9. Recognition and academic credit transfer of studies and examination results
Which qualifications can be recognised or subject to academi
In principle, periods of studies completed prior to enrollment, academic achievements and examination results may be recognised, or non-university achievements may be subject to academic credit transfer.
Academic achievements
In principle, credits earned prior to commencing your studies
- Duration of studies,
- Academic work and examinations
can be recognised.
These must not differ significantly from the module to be recognised.
Non-academic skills
These may include non-academic skills such as
- Vocational training,
- practical work experience
and will be taken into account for academic credit transfer.
These must be equivalent to the module to be credited.
Furthermore, non-academic skills may account for no more than half of the skills required.
You can find further information in our guide.
Academic achievements obtained abroad
In principle, foreign higher education institutions may also be recognised:
- Duration of studies,
- Academic work and examinations
These must not differ significantly from the module to be recognised.
The recognition of qualifications obtained abroad is always handled by the chair of the examination board at the relevant department.
Students in Department 10 (Business Administration) and Department 14 (Tourism) should contact International Relations of Dept 10 or the International Office of Dept 14 respectively regarding credit recognition. Please contact International Relations of Dept 10 or the International Office of Dept 14 directly if you have any questions about credit recognition in Dept 10 and Dept 14.
Further information can be found on the International Office website.
What are the key steps?
1. Information
Please contact your department or visit the department website for details on the exact procedure and who is responsible for matters relating to the recognition or academic credit transfer.
2. Application
When and where?
If you are applying to join a higher semester , you must submit your application for recognition or academic credit transfer together with your application for enrollment. You can find the application form under ‘General Information’
In all other cases, the application must be submitted in writing at the start of the semester or within the first four weeks of the semester.
(You can apply for recognition or academic credit transfer via PRIMUSS Online Services > Services > Applications and Messages > Submit an application. In Step 1, select the relevant application. In Step 2, you will be provided with the relevant application form and further instructions).
What documents?
The following supporting documents must be enclosed with the application:
- Certificates of grades
- Module descriptions
- Certificate of vocational training or further training
- Internship certificates
3. Application processing
The examination board for the relevant degree programme and/or the Examinations Office will check that the application is complete and, if necessary, request further documents.
4. Application review and decision
The chair of the examination board decides, in consultation with the relevant module coordinators, on applications for recognition or academic credit transfer.
Only the maximum number of ECTS credits specified in thestudy and examinationregulations for the relevant subjects and modules will be recognised or transferred as academic credit.
Please note: This may also involve the recognition of previous study periods. In other words, if you have sufficient recognised credits to qualify for placement in a higher semester, you will be placed in that semester. However, if the semester into which you have been placed is with restricted admission and there are no places available, your enrollment may subsequently be revoked. Please therefore check with the Examination and Internship Office regarding the possible consequences of an application for recognition before submitting one, or apply directly for a higher semester if you have a substantial number of credits that you wish to have recognised.
5. Notice of acceptance or rejection
The Examination and Internship Office will send you the written notice, and if the course is recognised or subject to academic credit transfer, the decision will be recorded on your academic transcript (PRIMUSS).
If your application is rejected, you will receive a written explanation of the reasons for the rejection. If you nevertheless believe there are grounds for the decision on your application to have been approved, you may lodge an appeal against the decision.