Applying to University & Getting Started

Studierende sitzen auf der Treppe in der Glashalle

Hardship Provisions When Applying to University

Prospective students with special needs may, in some cases, submit a hardship application if there are substantial reasons for why they should be granted a place at the university at the earliest possible date and without regard for their grade point average or waiting period.

Studierende im Gespräch auf dem Universitäts-Boulevard.

Improvement of Grade Point Average/Reduced Waiting Period When Applying to University

If, during your time in school, special circumstances have led to your university entrance certificate (such as Abitur) being worse than expected or having taken you longer to obtain, you can submit an application for improvement of your grade point average or an application for reduced waiting period.

Bank notes.

Financial Support

For students with special needs, there are various ways to alleviate financial burden. Under certain conditions, an application for a reimbursement of the semester ticket fees or additional financial support can be requested with the BAföG student loan, child benefit, or from a statutory health insurance provider. Those who are affected by long-term study fees (from the 15th semester onward) can apply for an exemption from tuition fees if necessary.

Menschenmenge vor einem Wohnheim bei einer abendlichen Veranstaltung.

Accommodation

The Student Services Organization Bremen (Studierendenwerk Bremen) maintains several apartment blocks with apartments for students with disabilities. If you are interested in these apartments, make sure you contact the Student Services Organization Bremen early on. As a matter of principle, students with disabilities or chronic illnesses are given preference in the allocation of student accommodation.

Studierende in der Cafeteria des GW 2.

Student Guide Program (Studienlots*innen)

You can trial studying with the Student Guide Program (Studienlots*innen) even before you actually start studying. The student guides at the University of Bremen are students from various disciplines who are happy to answer your questions and introduce you to their everyday student life.

During a meeting at the university, you can join the student guide and visit a course of your choice, get to know typical places on campus, and get an impression of the university atmosphere. Over a coffee or a meal in the Mensa cafeteria, you will have the opportunity to chat and ask questions in a relaxed atmosphere – whether about the degree program or student life in general. Studying with a disability can also be a topic in your meeting with a student guide.

Studierende in der Cafeteria im GW2

Orientationweek

Every year during orientation week, the Office for Students with Disabilities or Chronic Diseases (KIS) offers information events for students with visible and non-visible disabilities or chronic illnesses to answer questions and facilitate the start of their studies.

Junge Menschen arbeiten am Laptop

Studying with Autism

People with autism (for example Asperger) are strongly encouraged to seek advice at the Office for Students with Disabilities or Chronic Diseases (KIS) before applying for a place at university. Here you can get information on support services, academic requirements, and the skills you need to bring with you in order to succeed in your studies.