What is compensation for disadvantage?
Provisions for students with health impairments and/or family responsibilities are set out in HU's Central Study and Examination Regulations (§§ 93 and 109 ZSP-HU). These measures apply where health impairments and/or family responsibilities make it difficult to complete coursework and examinations as required. They allow, for example, for extensions to deadlines or the submission of alternative work.
Health impairments include physical disabilities as well as neurodivergent, mental and physical chronic illnesses.
Family reasons within the definitions of the Care Leave Act include pregnancy, the care and upbringing of a child aged up to 14, or the care of close relatives in need of care.
How does the compensation scheme work in practice?
The academic or examination work to be completed must be of equivalent standard. The lecturers or the examination board, in consultation with the students, shall determine the measures by which work of equivalent standard can be achieved (for example, by extending the time allowed, introducing a break schedule, providing a separate room, adopting a different format, or offering additional personal or technical support).
There are various ways and means of compensating for a disadvantage:
One form of compensation for academic work might be a short literature review to make up for an absence due to family or health reasons. Instead of a presentation, compensation might allow for a written paper, or the presentation could be given at a later date. The relevant lecturers are the right people to contact to arrange such alternatives.
In the event of frequent absences, students who, for family or health reasons, are unable to meet the required 75 per cent attendance rate for a course may, in accordance with Section 93(1) of the HU Study Regulations, apply to have their absences offset by another form of assessment. The provision on compensation for disadvantage also applies in such cases.
The allocation of priority places for compulsory courses on the grounds of family or health reasons is governed by Sections 90–91 of the ZSP-HU. This does not constitute compensation for disadvantages. You can find out more on the ‘Family-friendly studying’ page.
When, how and where do I apply for compensation for disadvantage?
Depending on whether you wish to apply for special arrangements for coursework or for an examination, you should submit your application to the relevant lecturer or to the examination board for your degree programme. Depending on how the faculty is organised, the examination offices will accept the application and forward it.
You should therefore check the website of your examination office directly or enquire there.
- When: As soon as it becomes apparent that, for family or health reasons, you will be unable to sit a scheduled examination or submit a seminar paper or dissertation by the specified deadline. Please note that it may take up to six weeks to process your application.
- Where: To the relevant examination board, via the Examination Office if necessary.
- How: In writing – by email. Some departments and faculties have their own form for this. Alternatively, our form for applying for compensation for disadvantages (PDF, see Downloads) is also available.
- What: It is advisable to apply for a specific form of accommodation and – depending on the examination format and requirements – to propose a measure yourself, for example, an extension of the time allowed for the examination, permission to sit the examination in a different format (in justified individual cases, for example, during maternity leave in the laboratory) or the arrangement of an individual examination date (in justified individual cases; this involves a significant organisational effort and is therefore only possible in exceptional circumstances).
- When: As soon as it becomes apparent that, for family or health reasons, you will be unable to complete a course module as planned.
- Where: With the relevant lecturers.
- How: A verbal agreement is possible, but it is recommended that you record the arrangement in writing (for example, in a follow-up email).
- What: Depending on the course requirement, you should propose a suitable alternative yourself.
How do I justify my application?
The measures must always be related to the individual’s family circumstances or health condition and must be clearly justified. The justification should – where possible, supported by relevant evidence – include a specific explanation of why the service cannot be provided within the specified timeframe or in the prescribed manner.
An application for an extension of the processing time might, for example, look as follows:
“Application for compensation for disadvantage – extension of deadline
During the processing period for assignment XY, my child’s nursery was closed for a week and no alternative childcare was available. I am applying for an extension of my deadline by one week in accordance with § 109 ZSP-HU on compensation for disadvantage. Please find attached the birth certificate and the information from the nursery regarding the closure dates.”
Important: Applications based on health-related difficulties must also include medical certificates from a specialist.
What should I do if my application for compensation for disadvantage is rejected?
If an application for reasonable accommodation in relation to examinations is rejected, it is possible to submit a new, revised application to the Examination Board. Measures to compensate for disadvantages in academic work should, where possible, be determined through a joint agreement process, so that a rejection should not occur in the first place. It is advisable to base a new application on the grounds for the rejection and to seek advice at the latest at that stage – for example, from the Family Justice team or the Study with Disabilities advice centre.
Downloads
Contact
Studying with a disability – advice
Familiengerechtigkeit – Beratung
Inclusion & Accessibility
Humboldt University is committed to creating an inclusive environment. A disability should not be a barrier to participation in university life. We are therefore constantly working to break down physical, digital and social barriers – to create a university where everyone can conduct research, teach, study and work. Our key focus areas are studying with a disability, accessibility and mobility, and digital accessibility.
Family Support
The Family Support Office serves as the central coordination and contact point for all matters and enquiries relating to balancing work, study and family life. Key areas of our work include family-friendly studying, family-friendly working, bringing children to campus, caring for relatives and childcare.
