Support for studying parents
In the Social Work Bachelor’s study programmes, seminar places can be allocated on a preferential and joint basis. Further information can be obtained from the responsible tutor: belegen@ ash-berlin.eu
Other study programmes try to schedule compulsory lectures between 9.00 am and 6.00 pm every day.
If you are unable to dedicate your full working hours to studying because you are pregnant or are looking after children under the age of 16, you can apply to study on a part-time basis.
How?
- Send the application form to the Enrolment Office. Please attach proof documenting the reason (e.g. your child’s birth certificate) to your letter. The relevant paragraphs from the ASH Berlin Study and examination Framework Regulations can be found here.
- Develop individual study path plans
- No formal procedure
- Consultation with the Student Advisory Service, relevant professors and lecturers and the Enrolment Office
For how long?
- At least two consecutive semesters
- Further applications are permitted
When?
- As early as possible
Consequences?
- No BAföG, possibly "Bürgergeld" (no precedents known yet)
- University semesters in general continue to count, degree programm semesters only in part
- Only makes sense for students without BAföG entitlement
Students can also take time out in order to focus on an upcoming birth and the subsequent months of childcare or if they have care responsibilities for children/family members. For this reason, students are able to apply for an external leave semester.
How?
- Submit a vacation semester application for parental reasons
Where?
- Submit your application to the Enrolment Office
For how long?
- As a rule, 2 consecutive semesters
- Maximum of 6 semesters during your studies
- A further extension (maximum 4 semesters) is possible in exceptional cases
When?
- At the time of re-registration
Consequences?
- It is not possible to gain accreditation for exams during this time, unless this is for repeat examinations or examinations for previously taken courses
- No Bafög, but "Bürgergeld" possible
- Exemption from participation in semester ticket
If you plan ahead, you can complete your studies within the regular period of study. As stipulated in the Framework Regulations for Study Programmes and Examinations of ASH Berlin Section 13 III , the life circumstances of students with children under the age of 16 are to be appropriately taken into account. This means that they should be treated with consideration with regard to submission deadlines for assessments or fulfilling the attendance obligations.
If there is no other way to organize it, you can also bring your child to a lecture or seminar. It makes sense to discuss this with the lecturer as early as possible.
Are you studying as a parent and would like to get to know other students with children?
This can be useful, for example, for mutual relief in childcare and courses. If you are interested, please contact the family office (familienbuero@ ash-berlin.eu) and we will enroll you in the Moodle course "Studying with children".
A semester abroad with a child also needs to be well planned. Advice on this is available at ASH International Office.