Parallel Studies
If you are studying two degree programmes at the same time, this is considered parallel study (legal norm: Section 60 (1) of the State Higher Education Act). Parallel study involves a considerable amount of work and high demands. Our degree programmes are designed for full-time study with a corresponding workload.
We therefore recommend that you only consider a parallel degree programme after two semesters and if you have achieved very good academic results. In addition, you should seek advice from the academic advisors for both degree programmes before starting a parallel degree programme.
Parallel degree programmes are subject to special requirements, which are regulated in Section 6 of the University of Freiburg’s Admission and Enrolment Regulations.
- You are already enrolled in a degree programme with no admission restrictions, are studying in the second or higher semester, and would like to study another degree programme with no admission restrictions in the first semester.
- You would like to study two degree programmes with no admission restrictions from the outset.
- You are already enrolled in a degree programme with restricted admission, are studying this in the 2nd or higher semester and would like to study another degree programme without restricted admission in the 1st semester.
- You are already enrolled in a degree programme without restricted admission, are studying this in the 2nd or higher semester and would like to study another degree programme with restricted admission in the 1st semester.
- You are studying a subject that is restricted in the first semester but unrestricted in higher semesters (and you are in a higher semester in this subject) and would like to study another restricted degree programme in the first semester.
- You would like to study a restricted and an unrestricted degree programme from the outset.
- You are already studying a degree programme with restricted admission in the higher semesters and would like to study another degree programme with restricted admission in the first semester.
- You would like to study two degree programmes with restricted admission from the outset.
- You are already studying a degree programme with restricted admission in the higher semesters and would like to study an additional degree programme in which only part (of the degree programme) has restricted admission.
These degree programmes are only permitted as parallel studies if this is necessary for special professional, scientific or artistic reasons (Section 60 (1) sentence 3 of the State Higher Education Act). Special professional reasons exist if the professional situation is significantly improved by the fact that the second degree meaningfully complements the first degree: This is the case if the occupation sought through the second degree in conjunction with the first degree can be regarded as a combination of two degree programme-specific fields of activity that cannot normally be pursued by graduates of either of the two degree programmes, and the person concerned can demonstrate that they are seeking this occupation (cf. para. 3 no. 3 of Appendix 3 to the Foundation’s Procurement Regulations).
Corresponding evidence and a current overview of academic performance must be enclosed with the application for approval of parallel studies.
To find out whether a degree programme has restricted admission or is open to all (in the first semester or in higher semesters), please refer to the individual subject websites or click here:
It is generally not possible to study simultaneously at the University of Freiburg and another domestic university, as enrolment is usually only permitted at one university (Section 60 (1) of the State Higher Education Act).
In the following justified exceptional cases, it is possible to study simultaneously at two universities:
- There is a cooperation agreement between the University of Freiburg and another higher education institution (PH, music academy).
- The student can prove that he/she has the time to devote himself/herself fully to both degree programmes, in particular to attend the required courses. This is the case, for example, if he/she is about to graduate and no longer needs to attend courses.
You must enclose a detailed explanation with evidence, a current overview of your academic performance and the approval of the other university with your informal application for approval.
Parallel studies at the University of Freiburg and another university abroad are not covered by the provisions for parallel studies and therefore do not require approval.
Students who are studying two or more degree programmes in parallel are required to pay tuition fees for a second degree in accordance with Section 8 (5) of the State Higher Education Fees Act as soon as one of the degree programmes has been completed. The obligation to pay fees begins at the start of the semester following the date of the first degree certificate.
Please submit the informal application for approval of parallel studies as soon as you have received admission to your second degree programme at the University of Freiburg. In this case, however, please do so immediately after notification of admission, as in individual cases a statement from the department (of the new degree programme) must be obtained. Please enclose the letter of admission with your application.
Students who are already enrolled at the University of Freiburg must also submit the completed form for changing their subject/combination of degree programmes.
Please send the written informal application with your signature and the relevant documents to: