FAQ

To participate in the courses BOK I (Part III): Successful Presentations, BOK I (Part IV): Academic Writing, and BOK II: Technical English during the 2026/27 winter semester, registration via HISinOne is required.

The registration period runs from July 15, 2026, to July 22, 2026. Please note that you must indicate your preferences for three groups when registering. Seats will be assigned after the first registration period ends, taking these preferences into account.

Any remaining spots will be allocated via HISinOne from July 27, 2026, to August 7, 2026, as part of the remaining spot allocation process. Participation and the awarding of ECTS credits are possible only upon prior registration.

A separate registration period for BOK I (Parts I and II) (Literature Research and Information Literacy) will be announced via HISinOne. Please note that registration is binding. For more information, please contact the Economics Program Coordination Office.

On July 6, 2026, the online course evaluation for the 2026 summer semester will begin. The evaluation will run through July 17, 2026.
During this period, students have the opportunity to evaluate their courses online and thereby provide valuable feedback on the quality of their academic experience and instruction. The results of these evaluations play an important role in the ongoing development and assurance of teaching quality.
We look forward to a lively turnout and thank all students for their support and dedication.

Welcome to the University of Freiburg and the Department of Economics. At the beginning of the semester, there are general and subject-specific introductory sessions. You can find an overview of these, as well as the university’s digital services and the most important contact points (here).

The relevant dates can be found on the Service Center Studium website.

It is best to submit an application in writing in the form of a formal business letter. In it, state your request and, if necessary, justify your application. Send the signed application to the Examinations Office (Prüfungsamt). Please always include your matriculation number and your degree program.

The examination regulations form the basic framework of every degree programme. They set out all the rules governing the course of study. They are legally binding and ensure that all students complete their studies in accordance with the same guidelines. They specify grading systems, the requirements for achieving grades, and what students need to bear in mind. Familiarity with the examination regulations will help you plan your daily study routine as effectively as possible and successfully complete your degree. You can therefore avoid many problems during your studies by familiarising yourself with your examination regulations.

The examination regulations can be found in the Download Centre.

The module handbook sets out the detailed structure of the degree programme. It supplements the examination regulations but does not replace them.
The module handbook provides detailed information on:

• Course content and structure
• Course progression
• Educational and qualification objectives

Furthermore, the module handbook provides details for each module regarding prerequisites, content, qualification objectives and the frequency of the course (summer semester/winter semester; annually/every two years).

The module handbooks can be found in the Download Centre.

You can find an overview of the chairs at the Institute of Economics via the menu: Institute – Professorships.

You can apply directly to the University of Freiburg via the online portal. Depending on your qualifications and your personal circumstances (application as a first-year student, student in a higher year, German Abitur, non-German Abitur, etc.), you will be directed straight to the correct application procedure.

The application period for degree programmes with restricted admission runs from 1 June to 15 July; for all degree programmes with unrestricted admission, applications can be submitted from 1 June until one week before the start of the semester.

You can only start the programme in the winter semester. However, it is possible to join the programme at a higher semester in the summer, provided that you can have at least 18 ECTS credits recognised from previous studies. For information on possible credit transfers, please contact the Examinations Office for Economics; your contact person there is Ms Grünholz.

The Student Services Centre – Student Registry can answer this question for you; you will usually receive a reply from 20 September onwards.

Yes, this is possible as part of the polyvalent degree programme. There, you have the choice of studying for a teaching qualification or opting for an individual (i.e. subject-specific) specialisation.

To be placed in a higher semester, you must have at least 18 ECTS credits from your previous studies recognised for single-subject degree programmes. For the Polyvalent Bachelor’s programme, the minimum is 10 ECTS credits. For all credit transfers, please contact the Examination Office for Economics in Freiburg, providing a transcript of your academic record and proof that you have not forfeited your right to sit examinations. Your contact person there is Ms Grünholz, who will provide you with the relevant forms. Decisions on credit transfers are made by departmental representatives. Further information on this process can be found on the Examinations Office’s website.

