Leave of Absence – University of Freiburg

There are various reasons that may prompt you to take a leave of absence, such as studying abroad, pregnancy or illness. A leave of absence is an interruption to your studies that is only possible for certain reasons – these can be found on the application form. Students remain enrolled during this time, so the leave of absence also counts as re-registration. A semester of leave of absence counts as a semester enrolled at a German higher education institution, but not as a subject-specific semester. The leave of absence is valid for the entire semester and should not exceed two consecutive semesters.

Verlassener Arbeitsplatz mit Büchern und geöffnetem Laptop vor einer Spintwand in der Bibliothek.

Service Center Studium

Registration Office

studierendenbuero@zv.uni-freiburg.de
Office hours:
Mon, Tue, Thu: 10.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.
Thu: 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Unfortunately, the afternoon opening hours on 18 December 2025 from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. have to be cancelled due to an internal event.
Telephone office hours:
Mon to Fri: 9.00 a.m. – 10.00 a.m.
Mon to Thu: 1.00 p.m. – 2.00 p.m.
Service Center Studium
Sedanstraße 6
Ground floor
79098 Freiburg

Applying for a leave of absence

Application for leave of absence The application for leave of absence can only be made for the reasons stated on the application form. The application must be accompanied by appropriate proof of the reason for the leave of absence. Please note that a leave of absence is generally limited to a maximum of two consecutive semesters. It serves to bridge temporary circumstances and therefore cannot be granted permanently.

Leave of absence for previous semesters is excluded.

Application for leave of absence

The application for leave of absence can be submitted to the Registration Office for all students.

Registration Office

The application for a leave of absence must be submitted during the re-registration period.

Re-registration

In exceptional cases (e.g. illness or an impending birth), the application must be submitted immediately after the reason for leave of absence has occurred, but no later than the end of the lecture period.

During the semester of leave, you are not entitled to attend courses, use university facilities or take examinations (including final theses and final examinations). Students who are on leave of absence for reasons of maternity/parental leave or to care for a close relative in need of care are exempt from this regulation. They may attend courses, complete coursework and examinations and use the university facilities without restriction.

Legal basis for leave of absence

Leave of absence from studies is regulated by the Act on the Higher Education Institutions in the Land of Baden-Württemberg and the Admission and Enrolment Regulations of the University of Freiburg (ZImmO).

Act on the Higher Education Institutions – LHG §61 [de]

Admission and Matriculation Regulations (ZImmO) §15 [de]