... Applicants with a german Abitur

Contact Person: Marie-Luise John

• When should I apply?

Application submission deadlines for the next semester are shown in the Schedule of Events and Deadlines under Applications.

• I’ve sent in my application, what do I do now?

As soon as all your required documents are received at the BTU and reviewed, we will send you an acceptance notification and related information, as well as a bank transfer slip for your semester fees.

• When do I have to pay my semester fees?

You must pay your semester fees before you can start classes, i.e. fees must be received by the Friday before the start of classes, see Schedule of Events and Deadlines under “Registration”. The earlier you pay your semester fees the earlier we can send you the important information you will need about commencing your studies, in addition to your student identification card – this card is also valid for bus and rail transportation for the entire Berlin-Brandenburg public transportation system.

• How do I ensure that I have proper health insurance?

If you are currently covered by German health insurance, you need to request a ‘certificate of insurance’ and the two relevant registration forms from your insurer, which you then submit together with your application documents. If you are covered under a private insurance scheme, you need to submit an exemption form stating that coverage is not required by the public health insurance system. This statement is issued by all statutory health insurance providers.

... Questions regarding Examinations

Contact person: person responsible for degree programme

• I’ve transferred from another other university to the BTU.  Who do I see about getting my academic credits accepted?

Earned academic credits and grades are confirmed by an examiner or professor, who checks the comparability of your past academic performance and grades. The person responsible for your degree programme will give you an application, which then needs to be submitted to, and approved by the Examinations Board of your degree programme.

... Leave of Absence/Changing your Degree Programme

Contact person: person responsible for your specific degree programme

• How can I apply for a leave of absence?

After your second semester, you can apply for a sabbatical semester, which should be used for an internship, a semester abroad, maternity or parental leave (for further information see Matriculation Regulations of the BTU). Applications must be submitted in writing during the preceding semester, application forms are available under http://www.tu-cottbus.de/btu/en/studies/students/regulations-and-forms.html.

• When can I change my degree programme?

A request for a change in degree programme must be submitted one semester in advance. Applications (http://www.tu-cottbus.de/btu/en/studies/students/regulations-and-forms.html) are submitted to the Examinations Board of the new programme, along with an summary of your academic performance. The Board approves the change, assigns you to the corresponding semester of your new programme, and informs the Student Secretariat.

If you have any further questions, please contact the responsible contact person.

... Incapability of Taking an Examination

Contact: person responsible for degree programme

• What does incapability of taking an examination mean?

The most common case of incapability is illness. Cases for force majeúre can be claimed. These are often the results of strikes (except announced strikes), natural disasters and others. The important thing ist that the cause is not ones own fault.

• How is incapability of taking an examination proved?

This is regulated by the framework directive and sometimes additional requirements. A medical certificate that attested the incapability of taking the examination, has to be handed in. This certificate has to be handed in together with your matriculation number and the missed examinations at the student secretariat after your illness at the last after 5 working days. In cases of doubt or repetition the examination board may demand a certificate from a public health officer.

• I was ill but nevertheless I took part in the examination.

If you take part in an examination, you declare your capability of taking the examination. If you have misjudged yourself, you have to bear the consequences. Should you, however, notice during the examination that you cannot participate because of health reasons you have to tell the supervisor.

• Why should I report sick? Could I just as well not participate in the examination and withdraw from the examination in that way?

With a sick certificate you have a claim for repetition that you would not have otherwise.

• I have exam nerves.

Exam nerves are a common phenomena. However, they are not a valid reason of incapability of taking an examination. Kindly note the offers of the Studentenwerks Farankfurt/Oder (psychological consultation).

• How do I know if my application is formally correct? What is important?

The reasons for the incapability of taking an examination have to be handed in immediatlely, that means without culpable delay. This has to be done in writing and cedibly in the student secreatariat. In case of an illness is this a doctor certificate. This certificate has to cover the date of the examination and must be issued at the latest on the day of the examination. In case of of printed certificates please assure that the doctor's stamp is on the certificate.

• What should I do if the examination is on Saturday and I suddenly get sick?

In this case you should go to a doctor who is on duty. Kindly note, that lasted after 5 working days the doctor's certicate should be submitted  to the student secretariat.

Should you have further questions please ask the person responsible for your study course in the student secretariat.