Please come along to the academic advisory service’s consultation hours. No appointment is necessary. The consultation hours are listed on the website.

The courses start in October or April; you can find the exact start date of the lecture term on the Service Centre’s website.

In the week before lectures begin, a preparatory course in business mathematics (lecture and accompanying tutorial) will take place.
This is specifically aimed at first-year students on the B.Sc. Economics, the B.Sc. Business Administration (Public and Non-Profit Management), the polyvalent dual-major Bachelor’s programme, and those taking Economics and Business Administration as minor subjects on the B.A. programme, and serves to refresh participants’ basic mathematical knowledge. Further information can be found in the course catalogue.

The student union is organising an orientation programme for first-year students. This takes place during the first week of the semester. Further information can be found in the student union’s information booklet (‘Ersti-Heft’), which will be sent to first-year students before lectures begin and will be available in due course.

• You have not lost your eligibility to sit an examination in economics or a related subject. If in doubt, please contact the Examinations Office.
• You are not currently in the examination process.

Placement into a higher academic semester must take place before enrolment or transfer.
In the B.Sc. in Business Administration (PNPM), the B.Sc. in Economics, the M.Sc. in Business Administration (PNPM) and the M.Sc. in Economics, you may be placed into a higher academic semester provided that at least 18 ECTS are recognised. For the Master’s programmes, you will also require a certificate from our programme coordination office confirming that you meet the formal admission requirements.
In the polyvalent Bachelor’s in Economics, at least one module worth at least 6 ECTS from the foundation module area must be recognised. You will receive a placement recommendation from the Examinations Office once any credits have been assessed. Please note that only credits already earned can be assessed for recognition.
Further information on changing universities, changing degree programmes and exchanging study places can be found on the central university website.

In order to determine whether credits from other higher education institutions or degree programmes can be recognised, these must generally first be assessed for equivalence by our subject representatives. The original credits are examined on the basis of content-related criteria, as well as in terms of the scope of the course (ECTS credits, weekly contact hours) and the form of assessment.

To initiate the recognition procedure, please proceed as follows:

As a first step, you should submit proposals for the recognition of credits for your intended degree programme. To do this, compare your previous credits with the examination and coursework requirements at the University of Freiburg. Further information on the degree programmes can be found in the degree programme overview and in the relevant module handbook in the Download Centre.

Please send the following documents to the Examinations Office (by post or email):

• Proposals for recognition (see Download Centre)
• Declaration of recognition (see Download Centre)
• Certified transcript of records (if submitted electronically, the original must still be presented in person) or transcript of records with verification code

Once your documents have been checked, the Examinations Office will send you forms which you must use to contact the relevant subject representatives to have the equivalence assessed. Please also provide the subject representatives with module descriptions and, where applicable, further information regarding your original academic achievements. Recognition of credits is not processed automatically. Credits can only be entered into your academic record once you have enrolled in the relevant degree programme. Please contact the Examinations Office as soon as you have enrolled.

The economics examination boards have stipulated that marks from other marking systems must be converted using the ‘modified Bavarian formula’. For some marking systems, this conversion method can only be applied approximately.
$x = 1 + 3 \cdot \frac{N_{\text{max}} – N_d}{N_{\text{max}} – N_{\text{min}}}$
$x$: grade sought
$N_{\text{max}}$: highest achievable grade in the foreign grading system
$N_{\text{min}}$: lowest grade in the foreign grading system required to pass
$N_d$: grade to be converted into the German grading system
The result is rounded to the nearest grade.
If the result lies exactly between two German grades, it is rounded up to the higher grade.

Depending on the type of recognition, different bodies are responsible:

ECTS credits, credit points and performance points are used interchangeably. They serve as a measure of the workload involved in courses within a degree programme. One credit point corresponds to 30 hours of work. If a course is worth, for example, 6 ECTS, this means that 180 hours of work are required. These hours include, for example, attending the course, as well as preparation and follow-up work.

No, when you pass a module, you always receive the same, fixed number of ECTS credits.

