Frequently asked questions concerning change of subject

Any change to a higher subject semester normally requires a transfer of credits for study achievements you have already completed. The subject-specific advisors for your desired degree programme will inform you whether you can be admitted to a higher subject semester, and if so, will issue the necessary "transfer of credits certificate".

• Contact with subject-specific advisors
• Dates and deadlines

You can also discuss the actual acceptance and transfer of your completed study achievements with your new subject-specific advisors. After the change has taken place the examination office of your new faculty will take care of the transfer within the examination management system.

Only if you wish to change to a subject with limited admission. Please pay attention to the application deadlines! Attention: There is no guarantee that you will be granted a university place in a subject with restricted admission!

Admission to higher semesters may also be limited. In such cases be sure to discuss your plans with your subject-specific advisors before you submit your application, so that you apply for admission to the correct subject semester. For any subject with restricted admission, you can apply for admission to the first and to one higher subject semester.

• Instructions

For subjects with open admission you can apply directly for a transfer during the period of enrolment.

The limitation of admission for various subjects may be different for higher semesters than for the first subject semester. In such cases you may not need to reapply if you already have the necessary credits for a transfer.

If you start your new subject in the first (subject) semester, please keep in mind the possible start dates. Subjects within the dual-subject Bachelor's programme generally only start in the winter semester.

• Admission requirements
• Dates and deadlines
• Instructions

For subjects with open admission you only need an application for change of your study schedule, which you submit to the Registrar?s Office prior to the deadline, where applicable accompanied by your "transfer of credits certificate" and any other required documentary evidence. Admission is a prerequisite for enrolment in any subjects with restricted admission. The letter of admission is accompanied by a declaration of acceptance where you can enter your new choice of degree programme.

Please note that enrolment for some subjects requires evidence of language proficiency or having passed an aptitude test.

• Required language skills
• Instructions concerning aptitude test for the subject of Sports Science

Students with a nationality outside the EU (or stateless students) or graduates from a preparatory college, however, please apply to the International Student Office.

Important information and points of contact can always be found as part of each entry in our general information about courses and degrees offered (Subjects from A to Z):

• Contact with subject-specific advisors
• Admission requirements
• Date for a possible start of studies
• Information about the subject and content of study
• Study and examination regulations
• Catalogues of modules

Make use of the facilities available to clarify your doubts:

• The study advisory service of the faculties will assist you in case of difficulties with your subject, in planning your schedule of studies or in developing perspectives for the time following your (Bachelor?s) degree programme.
• The Central Student Advisory Service offers personal counselling and support for changing subjects and reorientation.

If you are looking for a new subject, you are welcome to use the extensive programme for prospective students. Please check the options available there, such as the information days for prospective students, the online self-assessment for course orientation or trial studies, or the "Schnupperstudium".

Other useful links for research:

• Study regulations
• Catalogue of lectures
• Contact for study and examination advice

Use the time before a change of subject to plan the further course of your studies or to gain practical experience. Within the scope of the dual-subject Bachelor's programme, you can, for example, concentrate on the one subject you want to keep and take more courses from this subject. In addition, there are opportunities in every degree programme within the framework of the key competencies to already acquire credits for your new degree programme or to temporarily focus on the general key competencies. To become more confident in your decision, it is also worthwhile to use the time before a change of subject for practical experience. For example, in the context of an internship or a part-time job. You can find more helpful information in the videos of the Central Student Advisory Service on this website. Ideally, you should also discuss your further course of studies with the subject-specific advisors in order to assess all the possibilities in your subject and clarify future opportunities for the transfer of credits.

• Contact for study and examination advice

Your start in the new subject should also be planned. Depending on the specific study and examination regulations, some modules may be required which are only taught during the winter semester. If passing any of these modules is a prerequisite for further study, a rapid continuation of studies cannot necessarily be ensured in the case of admission for the summer semester. Please discuss your further schedule of studies with the subject-specific advisors in connection with your transfer of credits.

Please be sure to observe the BAföG regulations when changing your subject. If you have any questions, please contact the student services organisation Studentenwerk Göttingen. At this point, we would also like to draw your attention to the free legal advice provided by the general student committee (AStA).

As an international student at the University of Göttingen there might be questions of the continuation of your visa/residence permit when you think about changing your subject. The right contact point for this is the Foreigners' Office of the City of Göttingen (Ausländerbehörde der Stadt Göttingen).
If you are planning to change subjects, you must also clarify whether your university entrance qualification is also valid for your new desired subject. Ask our International Student Office.
These issues can be very complex and it is always worth asking for your individual case. If you are not yet sure whether you want to change your subject or do not yet know which new subject is the right one, you can contact the Central Student Advisory Service for advice.

In addition to a change of focus within your degree programme and a change of subject into a new study programme, you also have the option of dropping out of your studies at the university if you realise that this is not the right path for you. Please feel free to use the services of the Central Student Advisory Service in this decision-making process. If you are considering a more practical based course of education, the university team at the Agentur für Arbeit is the right place to turn to. In addition, there is also the Neustart Voraus network in Göttingen, which can accompany and support you in your considerations.