¿´Æ¬Èí¼þ

Experience has shown that the study progress of students with children is somewhat more unsteady than that of fellow students without children. On the one hand, this can be explained by a greater organisational and financial burden. On the other hand, the focal point of students' lives shifts at the latest with the child's birth or is enriched by another. As a result, they cannot concentrate in everyday life solely on their studies. The situation of those responsible for caring for relatives is similar, albeit with somewhat different implications.

As far as the organisational framework is concerned, there are certain regulations that take into account the special situation of students with children or care responsibilities. Below you can find an overview that should give you some guidance. You should, however, always ask the academic advisors about the faculty-specific rules for students with children or care responsibilities.

Please also note the various advisory services at ¿´Æ¬Èí¼þ Frankfurt.

A leave of absence (Beurlaubung) can provide flexibility for balancing family responsibilities and studies. In Hesse, in clearly defined exceptional cases  the regulations even allow to attend courses and sit exams while on leave (§ 8 para. 3 of the Hessian Enrolment Regulation ImmaVO). This may be during maternity protection, parental leave or while caring for a dependent relative (§ 8 para 1 no 4). Before you apply, check whether part‑time study or a compensation for disadvantages (Nachteilsausgleich) might serve you just as well.

Important: Always obtain personal advice before you apply.
A leave of absence can affect BAföG, child benefit, scholarships, health‑insurance status —and, for international students, your residence permit. If the authorities view a leave as an interruption of studies, your legal student status may lapse. The , SLI (Counselling & Support for Students) and the  will guide you through your options and paperwork.

Reasons that justify leave of absence are governed by Section 8 of the (Hessische Immatrikulationsverordnung) (in German only).
Family-related reasons for leave of absence in accordance with Section 8 (1) could, for example, be the following:

• A medical condition that makes it difficult to study properly – this can include complications during pregnancy
• Utilizing and/or taking parental leave (Elternzeit) in accordance with the statutory regulations
• Caring for relatives who according to a medical certificate are in need of care

Suitable documentation is required in every case. Because students cannot claim statutory parental leave under the German Parental Allowance and Parental Leave Act (BEEG), Student Administration accepts a birth certificate as proof for both mothers and fathers.

It is only possible to take leave of absence for whole semesters; semesters already completed cannot be taken into consideration. Leave of absence due to maternity protection/parental leave is granted for a maximum of three years, analogous to the Federal Parental Allowance and Parental Leave Act . This is usually six semesters or seven semesters if the preceding period of maternity protection is included. This limit of six (or seven) semesters does not apply in the case of multiple births. In this case, leave of absence is extended in accordance with the rules on parental leave pursuant to Section 15 (2) of the Federal Parental Allowance and Parental Leave Act. Furthermore – unlike in other cases – students may participate in courses and exams during maternity protection periods and parental leave (Section 8 (3)).

Application Deadlines

• Summer semester:&²Ô²ú²õ±è;30 A±è°ù¾±±ô
• Winter semester:&²Ô²ú²õ±è;31 O³¦³Ù´Ç²ú±ð°ù
  (If serious illness occurs unexpectedly, you may apply during the semester.)

How to apply

Submit your request online via the .
Detailed instructions are available at the Student Administration's Website.

Before submitting your application, please note:

• Clarify in advance with the relevant offices how a leave of absence will affect your BAföG, child benefit, scholarship, student health insurance and, if applicable, residence permit, as these benefits all rely on an active student status.
• A leave of absence does not exempt you from paying the semester contribution.You can apply to the at the Studierendenwerk for a refund of the semester ticket.
• Your working‑student (Werkstudent) status may be at risk; in most cases, the social‑insurance authorities assume that the exemption from compulsory contributions no longer applies while you are on leave.

Like parental allowance (Elterngeld), parental leave (Elternzeit) is, within the meaning of the (Bundeselterngeld- und Elternzeitgesetz (BEEG)) (in German only) first of all intended for working parents. They have the right towards their employer to parental leave until the child is three years of age.

In accordance with Section 8 of the (Hessische Immatrikulationsverordnung) (in German only), students can justify leave of absence with their right to take parental leave. In this case, it is not necessary to apply to the university separately for parental leave. You can read more about this under Leave of Absence.

For students in an employment relationship, the same rules apply as for employees.

When making plans, please also note the rules on parental allowance.

The Family Service is happy to help you if you have any questions about parental leave and other topics related to reconciling your studies and your family responsibilities.

Please click here for further information about the services available.

The offers customised information for all pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, as well as for those persons responsible for implementing corresponding measures, and in this way ensures transparency and a sound basis for taking the next steps.

The special situation of students with family responsibilities often demands creative solutions in order to balance studies, perhaps part-time work, and family life. Studying part-time is a means of creating a little breathing space when faced with all these obligations at the same time.

In principle, it is also possible to pursue an undergraduate degree programme part-time, provided the respective study and examination regulations of the chosen programme do not explicitly exclude this.

Please ask your academic advisor, who must confirm on the  (in German only) that you have consulted them. Without this confirmation, the Student Registration Office cannot process your application.