The module handbook (linked on the relevant degree programme page) describes the modules associated with the degree programme, their interdependencies, their qualification and learning objectives, and the method of assessment. The scope of each module is indicated by credit points, which are awarded upon successful completion of the module. The module handbook does not replace the course catalogue, which provides up-to-date information on variable course details (e.g. time and venue) for each semester.

You can find these under the ‘Course Catalogue’ section in the HISinOne Campus Management System.

At our department, many courses (particularly lectures) do not require registration; this means you do not need to sign up to attend them, but can simply turn up. However, there may be exceptions to this rule, particularly for BOK courses and seminars.

In the first lecture, the allocation of tutors and tutorials, and the allocation process, will be discussed.

Yes, and this must be done within the registration period set by the Examinations Office. You can find the exact deadline in the Exam Schedule (download center).

This is only possible during the registration period set by the Examinations Office.

In the orientation examination, the student must demonstrate that they have acquired fundamental knowledge and skills in their subjects of study and are therefore fundamentally suited to the subjects they have chosen. The relevant examination regulations specify, under the section on the orientation examination, which modules the examination comprises. The orientation examination is conducted alongside the course of study. The examination requirements for the orientation examination must be fulfilled by the end of the second semester. If they are not fulfilled by the end of the third semester at the latest, the right to sit the examination lapses.

BOK stands for ‘Vocational Field-Oriented Competences’ and is a course that teaches practice-oriented content. A total of 20 ECTS credits from this area must be earned within the BSc programmes.
Of these, 4 ECTS credits must be obtained either from BOK1 (Research Methods), BOK3 (Economic Case Studies) or an economics seminar.
A further 4 ECTS are obtained through BOK2 (English for Specific Purposes).
The remaining 12 ECTS credits are obtained externally at the Centre for Key Competencies (ZfS), which is divided into the subject areas of IT, foreign languages, communication, management and media.
In the polyvalent Bachelor’s programme, a minimum of 8 ECTS credits must be obtained externally at the Centre for Key Competencies (ZfS) when choosing an individual specialisation.

The easiest way to do this is to use the “Planner of studies”
under the “My Studies” tab in HISinOne.

You can register for courses in HISinOne as described in the wiki.

You can ask the teacher in charge to add you later.

Course enrolment and exam registration are separate processes.
Please make sure you register for the exam in good time if you wish to sit it.

• In the “Selected Topics in Economics” module, students can take courses in economic theory, economic policy, and public finance. These are listed in the module handbook for the B.Sc. in Economics (Economic Theory, Economic Policy, and Public Finance). You can find the courses offered for a given semester in the online course catalog.
• In the “Selected Topics in Business Administration” module, students can take courses and seminars in the field of business administration. These are listed in the module handbook for the B.Sc. in Business Administration (General Business Administration track). You can find the courses offered for a given semester in the online course catalog.
• Please note that, starting with the 2020 summer semester, you must register for lectures and seminars in HISinOne via the Course Planner. Registering for a course does not constitute exam registration; if you wish to take the exam, you must register for it during the exam registration period! The Computer Center provides instructions on “How do I register for courses?”

• 4 ECTS credits are typically awarded for attending the lecture and sitting the corresponding examination
• Students typically receive 6 ECTS credits if they also attend the accompanying tutorial and sit the correspondingly more comprehensive examination. Where this option is available, students select the number of ECTS credits themselves when registering for the examination. The required coursework and the number of ECTS credits available will be announced at the start of the semester (in the course catalogue, module handbook or during the first lecture).

HISinOne is the central student administration system at the University of Freiburg. This is where you apply for admission and, once enrolled, can re-register, book courses and register for exams, request your academic transcript and certificate of enrolment, and much more.

You can contact HISinOne at: https://campus.uni-freiburg.de You can find the relevant user guide here.

Ilias is the University of Freiburg’s e-learning platform, where you can access information and materials for many of your courses.

Please use your university account to log in.

The easiest way to do this is to use the “Planner of studies”
under the “My Studies” tab in HISinOne.

