In order to continue a Master’s programme at the University of Göttingen that has already been started at another university, or to switch to a different Master’s programme, you must submit a standard application and be admitted. Only once admission has been granted can the second step – equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree – take place: recognition of credits already earned by the relevant subject coordinator and, where applicable, placement into a higher semester. Information on credit recognition can be found on this page under: Changing university, degree programme or subject / BACHELOR’S DEGREE > Procedure for changing subject or university.

It is possible to transfer from another higher education institution to the University of Göttingen, or to progress to a higher semester within a subject or degree programme, provided that previously completed coursework can be recognised. Please note the deadlines and admission requirements for the respective subjects and degree programmes listed below!

Important note: For a transfer to a higher semester or a transfer between universities in the subject Sport/Sports Science (Teaching), please note the admission restrictions and the separate deadlines for the degree programme Sport/Sports Science (Teaching). You must apply to the University of Göttingen here.

The following applies to all Bachelor’s degree programmes/subjects:

Placement into a higher semester is handled by the credits recognition officer for the subject you wish to transfer to. You must present your academic achievements to them, which will then be assessed. If placement into a higher semester is possible, they will issue you with the relevant form (Placement Certificate). Please contact the credits recognition officer in good time.

Please do not forget: once you are enrolled on the new degree programme, the credits you have earned so far must still be recognised (for the new degree programme) and entered into the FlexNow examination management system. Please enquire directly with the Credit Recognition Office to find out whether this can be done by the Examinations Office or by the Credit Recognition Officer for your subject.

For degree programmes at the Faculty of Social Sciences that have no admission restrictions in higher semesters, if you have been placed in a higher semester, you only need to transfer (placement certificate + application to change your course of study) and do not need to reapply. To do this, submit the placement certificate together with the application to change your course of study to the Student Office at the University of Göttingen.

The deadlines for re-enrolment for degree programmes with no admission restrictions are 30 September for the winter semester and 31 March for the summer semester.

For degree programmes with restricted admission, the deadlines for applying to a higher semester are 15 July for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester.

Provided you can demonstrate that you have relevant credits to the required extent, you may be placed in a higher semester.

If you have any questions regarding credit recognition, please always contact the credit recognition officer for the relevant subject you wish to transfer to directly.

If you have not yet earned enough credits, please contact Nadine Schröter.

If you change your degree programme, please bear in mind the BAföG regulations! Under certain circumstances, you may no longer be eligible for further funding. You can obtain further information on this from the Studierendenwerk.

> Certificate of Placement / Certificate of Credit Transfer (to be completed by the accreditation officer)

> Form for the recognition of an examination result

Here you will find a list of all accreditation officers at the Faculty of Social Sciences

If, right at the start of the semester, you realise that one of your modules isn’t the right one for you, use the time until the next semester to find out whether the module you’re interested in is the right one for you. There are various support services available:

a. Central Student Advisory Service: The qualified advisers at Wilhelmsplatz will work with you, through in-depth discussions, to identify the steps you can take if you are not satisfied with your initial choice of degree programme. Is a change of subject really necessary? What are my interests? Which subject is a (better) fit for me? These questions can be clarified through a consultation at the Central Student Advisory Service. Take advantage of this service!

b. Information platform for prospective students (IPS): Information on the course content of the individual degree programmes will help you to compare your expectations of the subject with the reality and to gain an initial impression through interactive exercises. The Faculty's Student Advisory Service can also assist you with these matters.

c. Subject-specific academic advice: You should also visit the academic advisers for your potential subjects and seek advice on the course content. You can find the academic advisers for the subjects offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences here.

d. Attend lectures: Sit in on introductory lectures to get a feel for the academic culture of the subject, and talk to students studying that subject. You may also be able to attend seminars on the subject. However, you should speak to the relevant lecturer beforehand.

If you cannot switch until the next winter semester, make use of the summer semester in between.

a. You can use this time to complete as many modules as possible in the subject you wish to retain.

b. You should also complete modules in the professional development area as early as possible. This will give you more time in the following winter semester – when your new subject begins – to attend the introductory sessions and adapt to the new academic culture. You may even be able to complete your degree within the standard period of study.

c. Check whether any modules in the key competencies area have been approved for credit transfer towards your intended degree programme.

d. Sometimes, certain modules are offered outside the standard timetable. Check with the faculty academic advisory service.

You only need to reapply for degree programmes with restricted admission or if you have not yet completed any credits.

Please note the application deadlines here. For the winter semester, this is always 15 July; for the summer semester, it is 15 January. Even if you are already studying at the University of Göttingen, there are no special conditions for your application. You are considered a ‘standard’ applicant. Should your application be unsuccessful, please contact the Student Advisory Service immediately to discuss the next steps.

> Counseling service for prospective students at the Faculty of Social Sciences <

Credits you have earned in the subject you are transferring out of can usually be recognised as part of the professional development area or key competences. If the modules are relevant to your new subject, they may also be recognised within that subject. Recognition of these credits is also handled by the recognition officer for the subject you wish to transfer into. Please note, however, that only modules that have been fully completed can be credited.

Here you will find the necessary credit transfer certificate

Information from the University of Göttingen on the following topics: Subject change/lateral entry, change of location, exchange of places in higher education, two courses of study

Information from the Student Services Centre / Frequently asked questions about changing degree programmes