Change of Institution
If you wish to enrol at Heidelberg University to continue a degree programme that you have already begun at another German university, it is possible to change institution and enrol at Heidelberg in the subsequent academic semester.
You must submit an application for all degree programmes by the given deadline. Admission to more advanced semesters is subject to specific admission criteria.
If a student is changing institution and looking to enrol in the fourth or a more advanced semester, they must provide proof of having successfully passed the orientation examination, or a certificate of equivalence for any credits gained in the previous degree programme. For enrolment in the seventh or a more advanced semester, students must provide proof of having passed the intermediate examination, or a certificate of equivalence for any credits gained in the previous degree programme. Certificates of equivalence are generally provided by the academic advisors for the relevant subject.
Even if you are or were enrolled at a university in another EU member state and would like to continue with a degree programme with the same name at Heidelberg University, it is possible to apply and enrol in an advanced semester as part of changing institution. If the degree programme is to be continued in an advanced semester at Heidelberg University, it is imperative that any credits that were gained outside Germany are transferred to the relevant subject. The relevant examination boards and offices are responsible for issuing a certificate of transferable credits. Academic advisors may also be contacted for questions regarding the transfer of credits.
SUBJECTS WITH ADMISSION RESTRICTIONS BEYOND THE FIRST SEMESTER
University places in subjects to which admission is restricted beyond the first semester can be offered only if their is sufficient free capacity in the desired subject. When admitting students who are changing institution, 50 % of university places are allocated on the basis of previously gained credits. The remaining 50% of university places are allocated on the basis of social factors, relating in particular to family circumstances, economic and academic reasons. Candidates must submit an application by the deadline (15 July or 15 January).
Criteria for the allocation of university places for advanced academic semesters
For the admission of transfer students and students who have interrupted their studies, 50% of the university places are allocated on the basis of previous academic achievements. To evaluate your academic performance, you must upload a detailed description of all previous study (including certificates, examinations and transcript of records) in your application. The remaining 50% of university places are allocated according to social factors, relating in particular to health, family and economic reasons. Please upload suitable evidence with your special application to substantiate these factors. For more information, please refer to our information sheet.
In the procedure for lateral entrants, all available places must be allocated on the basis of previous academic achievements. Please submit proof of your previous academic achievements.
The legal provisions can be found in the University Admission Act, in the University Admission Ordinance and in the Selection Regulations for higher semesters.
