I A - Office of Student Affairs

Part-Time Studies

Generally studying at TU Berlin is on a full-time basis. However, it is also possible to study on a part-time basis.

What exactly does “part-time” mean?

If you are studying part-time, every university semester is only counted as half of a degree semester. Two semesters of part-time studies are equal to one degree semester. However, this also means that you can only acquire half of the regular number of credit points each semester.

If you wish to study part-time, you should do so for an even number of semesters.

What is the difference between part-time studies and extraoccupational studies?

In part-time studies, the number of courses you take is reduced while the number of in-person lessons and classes remains the same. In contrast, the lecture periods in extraoccupational studies are adapted to students’ employment and thus often take place either in the evening or on the weekend. However, it is not mandatory to be both employed and studying at the same time. Generally, extraoccupational study programs are special offers, such as continuing education master’s programs.

Does every degree program permit part-time studies?

Every degree program can essentially be completed as part-time studies.

However, there are some exceptions:

  • Part-time studies while you are enrolled in "Orientierungsstudium Physik/MINTgrün" is possible in principle but the study course is limited to 2 semesters and part-time does not extend the limited duration.
  • If you are enrolled in two degree programs at the TU Berlin at the same time (Doppelstudium), part-time studies is not possible.
  • Part-time studies during the Master’s enrollment under reserve of revocation, when you are enrolled without a completed Bachelor's degree, is possible as an exception. Part-time studies has no effect on the duration of the Master's enrollment under reserve of revocation. Proof of the completed bachelor degree must be provided within the re-registration period for the second semester. The deadline can be extended by one semester only once.
  • If you have taken subject combinations for teacher training studies at other universities, please inquire whether part-time studies are also possible there.
  • If your degree program is due to expire, such as a Diplom or Magister degree program, your right to take examinations is only valid until the date stated in the bylaws regarding completion of final examinations for discontinued Diplom and Magister study programs at Technische Universität Berlin (Auslaufsatzung - AuslaufSa). If you are at risk of not completing your degree program within the prescribed duration of study, please contact Course Guidance as soon as possible.

How do I request to study part-time?

You should first speak with the Academic Advising Service about part-time studies and any consequences this may have. It will help you determine whether this decision is right for you and your personal situation. Contact Course Guidance with questions about the study schedule and how to practically implement part-time studies in your degree program.

You can then submit your application for part-time studies in tuPORT.

Note: How can I submit an application for issues of the student administration (e.g. for a semester on leave)? (Video Tutorial)

You can apply for part-time studies from the start of the re-registration.The application deadlines for part-time studies are 15 May for the summer semester and 15 November for the winter semester.

Part-time students are required to re-register as usual and must pay the full semester fee.

How long can I study part-time?

You are a part-time student until you submit a request to study full time in tuPORT. This application can only be submitted from the start of the re-registration. The deadlines for a return to full-time studies are May 15 of each year for the summer semester and November 15 of each year for the winter semester.

What are the consequences of studying part-time?

Switching to part-time studies has several consequences. As a part-time student, you are not permitted to acquire more than half of the standard credit points per semester. Further legal questions regarding examinations should be clarified with the Examination Office.

You must pay the semester fees in full.

Your part-time studies will be recorded on your enrollment certificate.

Switching to part-time studies may significantly affect non-university services you receive including BAföG, child benefit, and housing. It may also further affect issues such as taxation and health insurance. Please clarify the effects of part-time studies on such services with the responsible office.

Legal basis

Part-time studies are regulated in Section 22 (3 and 4) of the Berlin Higher Education Act (BerlHG) and Section 34 of the General Study and Examination Regulations (AllgStuPO).

  • Marker  Campus Center
  • Marker  Academic Advising