You can register for courses in HISinOne as described in the wiki.

The Campus Management team has put together a detailed guide for you.
It is important that you keep your contact details up to date so that we can send you the latest information about your studies or your degree documents.

The Campus Management team has put together a detailed guide for you here.

In HISinOne / Campus Management, you can view your current course credits at any time. To do so, log in to HISinOne and download your current transcript of records.

You can find the course catalogue in HISinOne.

Was sind Prüfungs- und Studienleistungen?

• Examinations (PL): You must pass these modules, and they will count directly towards your final mark.
• Non-graded works (SL): You simply need to pass these; they do not count towards your final mark and can be retaken as many times as you like.
• Important: You must apply for both types of module by the deadline!

In which language are the exams held?

Unless otherwise stated in the module handbook, the language of teaching and examination is German (B.Sc.) and German and English (M.Sc.)

When and where will the exams take place?

Please refer to the current exam timetable for the exact venue and time. If exams are held in multiple rooms, please check the website of the relevant department directly.

Registration is available exclusively online via HISinOne.

• Please note: Simply attending a course does not count as registration for the exam!
• You can find guidance on the technical implementation in this wiki: https://wiki.uni-freiburg.de/campusmanagement/doku.php?id=hisinone:studieren:pruefung_en

Having trouble with online registration?

If you are unable to register online, please contact your assigned administrator at the Registrar’s Office via email during the registration period.
Please include: a screenshot of the error, your student ID number, and your degree program.

How do I withdraw from an exam?

During the official registration and withdrawal period, you can withdraw from exams in HISinOne on your own.

Please register only for the exams you actually intend to take. Failure to appear for a registered exam will be counted as a failed attempt (grade of 5.0).

Withdrawal from an exam due to illness

If you are unable to attend due to illness, you must request a cancellation immediately (within 3 business days) to avoid a 5.0.

1. Download the form “Guidelines for Withdrawing from an Exam Due to Illness” from the Download Center.
2. Submit the fully completed application via scan or by mail (Rempartstraße).
3. Important: You must re-register for the exam next semester!

Please note all instructions in the information sheet mentioned above. This applies in particular to the following points:

• The medical examination must take place no later than the day of the exam
• The medical certificate must include:
  • Impact on performance
  • Specific symptoms
• Please note:
  • Inability to take an exam applies only in cases of acute, temporary, and significant impairment of performance
  • Exam anxiety or stress are considered part of the normal exam situation and are therefore generally not accepted as grounds for withdrawal
  • For the reasons stated above, a certificate of incapacity for work alone is not sufficient
• In cases of long-term (chronic) illnesses, please familiarize yourself with the topic of compensation for disadvantages
• In cases of prolonged (non-chronic) illnesses, please contact the Student Office to learn about the possibility of taking a leave of absence

If your medical certificate is accepted, the withdrawal will be noted as “RT/MED” in your benefits overview. You will not receive a separate notification regarding this.

My grade hasn’t been entered yet?

Grading times vary by professorship. Results are recorded directly there. If you have any questions, please contact the relevant secretary office.

How does the exam review process work?

The dates for viewing the materials will be posted by the professor on their websites. Please contact them in advance by email or phone to make an appointment.

Failed the exam – what to do now?

You will receive an official notice by regular mail at the mailing address you have on file in HISInOne.

• You may retake the exams no earlier than the following semester.
• Registration: You must register for the retake yourself!
• Seminar papers: If you fail, you may repeat the seminar or choose a new topic or seminar.

The Orientation Exam for B.Sc. Programs (through the end of the 3rd semester)

• B.Sc. VWL: (Exam in Microeconomics I, II or Principles of Economic Policy) AND (exam in Mathematics or Statistics).
• B.Sc. BWL: Two courses from the required areas of Public Management, Non-Profit Management, or Business Administration.
• Poly-WiWi: Course in Math or Statistics (if Math is a second major: Econometrics or Statistics).

