Reasons for a leave of absence
Further information on the reasons for a leave of absence as well as the required proof to be submitted can be found here:
Eligible types of "Service" are...
Bundesfreiwilligendienst (Federal voluntary service); Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr (Voluntary Social Year) or Freiwilliges Ökologisches Jahr (Voluntary Ecological Year), Europäischer Freiwilligendienst (European Voluntary Service) of at least six months' duration or at least two years' service as a development aid worker, military service or service with the Federal Border Guard for up to three years, civilian service and service abroad in accordance with § 14b of the Civilian Service Act (ZDG).
In order to apply for a leave of absence due to this reason, please submit a certificate of service together with the application for a leave of absence.
Students on leave of absence for this reason are not entitled to complete coursework or examinations, to fulfil participation requirements in accordance with Section 64 (2) No. 2 of the NRW Higher Education Act or to acquire credit points or take examinations.
Please note that a leave of absence is not possible for students who are enrolled in the 1st semester of their study programme!
The illness must have been persisting for a longer period of time (at least three months in the semester of leave of absence), and restricting your ability to study to such an extent that it is not possible to study properly.
For a leave of absence for this reason, please submit a medical certificate together with the application for a leave of absence, stating the following
- the severity and duration of the illness and
- the period of incapacity to study
Students on leave of absence for this reason are not entitled to complete coursework or examinations, to fulfil participation requirements in accordance with § 64 (2) Hochschulgesetz NRW or to acquire credit points or take examinations.
Please note that a leave of absence is not possible for students who are enrolled in the 1st semester of their study programme!
Internship
Leave of absence due to an internship or the commencement of a practical activity in support of your studies
For a leave of absence for this reason, please submit a certificate from the relevant faculty together with the application for a leave of absence, stating that an internship of at least three months was completed in the semester for which the leave of absence is requested and that a leave of absence for the entire semester is approved on the basis of the internship. Furthermore, the faculty must confirm that the internship or practical activity serves the purpose of the degree programme.
A leave of absence is only possible if the internship is not already included in the examination regulations.
Students on leave of absence for this reason are not entitled to complete coursework or examinations, to fulfil participation requirements in accordance with § 64 (2) Hochschulgesetz NRW Higher Education Act or to acquire credit points or take examinations.
Please note that a leave of absence is not possible for students who are enrolled in the 1st semester of their study programme!
Leave of absence due to studies at a foreign university, language school or other study-related stay abroad
For a leave of absence for this reason, please submit a certificate from the relevant faculty together with the application for a leave of absence, stating that a semester of leave of absence due to a stay or study abroad lasting more than three months is approved.
Please use this form for this purpose.
Students on leave of absence for this reason are not entitled to complete coursework or examinations, to fulfil participation requirements in accordance with § 64 (2) Hochschulgesetz NRW or to acquire credit points or take examinations.
Please note that a leave of absence is not possible for students who are enrolled in the 1st semester of their study programme!
Absence in the interest of the university
Leave of absence due to absence from the university location in the interest of the university or due to collaboration on a research project
For a leave of absence for this reason, please submit a certificate from the responsible faculty together with the application for a leave of absence, stating that the absence from the university is in the interest of the university or that the absence is necessary due to collaboration on a research project.
Students on leave of absence for this reason are not entitled to complete coursework or examinations, to fulfil participation requirements in accordance with § 64 (2) Hochschulgesetz NRW or to acquire credit points or take examinations.
Please note that a leave of absence is not possible for students who are enrolled in the 1st semester of their study programme!
For a leave of absence for this reason, please submit a copy of your maternity passport or a medical certificate stating the expected date of birth together with the application for a leave of absence.
Students on leave of absence for this reason are not entitled to complete coursework or examinations, to fulfil participation requirements in accordance with § 64 (2) Hochschulgesetz NRW or to acquire credit points or take examinations.
Please note that a leave of absence is not possible for students who are enrolled in the 1st semester of their study programme!
Information on maternity leave during your studies can be found here.
Leave of absence due to bringing up your own minor children in need of care
For a leave of absence for this reason, please submit a copy of the birth certificate together with the application for a leave of absence.
Please note that a leave of absence is not possible for students who are enrolled in the 1st semester of their study programme!
Leave of absence due to caring for a spouse, registered partner or a first-degree relative in a direct line if this person is in need of care.
For a leave of absence for this reason, please submit a written declaration and a copy of the care classification certificate of the relative requiring care or a detailed medical certificate together with the application for a leave of absence.
Please note that a leave of absence is not possible for students who are enrolled in the 1st semester of their study programme!
For a leave of absence for this reason, please submit proof of the establishment of a company from the responsible office together with the application for a leave of absence. From the second year after founding the company, a tax assessment notice from the relevant tax office must be submitted.
Students on leave of absence for this reason are not entitled to complete coursework or examinations, to fulfil participation requirements in accordance with § 64 Para. 2 No. 2 of the NRW Higher Education Act or to acquire credit points or take examinations.
Please note that a leave of absence is not possible for students who are enrolled in the 1st semester of their study programme!
