You have the option to take a leave of absence during pregnancy or while caring for a child, including consecutive semesters if needed.

A leave of absence can be applied for directly through the portal up until the start of the lecture period for the relevant semester. No additional forms are required.
Only in exceptional cases (e.g., pregnancy) is it possible to request a leave of absence after the lecture period has begun. In such cases, please contact your examination office.

During a leave of absence, your studies are paused, ensuring that no disadvantages arise due to absence (e.g., mandatory exams). However, exams cannot be taken during a leave of absence, and financial aid such as BAföG or scholarships cannot be received during this period.

Further information about taking a leave of absence

Important Notice for International Students with a Residence Permit for Study Purposes:
Before applying for a leave of absence, you must contact the immigration office, as a leave of absence may result in the loss of your residence permit, which could lead to deregistration from the university.

If you wish to continue studying during your pregnancy, it is advisable to notify the university about your pregnancy. Only then will you be entitled to maternity protection regulations, and the university can take effective measures to safeguard your health and that of your baby.

If you would like informal and confidential advice or have any questions before making an official notification, feel free to contact us.

Further Information on Pregnancy Notification

Plan the modules and courses you wish to take during your pregnancy. You are welcome to seek advice from the academic progression counseling service for assistance.

Once you notify the university of your pregnancy, the university’s occupational safety officer will contact you. Together with you and the instructors of your planned courses, a risk assessment will be conducted.

This risk assessment identifies potential hazards to which you, as a pregnant or nursing student, or your child may be exposed. It also determines whether and to what extent protective measures need to be implemented. If laboratories or examinations cannot be completed due to your pregnancy, you generally have the option to request academic adjustments. These can be applied for through the examination committee of your program and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

If you wish to participate in courses or excursions that take place before 6 a.m., after 8 p.m., or on Sundays or public holidays, you must give your explicit consent. The consent form must be submitted to the instructor before the event begins.

During the maternity protection periods before and after childbirth, you are exempt from the obligation to attend courses and examinations.

The pregnancy notification form includes a section regarding maternity protection periods. You have the option to utilize these periods or explicitly waive them. If you waive maternity protection periods, you can participate in courses or examinations during this time, but you are not obligated to do so.

Please ensure you review the information regarding examinations during pregnancy.