Grade Improvement & Free Attempts (B.Sc. Programs Only)

In the B.Sc. program, you are allowed two extra attempts:

• Grade improvement: Simply re-register for an exam you’ve already passed. The better grade will count.
• Third retake: May be used as an additional fourth attempt in case of failure (except for seminars).

Course transfers & Appeals

• Course transfer: If a course can be counted toward multiple required elective areas, please send an email to the Examinations Office.
• Appeal: You may file a written appeal against decisions made by the examination committee. However, we recommend that you first contact the Examinations Office.

Deadlines

There is no maximum duration of study and no deadline for registering the thesis. For the Bachelor’s program, please note the deadline for the orientation exam, and for the Master of Science program, please note the deadline for earning 18 ECTS credits.

Please note the updated mandatory procedure for seminar registration.

Starting in the summer semester of 2026, registration for and withdrawal from seminars will be handled exclusively through a standardized registration process in HISinOne (similar to the process for lectures or tutorials). Please note the following deadlines:

Seminar Registration (Immediate Admission)

Period: Start of the summer or winter semester (March 1 / October 1) – the second-to-last Sunday before the start of the lecture period
You must register for the seminars yourself in HISinOne. Seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis with an automatic waiting list.

Allocation of remaining seats

Timeframe: The week before the start of the lecture period (please note the semester and lecture periods)
Any remaining seminar spots will be made available again for registration via HISinOne in a second phase.

Please adhere to the specified deadlines and register for your seminars on time.

At the start of each semester the student union posts an overview of the current seminars (information subject to change) in the download center.

To register and for detailed information about the relevant seminars, please consult HISinOne and the professorships websites.

You are responsible for finding your own thesis supervisor. Once you have received confirmation, please register your thesis with the Registrar’s Office using the registration form. (Download Center).
The form must be filled out online and submitted to the Examinations Office with your signature.
Please note the admission requirements for each degree program.

We will review your application and forward it to your supervisor.

As soon as we have been notified of your topic, you will receive official confirmation of your thesis approval via email and mail, including the topic, start date, and end date of the writing period.

Please note that we do not have any deadlines for registering your thesis. You decide, in consultation with your advisor, when to begin working on it and must submit the registration form to the Examinations Office beforehand.

If you have received at least three rejections, you can request that the Examinations Office assigns you a supervisor. To do so, please submit the thesis registration form and note on it: “I request an assignment.”
Please attach the rejection notices (screenshot or PDF) to your registration.

You will receive a notification from the Examinations Office indicating which department will supervise your thesis. Your preferences cannot be taken into account.
Withdrawal is not permitted.

Theses must be submitted digitally to the Examinations Office no later than the submission deadline at: pruefungsamt@wiwi.uni-freiburg.de
If your examiner requires a printed copy of the thesis, you were notified of this upon admission. You may mail this printed copy to our address, drop it in our mailbox in front of the Examinations Office, or bring it by during office hours. Please note that both the digital version and the printed version must be signed.

As soon as the grades are received by the Examinations Office, they will be entered into HISinOne, and you will be able to view your grades on your academic record. You will typically receive an email notification.

You are welcome to request your transcripts from the Examinations Office. Simply send us an email with your name, degree program, student ID number, and your request.

1. If your thesis was your final examination, you will receive a congratulatory email, and your graduation documents will be generated automatically. The certificate, diploma, transcript of records, and Diploma Supplement must be signed by the chair of the examination committee and the dean. You will receive an email as soon as the documents are ready for pickup or mailing.
2. If your most recent exam was a course-related assessment, our staff will periodically check the status of your degree and you will receive an email notification once all requirements for graduation have been met. You are also welcome to email us to let us know that you have completed your studies and would like your degree documents to be prepared. As soon as the documents are ready for pickup or mailing, you will receive an email notification.

Once a year, usually in November, we hold a graduation ceremony.
All Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates from the previous summer and the current winter semester are invited. We would like to celebrate the successful completion of your studies with you in a festive setting. The Department of Economics (Caroline Bannasch and Kathrin Wurster) is responsible for organizing the graduation ceremony.