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Study doubts, switching or dropping out

There are many reasons for having doubts about your choice of degree programme and these are completely normal. If you realise that the study path you have chosen is not the right one for you or it doesn't suit you for other reasons, we are here to help. We support you in your search for alternatives and on the path to reorientation.

Problems during your studies - can they be overcome?

The first doubts about your chosen degree programme often arise when things don't work out as well as you had hoped or are used to. This can be an indication that the degree programme is not suitable, but this does not have to be the case! Particularly in the first few semesters, when most degree programmes teach the basic subjects and students have to familiarise themselves with the university system and the new way of teaching and learning, they may feel that they have not made the right choice.

Various support services at Ostfalia can help you to find out whether you can overcome your difficulties with better organisation and more tailored learning techniques or support in mathematics or academic writing.

Study programme with special challenges

Sometimes there are other factors that make it difficult to study successfully. After all, not all students have the same life circumstances! The following counselling services may also provide helpful support within your subject area:

Change of subject and university

Are you sure that you don't want to continue studying your degree programme and would like to change degree programme or university?

A new application is required for a change of degree programme! Even if you want to stay in the same faculty.

The regular application deadlines apply.

Important notes

  • Ostfalia students do not need to register for the application. Please use your Ostfalia ID to log in to the application portal!
  • A change of degree programme could possibly affect your BAFöG entitlement - for detailed information, please contact the BAFöG department responsible for you in good time before the planned change.
  • Particularly if you change to a different subject area, it can quickly happen that you exceed your study credit and may incur long-term tuition fees .
  • If you need advice on choosing the right degree programme, please contact the Central Student Advisory Service.

Change to the same or a similar degree programme

If it is the same degree programme at another university or a related degree programme, it may be possible to apply for a higher semester. Please compare the module handbooks with each other. If you have the feeling that at least 25 ECTS could be recognised, it is worth applying for a higher semester. If fewer ECTS can be recognised, your application would be included in the application procedure for the first semester - provided it is offered in the semester for which you are applying. This is because not every degree programme admits students in the winter and summer semesters!

Change to another specialisation

If you would like to change to a different degree programme, you can only apply for the first semester.

If you have acquired a few ECTS credits in your old degree programme that are also included in the new degree programme, you can have the recognition of these credits checked by the examination board of the respective faculty after starting the new degree programme.

Recognition of Credit Points

Academic achievements:

The examination board of the receiving faculty is responsible for recognising academic achievements from another university. A review will only take place upon submission of a timely application.

Upon request, appropriate evidence must be submitted showing the academic achievements and course content. These are usually proof of the grades and credit points achieved as well as the examination handbook of the previous degree programme. For specific information on how to proceed with the recognition of achievements (how to submit documents, etc.), please contact the staff at the Enrolment Office.

Non-academic achievements:

Non-academic achievements (e.g. from training or further education) will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. For this purpose, please contact the examination board of your faculty at the beginning of your degree programme with the relevant documents.

The examination boards of the faculties generally do not provide any information in advance.

Dropping out of your studies

The Central Student Advisory Service also provides confidential and neutral advice on dropping out of university. We are happy to support you with your initial orientation and the transition to the next stage of your life.

Here you will also find other services that may be able to help you:

Counselling services and information from the Federal Employment Agency:

Further information options:

if you have a good business idea:

Central Student Counselling Service

Team photo Central Student Advisory Service

Let us advise you!

You would like personal, confidential and open-ended counselling on the following topics

  • Doubts about your studies
  • Changing subject or university
  • Dropping out and alternatives

Then contact the Central Student Counselling Service.

Counselling sessions are available at all four Ostfalia locations and also as video chat or by telephone. However, we recommend that you arrange a personal counselling appointment, especially for advice on study doubts and decisions!