Glimpse of a lecture theatre using photographic effects

Studying under special circumstances

Special solutions for exceptional circumstances
Glimpse of a lecture theatre using photographic effects
Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)

Over the course of your studies, you may find yourself in situations that make it increasingly difficult to continue studying under regular conditions. Such situations may include the onset of a longer period of illness, employment alongside your studies, changes in family obligations, competitive sports, financial difficulties, or a planned stay abroad. There are plenty of options available to make your studies more flexible to accommodate these special circumstances.

  • Maternity leave and parental leave

    Are you going to become parents? Information on maternity protection regulations, studying and financing your studies with a child, as well as different advisory services are available here:

    Learn more de
  • Financing your studies

    The University of Jena doesn't charge any tuition fees. However, you will still have to pay a semester fee and cover your living expenses throughout your studies. Special circumstances may lead to financial difficulties you should budget for.

    The Studis Online External link  platform offers an overview of available options to finance your studies.

    As part of their general counselling, legal, social, and financial advice services, the Studierendenwerk Thüringen will also offer personal advice and information on how to finance your studies—especially in special circumstances.

    General information on how to proceed as well as sources of further information are also available on the Division of Student Affair's dedicated funding webpage.

  • Part-time studies

    Find out if you can study your chosen degree programme part-time by checking the ‘key facts’ on its study programme database page.

    To study part-time means to study ‘at half speed’, which gives you more flexibility in terms of balancing your studies with family responsibilities, part-time employment, illness, etc. One thing to bear in mind is that part-time studies are not funded by BAföG. However, you may still be entitled to ALGII, housing benefit, or child benefit. Before taking up part-time studies, please consult Studierendenwerk Thüringen's general social counselling services.

    As a part-time student, you can register for regular courses, but you will not complete as many courses per semester as full-time students do. To this end, you will develop a personal study plan with the help of subject-specific academic advisors.

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  • Leave of absence

    If you are going to miss at least six weeks of a semester's lecture period, it is advisable to apply for a leave of absence.

    Learn more
  • Long-term study fees

    If you exceed the regular programme length of your bachelor’s or master’s programme by four semesters, you will have to pay an additional €500 for each semester. However, there are some exceptions to this, for which you can apply.

    Learn more
  • Doubts about your studies

    Having doubts is deeply human. Doubts, in their many manifestations, can often become particularly prominent if you find yourself in special circumstances.

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Information and advice on organizing your studies

Student Service Centre

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday
9:00–11:

Assistance and advice in difficult circumstances

Central Student Advisory Service

Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena

Opening hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 to 13:00
Tuesday and Thursday from 14:00 to 16:00
Wednesday from 11:00 to 15:00

Advice and representation of interests

Diversity Officer | Diversity Office

Opening hours:
Telephone consultation hours:
Please arrange an appointment by email.

Please note that our office is located on the first floor at Zwätzengasse 3. This office is not accessible (no lift).
Please inform us of your needs in advance so that we can arrange for a meeting in more suitable premises.