A change of subject refers, for example, to the alteration of the major or minor subject in a Bachelor’s degree programme. When changing subjects in the polyvalent two-major Bachelor’s programme, please also refer to the information provided here:
A change of degree programme involves altering the intended degree, such as switching from teacher training (Lehramtsstudium) to a specialised Bachelor’s degree, or from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s programme.
If you are changing after the third semester, you will need proof of academic counselling for each of your degree programmes. For example, if you wish to switch to a B.A. with major and minor subjects, you will need this certificate for both the major and the minor. This can only be obtained from the subject advisers of the respective programme you are transferring into.
If you are already enrolled at the University of Freiburg, you do not need to de-register or re-register for a subject or degree programme change. The change occurs by re-enrolment only after prior re-registration in the current subject or degree programme at the Registration Office.
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Switching to a Programme with Admission Restrictions
If you wish to transfer to a restricted subject or one with special admission requirements, you must first apply for the new subject within the application deadline. The subject change can only be completed if you have received admission to the new subject.
Timely application for the new programme via the application portal.
After receiving the letter of admission: Carry out the change of subject within the enrolment period (see letter of admission) at the Registration Office.
Switching to a Programme Without Admission Restrictions
Students of the University of Freiburg
The change can be applied for in the Registration Office with the application for a change of programme or subject.
Submission of assessment certificate (higher semester): Recommendation on placement from the examination board or subject adviser. This document can be uploaded for an application via the portal, but in every case must be submitted to the Registration Office no later than two weeks after the start of lectures.
Timely application for the new programme via application portal.
Submission of assessment certificate (higher semester): Recommendation on placement from the examination board or subject adviser. This document can be uploaded for the application, but must be submitted by enrolment at the latest.
Would you like to exchange your study place in a programme, such as human medicine or dentistry, and have already found a partner? You will find all the necessary information on submitting your application and the exchange process below.
Transfer and Recognition of Study and Examination Achievements
If you have already studied at another German university or abroad, wish to change subjects within the University of Freiburg, or have acquired extra-university competencies, you may generally apply to have these achievements recognised by the University of Freiburg.
What types of recognition and credit transfer are there?
Recognition of study and examination achievements refers to achievements obtained at other domestic or foreign universities or in other degree programmes at the University of Freiburg. Achievements obtained so far can, if applicable, be recognised for a transfer into a higher semester at the University of Freiburg.
The legal basis for this is §35 of the State Higher Education Act of Baden-Württemberg, which is based on the “Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region”, the so-called Lisbon Convention. University-acquired competencies to be recognised are no longer checked for equivalence to the intended learning outcomes, but for a possible significant difference.
In addition, there is the possibility of crediting achievements acquired outside of higher education. These knowledge and skills acquired outside of higher education (for example, through vocational training) may replace a maximum of 50 percent of the university studies. In contrast to recognition, crediting usually requires the equivalence of achievements in terms of content and level.
Recognition of previous achievements at the University of Freiburg
Depending on whether you wish to switch to a restricted or non-restricted subject, the process varies slightly.
For transfer to a restricted subject, you must meet the filling criteria (described in the selection regulation for higher semesters). For this, you must upload the documents regarding your previous achievements (possibly including recognition from the State Examination Boards) with your application.
If you wish to switch to a program that does not require admission, you will first need a written placement recommendation for the program you wish to switch to in order to apply or transfer. Please contact the respective academic advisor (contact details for advisors can be found in the list of degree programs).
Who carries out the recognition and credit transfer?
The credit transfer and recognition of study and examination achievements are regulated in the respective examination regulations. The examination committee responsible for recognition implements the resolutions; all information and assessments are generally provided by the examination offices (after admission). You can find the contact details in the degree programme finder.
Note: Achievements from abroad in the subjects of human medicine, pharmacy and dentistry must already be recognised by the responsible State Examination Offices before applying. More information about applying for a higher semester and the responsible State Examination Offices can be found on the “How to apply” page.
For questions regarding recognition, please contact the programme coordination or subject advisor of your subject first. The contact details can be found under “Advice” with the respective degree programme in our degree programme finder. There you will also find the contact for the responsible examination office.
In particular, if you are planning a stay abroad, it is recommended that you get comprehensive advice in advance regarding the credit transfer and recognition of study and examination achievements. Information on recognition of achievements obtained during a stay abroad can be found on the International Office website.
On the info page “AN! Recognition and Credit Transfer during Studies” at HRK-Modus you can find an overview of the cross-university basics of recognition and credit transfer procedures.