Leave of Absence

Students can be released from their studies for good cause upon application (leave of absence). The rights and obligations of the student remain unaffected during the leave of absence, i.e. the student status is retained. In the case of a leave of absence, no BAföG is paid.

 

leave of absence regulations / legal framework

Leave of absence is regulated in § 10 Matriculation Regulations of the University of Erfurt in the version of 7 May 2015 in conjunction with. § 74 Thuringian higher education act (ThürHG).

  • A leave of absence can be granted if an important reason (see: reasons for a leave of absence) is proven.
  • As a rule, a leave of absence can be granted for up to a total of two semesters in a degree programme. Semesters of leave due to illness, maternity leave and/or parental leave do not count towards these two semesters.
  • Leave of absence is granted for the duration of one semester.
  • For the first semester in an undergraduate degree programme, leave of absence is only possible for one of the following reasons: illness, maternity leave and/or parental leave.
  • The application for leave of absence should be submitted within the re-registration period. In the following cases, leave of absence can be applied for at any time in the future: Illness or maternity/parental leave.
  • Retroactive leave of absence for a completed semester is excluded.
  • Semesters on leave of absence count as university semesters, not as subject semesters.
  • No examinations may be taken during the semester of leave. Exception: Students on leave of absence due to parental leave or internship or semester abroad.

reasons for leave of absence and evidence required

A leave of absence may be granted provided an important reason is proven. Recognised reasons are in particular:

  • an illness that precludes proper study; a qualified medical certificate (in particular with the expected duration of the illness) must be enclosed;
  • maternity leave or parental leave; proof must be provided in the form of a copy of the maternity passport or birth certificate;
  • the care of a close relative within the meaning of the Care Time Act; a certificate from the nursing care insurance fund or the medical service of the health insurance fund must be submitted in this regard;
  • completion of a study-related internship; this must be confirmed in writing by a subject representative;
  • a study-related stay abroad or study-related stays at another German university; this must be confirmed in writing by a subject representative or, in the case of an exchange programme, by the International Office;
  • an employee with a considerable time commitment in the executive bodies of the university, the student body or on the board of the Student Services Organisation; confirmation of this is required from the head of the committee;
  • voluntary military service and federal voluntary service; proof is provided in the form of a copy of the contract of employment.

application

The application for a semester of leave of absence must always be made before the start of the semester in question. Only in the case of a leave of absence due to maternity/parental leave or illness can the leave of absence be applied for after the start of the semester.

Retroactive leave of absence for a completed semester is excluded.

The reason for the leave of absence must be documented together with the application.

important information

examinations

No examinations may be taken during the semester of leave. Students who are on leave of absence due to parental leave may take and complete up to 15 credit points per semester during the leave of absence. Credits may also be taken during a leave of absence due to an internship/ semester abroad.

BAföG

In the case of a leave of absence, no BAföG is paid!

 

download

Application for leave of absence (.pdf)

Antrag auf Rückerstattung eingezahlter Gebühren und Beiträge (.pdf)// Application for refund of paid fees and contributions (in German only)

 

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