Orientation semester

With your student ID card, you can use the semester ticket, canteen, library and all additional university services such as sports or language courses during the orientation semester. The only cost is the semester fee. You also benefit from student status when it comes to health insurance, child benefit and student accommodation.

There are no admission restrictions for the orientation semester, i.e. if you complete all the formalities by the deadline and have a valid university entrance qualification (Abi or Fachabi or a professional qualification), you will definitely be offered a place.

For all students enrolled in the orientation semester, we offer an online introductory event before the start of the semester to explain the module selection, introduce important service points and online platforms and answer open questions. You will receive the dial-in details in advance by email.

Study, yes or no? If you still can't decide whether you like studying, just give it a try! Engineering? Business? Social studies? If you are still unsure which degree course is right for you or which direction you would like to take professionally, the orientation semester can help you decide what suits you best. Do you already know what you want to do? Then you can take exams in your desired degree course during the orientation semester so that you have more time later in your studies – study with a head start!

The orientation semester begins on October 1 or March 15 and ends automatically on March 14 or September 30. In many degree programs, it is only possible to switch to a regular Bachelor's degree program in the winter semester – it is best to check the degree program pages to see which degree programs also start in the summer semester. So if you would like to do an orientation semester in the winter semester, in many cases it makes sense to add a second orientation semester in the summer. For all those who have to or want to do a second orientation semester, we have developed ideas on how you can make the most of a year of orientation. We would also be happy to advise you!

You can apply online for the orientation semester for the winter semester from May 2 to September 14 and for the summer semester from November 15 to February 28:

1. Register in the online application portal.
2. For formal reasons, you must now proceed as follows:
   – Select "Apply for the first semester"
   – Select a Bachelor's degree program as your "anchor program". This is the degree program that appeals to you the most and in which you definitely want to take at least one module. Don't worry, the actual module selection only takes place shortly before you start your studies.
3. In a second step, you will be asked for the type of degree program you would like to enroll in – here you select "Module studies/Orientation semester".
4. Fill out the forms online and upload your school-leaving certificate and CV.
5. After your documents have been checked by the study office, you will receive a letter of admission and can enrol online.
6. You can now activate your digital university account.

We will ask you in mid-September or early March which modules you would like to take, once the course times and rooms have been determined.

The student advisory service will help you select modules and create a timetable:

1. You choose a module from your anchor degree program.
2. If you wish, you can choose further modules from the same or other degree programs and/or from the Studium Generale or the Virtual University of Bavaria.

We recommend a maximum of five modules. With five modules, your timetable will comprise around 20 to 25 lessons per week.

In an online introductory event, we explain all open questions about module selection.

• Beginning of March: Online introductory event: Presentation of all important service centers, explanation of module selection, clarification of open questions
• 16.03.2026: First semester welcome and introductory event
• 16.03.- 10.07.2026: Lecture period according to your individual timetable
• 13.07. – 31.07.2026: Exam time – only relevant for you if you decide to take exams.
• 01.08.-30.09.2026: Semester break
• 30.09.2026: Your orientation semester ends automatically.

Yes, you are enrolled as a regular student at Coburg University of Applied Sciences.

No, unfortunately the orientation semester is not eligible for BAföG.

By the way: If you go on to study full-time, the orientation semester does not count as a (first) change of degree program, so you will not suffer any disadvantages if you subsequently receive BAföG.

You are enrolled and have student status. If you meet all other requirements, your parents will receive child benefit. Please ask your local family benefits office about this.

Please note that the seriousness of your studies must be proven in the event of a review by the Family Benefits Office. This can take the form of credits/credit points (ECTS).

You can also apply for a place in a hall of residence for just one semester (6 months) via the Studierendenwerk Oberfranken. If you then decide to study at Coburg University of Applied Sciences, you can extend your place in a hall of residence. Incidentally, there is an even better chance of finding a free place in a hall of residence in the summer semester.

• A contract with a cooperating hospital is required for the "Midwifery Science" course. It is a dual study program with alternating theory and practical modules.
• Access to the degree programs "Architecture", "Interior Design" and "Integrated Product Design" is restricted by an aptitude test. No module selection is possible here.

You can put together individual modules from all other Bachelor's degree programs.

1. You switch to a regular Bachelor's degree course in the summer semester: currently, Business, Industrial and Insurance Management, Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Technology as well as Technical Physics and Future Technologies also start in the summer semester.
2. You are starting a second orientation semester in the summer semester. We will explain how you can organize the second orientation semester in the next question.

If you are still unsure about what you can do after your first orientation semester, you can find an overview of your options here.

Gain experience in the…

…the theory: In the second orientation semester, there are also modules that you can put together individually and in which you can take exams. This means you can get off to a relaxed start in a regular degree course later on.

Or have you noticed in your first orientation semester that you lack certain previous knowledge? Prepare yourself even better for your studies in your second orientation semester, e.g. with a preliminary math course, a language course (e.g. English), a course on scientific work, etc. We will be happy to advise you.

…in practice: After the theory in the first orientation semester, you can directly apply the knowledge you have learned in a voluntary internship. Or you can complete the basic internships required for your studies (e.g. in mechanical engineering and automotive engineering) before you start the next winter semester. The Student Advisory Service and the Careers Advisory Service of the Employment Agency will be happy to advise and support you.

…abroad: Take advantage of the second orientation semester and go on a language trip or attend a summer school abroad, for example. At summer schools, you can get to know another university and city and get a taste of a subject – without any major commitments. If you are interested, you should do your research in good time (e.g. via DAAD); the International Office at Coburg University of Applied Sciences will also be happy to help you with eligible offers and funding.