Withdrawing from a previous university when enrolling at Universität Hamburg

As a rule, students enroll for only one degree program at a German public or publicly recognized university. Enrolling for 2 degree programs at a time is possible only if you apply for a double degree and your application is granted.

Thus, when you enroll at Universität Hamburg, you are required to promise that you will withdraw from other German public or publicly recognized universities no later than the end of your first semester following enrollment at Universität Hamburg. Submit the declaration as part of the online enrollment application. You do not need formal proof (e.g., a withdrawal certificate) from your former university.

Exceptions

Brief overlapping enrollment in 2 degree programs

Brief overlapping enrollment in 2 degree programs (max. one semester) is permissible without having to apply for a double degree. If you are already enrolled at Universität Hamburg and are completing your first program at the same time you begin a new one, indicate in your enrollment application that you are requesting a brief overlap of the 2 degree programs. You will not be asked to withdraw from your former program when you enroll in the new one; instead, at the end of the first semester following enrollment in the new program, you will need to formally choose which of the 2 programs you wish to remain enrolled in. If you do not choose, you will automatically be enrolled in the new degree program immediately after you accept a place in the new degree program.

Doctoral studies

Permanent parallel enrollment in doctoral studies and another degree program is possible without an authorized application for a double degree. If you are enrolled at another university for one of these two programs, you do not need to withdraw.

Master’s programs

Permanent parallel enrollment for a professional master’s program and another degree program is possible without an authorized application for a double degree. If you are enrolled at another university for one of these two programs, you do not need to withdraw. If you are not certain whether your studies at another university is a professional master’s program, contact the university in question. See the list of professional master’s programs at Universität Hamburg at the link above.

Private and international universities

Parallel enrollment at Universität Hamburg and a German private university that is not publicly recognized or at an international university is generally permitted. In this case, you do not need to withdraw from your previous university.