Second Degree
Second degree applicants have already completed a course of study at a German university (e.g. Bachelor's degree, Diploma, etc.)
Admissions to second degree programs are restricted in consideration of those who do not yet have a degree. A maximum of three percent of the study places are reserved for second degree students. Priority is determined by a measurement number (see below).
A course of study is considered to have been completed when the required final state examination (Staatsexamen) or final academic examination (e.g. Bachelor's degree, Diploma or Magister examination) has been passed successfully. Applications for a master's degree program following a bachelor's degree program are NOT considered a second degree program unless the applicant already holds a master's/ diploma/ state examination or magister degree (Hochschulzulassungsverordnung § 33 - German only).
To apply for a second degree in a 1st semester restricted admission program, the following documents must be submitted (which are essential for the calculation of the aforementioned measurement number). The following sections explain which documents are needed and how they affect the calculation of the measurement number.
- Documentation of the standard period of study and the actual duration of studies
Please submit documentation concerning the standard period of study of your first degree program and the actual duration of your studies. If you fail to provide this evidence, your measurement number will not be determined.
Measurement score determination:
- Graduation within the standard period of study = 2 points
- Graduation after the standard period of study + 1 semester = 2 points
- Graduation after the standard period of study + 2 semesters = 1.5 points
- Graduation after the standard period of study + 3 semesters = 1 point
- Graduation after the standard period of study + 4 semesters = 0.5 points
- Graduation after the standard period of study + 5 semesters and more = 0 points
- Failed to prove the the standard period of study / duration of studies = 0 points
- Copy of the diploma of the first degree
Your degree certificate must show the grade with which the first degree was obtained. If the final grade is not included in the degree certificate, it can be verified through a document from the institution issuing the degree. In the absence of a final grade, the measurement number can not be determined.
Measurement score determination:
- Final grade first degree - excellent / very good = 2 points.
- Final grade first degree - good / fully satisfactory = 1.5 points
- Final grade first degree - satisfactory = 1 point
- Final grade first degree - sufficient = 0.5 points
- Failed to provide the final grade = 0 points
- Written statement explaining the wish to pursue a second degree
Please submit a detailed written statement (informal) regarding your plans to pursue a second course of study on a separate sheet of paper. This should contain information about your previous education and professional activities as well as your intended career goal. The statement should include all relevant aspects for a second course of study.
Calculation of the measurement number:
- Case group 1: Second degree for compelling professional reasons = 9 points
A profession is pursued that requires the successful completion of two degree programs.
- Case group 2: Second degree for scientific reasons = 7, 9, 11 points
The second degree program must be endorsed for scientific reasons. In view of future work in science and research and based on previous scientific and practical work, a further scientific qualification in a different course of study is sought.
- Case group 3: Second degree due to special professional reasons= 7 points
The professional situation is considerably improved by the fact that the completion of the second degree complements the first degree in a meaningful way. It depends on which professional activity is sought and in what way both degrees are able to advance the career. Crucial is the concrete and individual career planning. It must be possible to establish an objective connection between the contents of the completed first degree and the intended second degree.
- Case group 4: Second degree due to other professional reasons = 4 points
Although the second study does not constitute a meaningful supplement to the first degree, the professional situation is considerably improved by the second degree for other reasons. This requires a detailed individual statement.
- Case group 5: Other than the aforementioned reasons = 1 point
E.g. re-entry after raising children or the like.
- Case group 1: Second degree for compelling professional reasons = 9 points
