Waiting semester: Everything you need to know

Would you like to know what the term "Waiting semester" and how you can make good use of the time until you start your studies? We have compiled the most important information on this topic on this page. You can find out more details in our article "Waiting semester: How long does it take to start studying?".

Waiting semester: Definition of term

A waiting semester is any semester in which you, after obtaining your university entrance qualification (Abitur) were not enrolled at a German educational institution. A calendar year comprises two waiting semesters (summer semester and winter semester). The number of waiting semesters is calculated from the time you leave school to the semester for which you wish to apply. Please note: The semester in which the Abitur was taken (usually the university summer semester) is taken into account. not considered.

Waiting semesters: Influence on admission

In addition to the Numerus Clausus and the Abitur grade, the number of waiting semesters is the factor that plays the biggest role in the allocation of study places. At German universities, there is always a separate quota of free study places, which is allocated on the basis of the number of semesters spent waiting. In degree programs with restricted admission 20 percent of all seats to applicants with a long waiting period. Waiting semesters are therefore particularly helpful for school leavers who do not have an outstanding Abitur.

At the beginning of the waiting period, it is not possible to say with certainty how long it will actually take until the desired degree course can be taken up. Like the numerus clausus, the ratio of applicants to study places is also subject to a constant change. The rumor that keeps coming up that the number of semesters spent waiting for admission raises the Abitur grade is not true. In fact, the grade remains as it is - however, the chance of a place at university improves with every semester you wait.

Waiting semesters before starting your studies are the rule today

The German Student Union's social survey from 2009 already showed that waiting semesters are the rule rather than the exception in Germany. About Two thirds of all applicants have to bridge a longer period between leaving school and starting university. The main reason for this is the sharp rise in student numbers in recent years.

The vast majority of degree programs at German universities now have a local NC occupied. For example, anyone wishing to study psychology at the University of Münster must have an Abitur grade of 1.4 in order to be offered a place immediately. Places on medical degree courses (e.g. human medicine and veterinary medicine) are offered in Germany via the Foundation for University Admissions (formerly ZVS) awarded.

What counts as a waiting semester?

The period between obtaining the Abitur and the start of studies can be divided into in a variety of ways can be used. For example, you can complete an apprenticeship or take a longer trip. Waiting semesters also count:

• Internships of all kinds
• Gainful employment
• Federal Volunteer Service
• Voluntary Social Year (FSJ)
• Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ)
• Au pair stays
• Language trips

As already mentioned, so-called "parking study periods" count not as a waiting semester. This refers to a course of study in which you enrol pro forma at a German university - for example, because of the favorable social security contributions. If you want to start studying during the waiting period, you have no choice but to enrol at a university of cooperative education or a foreign university.

Applicants who are only interested in "piling up" waiting time are well advised to combine their waiting semesters with a study-related activity to fill the gap. For example, if you want to study medicine and don't get a place straight away, you can train as a paramedic during the waiting period. Under certain circumstances, such qualifications can be the deciding factor in the admissions process.

An application for a study place also has no influence for the recognition of waiting periods. With your application, you are merely expressing your wish to study. If your application is successful, you must enrol at the respective university. If you later wish to study a subject with restricted admission, you must reapply at the next possible date. In this case, the waiting time will be recalculated.

Start studying now without waiting semesters!

At Allensbach University you can start studying at any time - regardless of how many semesters you have accumulated. You will receive training at the highest academic level and benefit from the Various advantages of distance learning. At our educational institute you can choose from various Bachelor– und Master-study programs to choose from, all of which Eligible are and part-time can be completed. We also offer a range of Further training measures to. Further information is available on our website. If you have any questions, please contact our Educational counseling available.