship (such as long periods of illness) the relevant examination board may exempt students from the time limits specified in § 7 (1) ASPO of 13 July 2022 upon submission of a written request and grant an extension. The written request must be submitted without delay when the relevant circumstances arise and must be supported by the relevant documentation, in case of illness by a medical certificate. The relevant examination board may also require the student to submit a medical certificate issued by a public health officer (“Amtsarzt”). Further information provides the website of the public health officer in Frankfurt (Oder).

Support for students who take the statutory maternity leave, who are on parental leave, who care for children beyond the period of parental leave provided for by law and/or who care for relatives is provided by taking account of the individual needs of such students in respect of the required coursework and examinations. The relevant examination board will decide on the specific form of the allowance for disadvantages upon submission of the relevant documentation as evidence of the particular circumstances. Students shall notify the examination board of any changes in their circumstances without delay.

An attempt will be made to cater individually for the specific needs of students with disabilities or chronic illnesses when planning study schedules, coursework and examinations. If a student submits a medical certificate as evidence that he or she is unable to take the examinations either completely or partially in the intended form owing to a long period of physical disability or a permanent physical disability or chronic illness the relevant examination board may permit the student to take an equivalent examination in a different form. The same applies to coursework. The relevant examination board may also require the student to submit a medical certificate issued by a public health officer (“Amtsarzt”). Students shall notify the examination board of any changes in their circumstances without delay.

Required Documents

  1. Application form
  1. Documents for relevant circumstances,
    e. g. medical certificate