Law (Jura, Rechtswissenschaft) is one of the most popular subjects in Germany. Many prospective students therefore assume that a place is only possible through a strict numerus clausus (NC, a grade-based admission limit). That is not true across the board. Whether law is subject to admission restrictions is decided by each university for its own programme, and the rules can differ considerably from one location to another. This guide shows how to recognise this and how the application usually works.
Short answer: Whether you can start law with or without admission restrictions is decided by each university. Some faculties admit law students without restriction, others require an application through their own procedure. Admission rules and enrolment deadlines are published by the faculty or the student administration. Last updated: November 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- An NC does not apply to law everywhere, so it is worth checking each university.
- Admission rules are found in the documents of the faculty, not in general rankings.
- Whether you can start in the summer or winter semester is decided by the faculty.
- Applying to several universities can make sense if their rules allow it.
- Health insurance during the studies is a separate topic and should be clarified early.
Is law restricted or open to all?
The answer depends on where you want to study. The table below sorts the most common situations and shows where to find the valid rule in each case.
| Situation | What applies to you | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty without admission restriction | Enrolment according to the university deadlines, no ranking list | Website of the faculty and the student administration |
| Faculty with its own selection procedure | Application with documents, selection under the university criteria | Admission regulations of the faculty |
| Start in a different semester | Availability depends on the faculty | Course offer and deadlines of the university |
A look at the study profiles of individual universities often shows how the programme is structured. For example, the University of Passau describes its study profile for law in a flyer. Such material complements the admission rules but does not replace them.
How does the application work at a restricted faculty?
If your preferred place has an admission restriction, the application follows the rules of the university or the central procedure. The University of Bremen describes the application and the start of studies for prospective students on its pages. The steps are usually similar to those for other programmes.
- Check the admission rules: Read the regulations of the faculty and note deadlines, documents and selection criteria.
- Create an account and enter data: The portal asks for details on your school qualification, place of residence and programme.
- Upload documents: Certificates, proofs and, where needed, language certificates must be complete.
- Keep the confirmation and wait for the decision: After the deadline, the university decides on admission or rejection.
An overview of the steps for general applications is given in the German guide Uni online bewerben: Schritt für Schritt durch das Bewerbungsportal (in German). The general logic for law is no different from other subjects, but the rules of the faculty are decisive.
What does waiting time mean, and when does multiple application help?
For restricted subjects, waiting time can play a role. The German guide Wartesemester im Studium (in German) explains how waiting semesters are counted and credited. Applying to several universities can help keep several options open, but it is only possible if the rules of the universities allow it. More is in the German guide Mehrfachbewerbung an Hochschulen (in German).
Do not choose a university only by its reputation. Study conditions, supervision and the option of changing location matter in law as much as the admission rules.
Planning early makes deadlines easier to manage. The admission regulations of a faculty usually set out which documents are required, how applications are assessed and which proofs must be provided. Do not read them only in passing. Note the passages on deadlines, form and selection, and mark any requirement for an interview or additional documents, because these take extra time. Missing details are a common reason for rejection, and most of them can be avoided.
The location also shapes daily life considerably. Law requires structured preparation for exams, and the way teaching and tutorials are organised differs between universities. Ask about tutorials, supervision in the first semesters and the support on offer. This information rarely appears in admission decisions, but it can often be obtained through information days or the student advisory service. A decision for a location should rest on several sources.
Finally, compare living costs and travel time. A move brings rent, semester fees and travel costs. Estimate these items before you apply, so that you do not have to decide under pressure when an offer arrives. Clear planning helps you avoid accepting a place you cannot afford to take up.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need an NC for law?
No. Whether an NC applies is decided by each university. If you want to start law at a faculty without admission restriction, you must still observe the enrolment deadlines. There is therefore no blanket answer.
Can I start law in the summer semester?
Whether a start in the summer semester is possible is decided by the faculty. Check the course offer of the university before you plan your application.
Is a lawsuit for a study place sensible for law?
A lawsuit only comes into consideration if you have carefully checked the admission rules and have well-founded doubts about the decision. The German guide Studienplatzklage (in German) explains the requirements.
Where can I find information on insurance during the law degree?
Insurance during the studies and the later legal traineeship (Referendariat) is a separate topic. The German guide Jura: Versicherung vom Studium bis zum Referendariat (in German) gives an overview. It covers ongoing cover rather than the application itself.
How do I find out whether I have been admitted?
The university informs applicants through decisions, usually in the portal and by email. Check your inbox regularly. After admission you often have to enrol within a deadline, otherwise the place can lapse.
It also helps to talk with students at the location you have in mind. Many student councils (Fachschaften) provide information on timetables, study organisation and exam procedures. Such impressions complement the official information and show what the first semester is really like. A question to the student council takes little time and can make the choice of location much easier. Check that the information is current, because study regulations change.
What to do now
- For each university, check whether law is restricted and note the rules.
- Compare locations by study conditions, supervision and living costs.
- Gather all documents early, especially certificates and language proofs.
- Submit the application in time and plan the enrolment appointment.
Related reading
- NC und Wartezeit im Studium: So klappt die Bewerbung (in German)
- Psychologie studieren: Zulassung, NC und Bewerbung (in German)
- Pharmazie studieren: Zulassung, NC und Bewerbung (in German)
- Jura: Versicherung vom Studium bis zum Referendariat (in German)
Sources:
- Application and start of studies, University of Bremen, Faculty of Law (in German)
- Study profile Rechtswissenschaft, University of Passau (flyer) (in German)
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
