Students may be granted a leave of absence for compelling reasons upon application. The application for leave of absence must include a justification and the required supporting documents.
Applications can be submitted directly via the e-campus under the menu item Service - Applications. If you no longer have access to the e-campus, please contact the InfoCenter.
Reasons for taking a leave of absence from studies include, in particular,
- an illnessthat precludes proper study,
- the completion of a study-related internshipthat not part of the studies,
- a study-related stay abroad,
- the period of maternity leave or parental leave,
- the care of relatives who are in need of care according to a medical certificate,
- the temporary work in the parental business due to the illness or need for care of one or both parents,
- Membership in a nationally formed squad (A, B, C or D/C squad) of a top-level sports federation within the German Olympic Sports Confederation,
- Participation as an appointed or elected representative of academic or student self-governance.
Evidence to support the justification
| Regarding point 1: | In case of illness, the expected duration of the illness must be certified by a medical certificate. |
| Regarding point 2: | A study-related internship (not basic internship or BPP) is verified by a corresponding certificate from the Departments. |
| Regarding point 3: | Proof of study abroad at a foreign university must be provided by submitting the enrollment certificate from the host university. In addition to the leave of absence application, a written confirmation from the Departments or the International Office regarding the relevance of the study abroad period to the student's degree program must also be submitted. |
| Regarding point 4: | Proof of maternity leave is provided by submitting the relevant pages of the maternity record (copy) . Parental leave is documented by a copy of the child's birth certificate (certified copy) |
| 5 | The medical certificate regarding the care of dependent relatives should also include information confirming that the care is actually being provided by the student during the requested leave of absence semester . |
| to 6: | The illness or need for care of the parents or parent must be certified by a medical certificate. |
| Regarding point 7: | Membership in a nationally formed squad (A, B, C or D/C squad) must be proven by a certificate from the relevant top-level sports federation within the DOSB. |
| Regarding point 8: | Participation as an appointed or elected representative in academic or student self-governance is documented by a written certificate from the responsible body. |
Please note the additional information:
- A leave of absence requires confirmation for the requested semester.
- A retroactive leave of absence for a completed semester is not possible.
- A leave of absence during the first semester is generally only possible in the case of leave 1, 4 to 7 (see above).
- A leave of absence generally precludes the acquisition of academic credits or the taking of examinations. Exceptions: In the case of reasons for leave 4-8 (see above).
- to retake failed exams, especially from the previous semester, during the leave of absence.
- A leave of absence to prepare for a bachelor's or master's thesis is not permitted. This also applies to students who have completed no required coursework. Exceptions: In the case of points 4-8 (see above).
- A leave of absence to complete the basic internship or the BPP (also within the framework of a stay abroad) is excluded.
- It is not possible to take a leave of absence for a semester abroad that is mandatory according to the examination regulations .
- Semesters on leave do not count as semesters of study.
- With the exception of leave reason 1 (see above), a leave of absence is possible for a maximum of six semesters. Leave reason 4 (see above) is not included in this maximum limit.
- The passive right to vote is suspended during the leave of absence semester (i.e., students on leave can participate in university elections, but are not eligible to be elected themselves).