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Change of Institution

If you wish to enrol at Heidelberg University to continue a degree programme that you have already begun at another German university, it is possible to change institution and enrol at Heidelberg in the subsequent academic semester.

You must submit an application for all degree programmes by the given deadline. Admission to more advanced semesters is subject to specific admission criteria.
If a student is changing institution and looking to enrol in the fourth or a more advanced semester, they must provide proof of having successfully passed the orientation examination, or a certificate of equivalence for any credits gained in the previous degree programme. For enrolment in the seventh or a more advanced semester, students must provide proof of having passed the intermediate examination, or a certificate of equivalence for any credits gained in the previous degree programme. Certificates of equivalence are generally provided by the academic advisors for the relevant subject.
Even if you are or were enrolled at a university in another EU member state and would like to continue with a degree programme with the same name at Heidelberg University, it is possible to apply and enrol in an advanced semester as part of changing institution. If the degree programme is to be continued in an advanced semester at Heidelberg University, it is imperative that any credits that were gained outside Germany are transferred to the relevant subject. The relevant examination boards and offices are responsible for issuing a certificate of transferable credits. Academic advisors may also be contacted for questions regarding the transfer of credits.

SUBJECTS WITH ADMISSION RESTRICTIONS BEYOND THE FIRST SEMESTER

University places in subjects to which admission is restricted beyond the first semester can be offered only if their is sufficient free capacity in the desired subject. When admitting students who are changing institution, 50 % of university places are allocated on the basis of previously gained credits. The remaining 50% of university places are allocated on the basis of social factors, relating in particular to family circumstances, economic and academic reasons. Candidates must submit an application by the deadline (15 July or 15 January).

Criteria for the allocation of university places for advanced academic semesters

For the admission of transfer students and students who have interrupted their studies, 50% of university places are allocated on the basis of previous academic achievements (previously gained credits). As statements cannot be made here in regard to the credits required in individual cases, we ask that when applying for admission as part of changing university, or after having interrupted your studies, you include a detailed description of all previous periods of study (including certificates, examinations and transcripts of records) in your application. This also applies for transfers. All available places will be allocated on the basis of previously gained credits. Further information can be found in the selection regulations for admission beyond the first semester. 

The remaining 50% of university places are allocated on the basis of social factors, relating in particular to family circumstances, economic and academic reasons. These are prioritised as follows:

  • Attested severe disability or equivalent in accordance with the Disabilities Act (Schwerbehindertengesetz).
  • The candidate’s sole or main domicile with his/her spouse or children is located in the administrative district of the University.
  • Request for admission to the candidate’s preferred place of study is recognised on the basis of his/her severe health problems, family circumstances, economic or academic reasons.
  • The candidate’s sole or main domicile with parents is located in the administrative district of the University.

Further information on applying to the University with reference to any of the above criteria and in the case of a change of institution can be found in the information sheet on specific applications.