Note: Use the advising services of the Student Advising: Studying with Special Needs and the departmental contacts at your department or school regarding possible measures!
What is Disadvantage Compensation?
It is also possible that your disability or chronic illness affects your studies in general. On the one hand, the requirements of your degree program including the examination conditions must be considered and, on the other hand, the effects of a disability or chronic illness are very individual. That is why we recommend to get in touch with the contact person at your department or school (German; PDF 20 KB).
Compensation for disadvantages in studies are measures that compensate for handicap-related difficulties in the course of studies and during exams. The compensation of disadvantages is always designed individually and depending on the situation. It depends, among other things, on the effects of the impairment and the respective course of study. Compensating for disadvantages is no relief either. The performance goals of the study and examination regulations are retained.
Students are entitled to compensation for disadvantages, if one does have an impairment which impacts negatively on their studies and can be compensated, but not necessarily in the form one wishes for.
If your course of study may be delayed due to your disability/ies and/or chronic illness(es), you can apply to the examination board responsible for your degree program to extend your examination period, for example by another semester.
You can either submit the disadvantage application form (German) (PDF, 744 KB) or a more formless application. In any case, you need to proof why you apply for an extension of your examination period with a valid (specific) medical certificate or report.
Here you will find a list of further measures that can compensate for disadvantages in your studies.
- Individual study plan and extension of completion deadlines (see above “Application for an Extension of Study Period”)
- Admission to courses and lectures with reservation
- Preferential admission to courses with a limited number of participants
- Modifications of compulsory attendance
- Modifications related to internships and laboratories
- Modifications of excursions and stays abroad
- Relocation of courses (spatial, temporal)
Note: Disadvantage compensations are individual and specific!