Flexible course structure
To meet these increasingly demanding requirements, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin offers a wide range of options to make studies more flexible in order to accommodate family commitments. For example, students can spread their studies over a longer period by taking a break, extending the duration of their studies, or arranging for individual compensation for disadvantages.
Overview: Family-Friendly Study Regulations
Students who, for family reasons (caring for and raising children aged up to 14, or caring for relatives as defined by the Care Leave Act), need to attend compulsory courses at specific times may apply for priority allocation of places in accordance with Sections 90–91 of the HU Study Regulations. This may be helpful, for example, if all other courses take place outside of nursery opening hours.
Please note: This rule applies only to compulsory courses that must be taken within your own subject area. Due to limited capacity, unfortunately not all applications for priority allocation of places can be approved. Each department has its own procedure for allocating places.
Students who, for family 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 to compensate for disadvantages faced by students with family responsibilities (Section 109 of the HU Study Regulations) applies in cases where family commitments make it difficult to meet the expected academic and examination requirements. It allows, for example, for the extension of deadlines or the submission of alternative work.
A leave of absence allows for a degree of flexibility and can provide breathing space to deal with family commitments without having to give up your studies.
Students with family responsibilities (maternity leave, parental leave, caring for relatives) may also take a leave of absence during the first two academic semesters, even in degree programmes with restricted admission. In the case of parental leave, a leave of absence of up to six consecutive semesters is possible. In the case of a leave of absence due to maternity leave and parental leave (in accordance with Section 62(2)(4) of the HU Study Regulations), attendance at courses amounting to up to six hours per week is permitted even during a leave semester.
During a leave semester, there is no entitlement to BaföG. Under certain conditions, however, it is possible to receive Bürgergeld.
You can apply to switch to part-time study without giving a reason. Part-time study can also be important for financing your studies – usually on a temporary basis – as, although you are not entitled to BaföG when studying part-time, under certain conditions you may be eligible for Bürgergeld and other social benefits such as housing benefit.
In principle, part-time study is possible in all degree programmes at HU. However, there are a few exceptions for Master’s programmes. It is advisable to check in advance whether the relevant programme regulations might exclude part-time study.
Pregnant and breastfeeding students are protected under the German Maternity Protection Act. On the one hand, this entails special health protection, which HU is obliged to provide. On the other hand, students are entitled to participate in and continue their studies to the greatest extent possible. This gives rise to particularly flexible arrangements regarding the organisation of studies for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Contact
Family Support
The Family Support Office serves as the central point of contact and coordination 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.
