Higher subject semesters

All online applications must be submitted by 15 July (winter semester) or 15 January (summer semester). In your online application you have to upload the following documents: You must provide proof of your past grades with a transcript of records or similar form of attestation from your higher education institution. If you are in the first subject semester when you apply, you may submit a certificate of enrollment (and proof of exam registration, where available) as proof. If you are applying to a higher subject semester of a related degree program, you must also submit a certificate from the department offering the degree program recognizing your completed coursework (Einstufungsbescheinigung). Contact the academic office of the department that offers your degree program for the certificate.

If there are too many applicants who meet the requirements for admission to a higher subject semester for a particular semester, a selection procedure is conducted.

Applicants are selected according to the grade point average obtained either in the higher education entrance eligibility or for completed coursework (for example, according to grade point average when listed on a Transcript of Records). The available places will be distributed equally according to the grade point average obtained either in the higher education entrance eligibility or the grade point average listed in your Transcript of Records. For example, if your chances of acceptance are better according to your grade point average obtained in the higher education entrance eligibility, this is the average that will be used.

An application to a higher semester of a teacher training program is only possible if you already are or were enrolled in a teacher training program. You may only apply to a higher subject semester of a teacher training program if places are available in both Educational Science and your teaching subjects. You may not apply to a higher subject semester for teaching subjects in which there are no places available.

When you apply for a higher semester you must include written confirmation from the departments at Universität Hamburg stating that you have completed coursework for the subjects. You must have completed coursework in all degree components, including Educational Science. The written confirmation must be submitted with the online application. See this list on the Infoportal Lehramt (in German only) for contact details for departmental staff responsible for written confirmation.

You can find more information for applicants to a higher subject semester of a teacher training program at Universität Hamburg at Infoportal Lehramt.

At Universität Hamburg it is not possible to apply for a higher semester in psychology and human movement science. In these degree programs there are no places available for students who want to change their place of study.

Information about enrollment is provided here:

• Enrollment for bachelor and state examination programs
• Enrollment Checklist (PDF - German only)

If you previously studied abroad and now wish to apply for a higher subject semester, you must have confirmation in writing that you have transferable credits for coursework relevant to your chosen degree program. You can generally obtain this written confirmation from the academic offices in the faculties.

Universität Hamburg may recognize coursework from previous studies if it is comparable to that required by your chosen degree program at Universität Hamburg. See your degree program’s module handbook for information about the comparability of coursework. Each degree program’s module handbook is generally included in the subject-specific provisions (FSBs, in German only) for each degree program.

If you have questions about the recognition of your previous coursework, contact the department responsible for the relevant subject. At Universität Hamburg, the individual departments undertake the recognition process separately.

At Universität Hamburg, coursework is officially recognized only after you are enrolled. Some departments offer a non-binding evaluation of your previous coursework prior to your application. Formal recognition, however, will only take place after you have enrolled in the relevant degree program.