Studying without a high school diploma

For a long time, a high school diploma was a prerequisite for studying (Bachelor) at a university. As a result of social developments, universities are now also open to new target groups. They do not have to have an Abitur, but must fulfill other requirements: According to the Lower Saxony Higher Education Act, for example, a subject-specific Abitur, a degree from a university of applied sciences or a qualification as a master craftsman or technician can also entitle students to study at a university. In addition, those who have completed a three-year apprenticeship recognized under the Vocational Training Act and have at least three years of experience in the training occupation can also study in Lower Saxony. For details, please contact the student advisory service.

As part of the "Open University", a university and a technical college have been cooperating with each other for the first time in Lower Saxony since 2014: Clausthal University of Technology and the Technical Academy of the City of Braunschweig. Students who have completed a degree in mechanical engineering or mechatronics at the Technikakademie receive credit points at Clausthal University of Technology. A university degree in mechanical engineering (Bachelor) can thus be shortened from three to two years.

The new cooperation does not have to be a one-way street from Braunschweig to Clausthal. The cooperation can also open up the possibility of offering university drop-outs a new perspective in vocational training. In future, anyone who completes an engineering degree in the Oberharz without a degree will be able to transfer to the Technical Academy in Braunschweig, despite a lack of professional experience. There, the coursework already completed would be credited.

In addition to the Abitur, Fachabitur or further vocational training, the examination for the acquisition of a subject-related higher education entrance qualification after previous vocational training offers a further opportunity to study at a university in Lower Saxony. The examination (also known as the "Immaturenprüfung" or "Z-Prüfung") is taken at the university and for the course of study in which the prospective student subsequently wishes to study. Certain requirements must be met for admission to the examination. The legal requirements are determined by the examination office for the acquisition of the subject-related university entrance qualification (affiliated with the Lower Saxony State Office for Teacher Training and School Development - NILS), which is part of the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs. The universities have each appointed a local representative to conduct this examination. If you pass the examination, you will receive a certificate with which you can apply for the subject for which you have taken the examination - just like with an Abitur certificate.

You can find all important information on "Studying without Abitur" in Lower Saxony on the"Studying in Lower Saxony" portal.

Requirements for admission to the examination

1. Main residence in Lower Saxony for at least one year (exceptions are possible);
2. Completed at least two years of training in a recognized or recognized training occupation followed by at least two years of corresponding full-time employment or at least three years of other full-time employment or
3. at least five years of full-time employment in a professional field whose requirements are comparable to those of a corresponding training occupation;
4. Proof of examination preparation by an assessor from either a further education institution, an administration and business academy or a distance learning institution or a person who has completed a university degree in the desired field of study and has intensively supported the applicant's preparation.

Application form

You can use this form to register for an entrance examination. The address to which the completed form should be sent can also be found on the form.