Starting university marks the beginning of a new chapter in life. It means leaving behind school and classmates to step into a completely new situation, filled with entirely new and often unfamiliar challenges. While this transition can bring excitement, it may also come with some anxieties.

For those who are additionally affected by a disability or a chronic illness, the barriers can extend far beyond the everyday concerns. However, this should never discourage anyone from pursuing their dreams and starting a university education.

Inclusion Agreement of the University

The Inclusion Agreementis a written agreement between the employer, the Representative for Severely Disabled Employees, the Staff Council, and the Office for Diversity Management. Its goal is to promote the equal participation of people with disabilities in the workplace and in academia, as well as to establish measures for accessibility and equal opportunities.

We aim to provide students with disabilities or chronic illnesses with comprehensive and personalized counseling and support services. These are designed to ensure equitable study conditions, equal participation in student life, and, ultimately, the ability to navigate their studies as independently and successfully as possible.

According to the 22nd Social Survey conducted by the German National Association for Student Affairs (DSW), 16% of students face difficulties in their studies due to physical or health impairments. However, only 3% of the affected students have impairments that are immediately noticeable. If you are unsure whether your condition qualifies, you can find more information on the pages of the Student Services organization.