Studying without a high school diploma
In order to study at a university or university of applied sciences, one needs - clearly - a university entrance qualification. In general, this means: A-levels or Fachhochschulreife are required.
But even without these degrees you can study. The problem is that hardly anyone knows. Just five percent of all students in Germany have made it to a university without a high school diploma, on the so-called "third way". This is a result of the "European Study Report 2008". For comparison, in Spain and Scotland, every third to fourth student is no-degree.
Score with work experience
Vocationally qualified people can study in all federal states. However, there are no uniform regulations for this - because university laws are country thing.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, for example, applicants must have completed vocational training, have worked in this profession for at least three years and at least 22 years of age at the start of their studies. Those who fulfill these requirements can take a subject-specific entrance examination at the university.
In Lower Saxony, masters, state-certified technicians and state-certified business economists can study all subjects. With other vocational training and professional experience, for example as an educator or physiotherapist, you can enroll in relevant study programs. In addition, there are opportunities for professionals to take an entrance exam for a particular subject directly at the university or FH.
In the other federal states there are similar access regulations. Partly, a trial period of two to four semesters with subsequent performance control examination is possible.
The minimum requirement is the completion of a recognized training occupation everywhere. However, the length of professional experience varies from state to state. Detailed information on the respective regulations can be found >> here.
| On the next page: No easy way |
No easy way
The way to university without a high school diploma is still difficult. Often the procedure is complicated, sometimes there are different requirements even from university to university.
Federal Labor Minister Olaf Schulz wants to change that. According to his ideas, colleges and universities should continue to open for people without a high school diploma. In an interview with a daily newspaper, he said: "I want the university laws of all 16 countries to say: whoever has a master can study." The same should apply to working people who have completed an apprenticeship and have three years experience in their job.
But it is not that far yet. Those who want to study without a high school diploma should therefore be well informed and best advised directly at the universities that are eligible for him, advise. Often preparation courses are also offered before the entrance examinations.
You can find more information >> here.
Alternative Fernuni
An alternative to full-time study at a university is an extra-occupational study. That goes for example at the >> Fernuni Hagen.
Teaching is mainly online. Anyone who has professional experience but no formal university entrance qualification can gain credentials in a so-called academy degree program, which will later be recognized in the desired degree program.
financial
If you are studying alongside work, ie part-time, your existing employment contract will continue. Either your exemption for studying is regulated by individual contract, or there are existing company agreements between the management and the works council.
For full-time students, there is also the possibility for students without a Baccalaureate to apply for BAföG. Information about the necessary prerequisites is given by the respective offices for training support at the universities.
| On the next page: All information about the new promotion scholarship |
The promotion scholarship
With the new >> Scholarship of the Federal Government professionally gifted ones should be promoted and encouraged to study. The goal is to include 1,000 scholarship holders in the program by the end of 2009.
Who can apply?
All those who have successfully completed their vocational training and have at least two years of professional experience. Particularly successful means: at least an average grade of 1.9 or 87 points in the vocational qualification examination or the advanced training course. There is also a chance for those who have won a supraregional professional competition. In addition, companies can suggest candidates to prove their special gifts. The age of the applicants does not matter.
How is promotion?
Full-time students receive 650 euros per month plus 80 euros book money. For children under the age of ten a child care allowance will be granted (113 Euro for the 1.Child, 85 euros for each additional). Anyone who studies extra-occupationally receives up to € 1,700 annually.
Where can I apply?
You can find the link to the online application >> here. Application deadline is July 10, 2009.
How to choose?
The selection process is carried out by the Foundation "Gifted Education Fund" and is a three-step process. First, you have to prove the necessary prerequisites via an online questionnaire. In a second step, the willingness to learn, commitment and social competence are tested - again via an online questionnaire. In the third step, personal interviews take place.
