It is not possible to be granted leave of absence from studies during the first semester. Exception: Leave of absence due to the exceptional circumstance of "Elternzeit" (parental leave).
During their studies students may on application be granted a maximum of two semesters’ leave of absence for other reasons. Students may apply for additional leave of absence from studies in consideration of special circumstances. Suitable grounds must be provided in each case.
In the event of "illness" being the grounds, applicants must submit a medical certificate confirming that they are unfit for work or studies, or to sit for examinations during the period in question.
In the event of parental leave being the grounds, applicants must submit conformation certifying a common household with the child together with a copy of the pregnancy record indicating estimated date of childbirth or child’s birth certificate.
Semester periods of leave of absence do not count as Fachsemester [study semesters].
Recipients of BAföG and child-care allowance must report periods of leave of absence from studies to the respective authorities.
Students in possession of visas must obtain permission from the immigration authorities prior to applying for leave of absence from studies.
There is no possibility of leave of absence from studies for students who have special status (e.g. doctoral students, visiting students, students residing in Germany to learn the language).
Generally speaking: It is not possible to acquire study credits or to sit for examinations during periods of leave of absence.
Exceptions: In the event of leave of absence due to "Elternzeit", students may acquire study credits and sit for examinations. Also in the event of leave of absence within the context of "Scheinfreiheit" (bonus semester), students may sit for examinations.
Students who pursuant to the Bremisches Studienkontengesetz [Bremen tuition-fee accounts act] no longer have any semesters in credit and who have obtained all the study credits needed to apply for their final examinations may apply for maximum two semesters of leave of absence within the context of "Scheinfreiheit“ (bonus semester) by filling in the questionnaire “Anhörungsbogen”. Evidence must be produced in the form of „Bestätigung der Scheinfreiheit“ [confirmation of bonus semester] or the „Zulassungsbescheid zur Abschlussprüfung“ [Certificate of Admittance to final examination(s)], issued by the accordant examinations office. It is then no longer necessary to apply for leave of absence from studies.
The application for leave of absence from studies[PDF] (27 KB) (Urlaubsantrag) must be submitted to the University of Bremen/Registrar’s Office prior to start of the new semester, latest by 15.02., respectively 15.08..
When applying for re-registration, prior to the start of the new semester the Semesterbeitrag [semester fee] must be paid to the University by 15.02., respectively 15.08.; the semester fee may be reduced in a proportionate amount for the Studentenwerk, the administrative fee, and the Semesterticket.
