How to switch without losing completed semesters
Changing your field of study or even your university in Germany is absolutely possible. But if you want to avoid losing the semesters and modules you have already completed, you should follow a clear strategy. Here is a practical guide:
Yes, provided that:
You are still within the maximum number of semesters allowed for the new programme.
You have not failed a core subject „endgültig nicht bestanden“ which is essential in the new degree programme.
Before making any formal move, contact:
General academic advising (Studienberatung):
For organisational questions: deadlines, application routes, maximum study duration, etc.
Subject-specific advising (Fachstudienberatung) in the new programme:
To clarify which of your previous modules can be recognised.
Useful question:
“Könnten meine bisher erbrachten Leistungen anerkannt werden?”
(“Could my previously completed academic achievements be recognised?”)
Ask your current university for:
An official Transcript of Records / Notenspiegel
Module descriptions (Modulbeschreibungen) in German or English
These documents are necessary for the new university to check whether your completed modules match their own curriculum.
Depending on the institution:
Apply via Uni-Assist or directly at the university
Attach:
School certificates
Transcript of Records and proof of completed semesters
In your motivation letter, explain:
Why you want to switch
How your previous studies fit into the new field
Once you are admitted (provisionally or fully), submit a formal request for recognition:
Usually addressed to the Examination Office (Prüfungsamt) or a special recognition committee
Attach:
Transcript of Records
Module descriptions
ECTS points and grades for each module
Possible outcomes:
A – Recognition granted:
Your previous coursework is accepted →
You may start in a higher semester (e.g. 3rd semester instead of 1st).
B – Partial or no recognition:
Some modules may be rejected due to content differences.
You might be asked to pass replacement exams (Ersatzleistung) or a qualifying test (Feststellungsprüfung).
Especially for international students:
Processing times for admission and recognition can take weeks or months.
You may also need time for:
Visa procedures
Blocked account (Sperrkonto)
Health insurance
For the summer semester, deadlines are often tight.
| Reason / situation | Effect on your studies |
|---|---|
| Strong difference between the two fields | Little or no recognition of your past modules |
| Final failure in a key core subject | Possible rejection or no entry at higher semester |
| No module descriptions available | Recognition may be refused despite passed exams |
A student has completed 3 semesters of Computer Science (Informatik) in Hamburg and wants to move to Data Science in Berlin.
If they have passed modules like “Programming”, “Math 1”, “Statistics”,
and similar modules exist in the new programme,
→ these can often be fully recognised.
This way, the student doesn’t lose the time already invested.
„Ich möchte mein Fach wechseln und hoffe, dass meine bisherigen Leistungen anerkannt werden.“
(“I would like to change my major and hope that my previous achievements can be recognised.”)
„Welche Unterlagen benötigen Sie für den Antrag auf Anerkennung?“
(“Which documents do you need for the recognition application?”)
„Ich habe bereits drei Semester Informatik studiert und möchte zu Data Science wechseln.“
(“I have already studied Computer Science for three semesters and would like to switch to Data Science.”)
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Studienberatung / Fachstudienberatung |
| 2 | Prepare Transcript + module descriptions |
| 3 | Apply for the new degree programme |
| 4 | Submit recognition request (Anerkennung) |
| 5 | Wait for the decision and start the new programme |
Conclusion (English)
Changing your degree subject or university in Germany is realistic and often very beneficial – if you plan ahead:
Get advice early,
Prepare complete documentation,
And submit your recognition request in good time.
This will help you save time and money and keep your academic path as smooth and efficient as possible.
The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate, well-researched information. However, errors and uncertainties are always possible. Please treat this article as an initial guide and always consult official authorities, examination offices and advisory services for binding information.
