Changing universities is a bigger step than changing subjects within the same university. You leave a familiar campus, lecturers and often contacts behind, and you want to know whether your earlier exams still count at the new place. That question decides whether you gain or lose a semester or even a full year.
Short answer: Universities must generally recognise services achieved elsewhere. They may refuse only if they can prove that the services are not equivalent. The examination board of the programme is usually responsible, and procedures differ by faculty. Last updated: November 2026.
The Most Important Points at a Glance
- The Lisbon Convention has been implemented in German federal law since 2007 and strengthens the position of students in recognition.
- If a university refuses, it must show a substantial difference rather than merely assume one.
- The examination board of the relevant programme is usually responsible.
- Procedures and documents differ by faculty. Early advice from the student office helps.
- A change of university is not a change of subject. Recognition concerns modules, not the degree as a whole.
What Does Recognition Mean When You Change Universities?
Recognition means that a service you achieved at another university counts as equivalent at the new one and enters your degree. It concerns modules, examinations and sometimes internships, not admission to the programme. Even when a service is recognised, you still have to secure a place at the new university through the usual procedure.
The University of Hamburg describes this principle explicitly. Since the Lisbon Convention was implemented in federal law in 2007, universities must generally recognise services achieved outside their own institution. A refusal is possible only if the university proves that the services are not equivalent.
Who Decides on Recognition?
According to the Hamburg text, the examination board is the body responsible for the programme. It also bears the burden of proof if it wants to refuse a service. The basis there is § 40 of the Hamburg Higher Education Act. Other states and universities have their own rules, so check the provision that applies to your university separately.
In practice, recognition is not a favour but a procedure with clear obligations on both sides. If an application is refused, the reasons should be comprehensible and point to concrete differences. Ask for them in writing if they are given only verbally.
How Equivalent Must Services Be?
Equivalence does not mean that modules must match word for word. What matters is whether the competences you acquired essentially correspond to the learning objectives of the new module. The Hamburg page states that a qualification is generally to be recognised, and anyone who refuses must demonstrate an essential difference. That standard protects you from blanket refusals.
Differences in scope and content are often solved through substitute achievements. The new university can then ask you to complete a particular module instead of dropping the whole service. Ask specifically about this option before you rearrange part of your studies.
Which Documents Do You Need?
The University of Hamburg names no concrete documents and refers to the responsible student office. In practice, this usually includes a transcript of records or a grade overview, module descriptions with learning objectives and workload, proof of passed examinations and a certificate of de-registration from the previous university. Which list applies is stated on the application form of the new university.
Collect the documents as early as possible. Module descriptions are often only available on the pages of the old university, and their availability decides how quickly the application can be processed.
Step by Step to a Change of University
| Phase | What you do | Who helps |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Compare the programme and module catalogue of the new university | Study advisers of the new university |
| Application | Submit the admission application and observe deadlines | Student office and application portal |
| Recognition | Submit the request for recognition of earlier services | Examination board of the programme |
| Enrolment | Accept the admission notice and enrol | Enrolment office |
The order can differ between universities. Some check recognition before the admission notice, others only after enrolment. Ask early when each step takes place.
What Does This Mean for Your Study Plan?
Recognition decides whether a change costs you time. If modules are fully recognised, you can pick up where you left off at the new university. If only parts are recognised, a gap remains that affects several further semesters. It is therefore worth drawing up an overview in advance of which modules will probably count and which you will likely have to complete.
Such an overview helps the student office, and it also shows you where study plans differ. A module can be compulsory at one university and an elective at another. Anyone who knows the examination schedule and the standard period of study of the new university can place the recognition more precisely and argue more effectively in talks with the examination board. Keep a record of dates, names and statements from calls or meetings, and ask for written confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do services from a university abroad count as well?
The Hamburg page deals mainly with stays abroad, but its principles also apply in general to services achieved elsewhere. For services from abroad, comparability questions arise in addition, which the student office must clarify.
Is there a deadline for the application?
A general cut-off date cannot be named, because it depends on the university and the programme. Watch the deadlines for admission and submit the recognition request as early as possible for planning reliability.
Do I have to change my subject to change universities?
No, a change of university can take place with the same programme. If you also want to change subject, check recognition for the new subject separately. A separate article covers changing subjects.
What if my service is refused?
Ask for the refusal to be justified in writing and check whether the university really proves non-equivalence. Legal remedies are usually available against a notice. The deadline for them is stated in the notice and must be observed strictly.
Does a change of university affect my health insurance?
That depends on your personal situation and is not part of this article. Questions about insurance funds are covered separately in the German article on health insurance during a change of study.
What to Do Next
- Compare the module catalogue of your current programme with that of the new university.
- Speak to the student office early and ask about documents and procedure.
- Gather module descriptions, grade overviews and proofs before you submit the application.
- Submit the recognition request on time and ask for a written reason if it is refused.
- Plan the time until recognition so that you do not face a gap between semesters.
Related Reading
- Swapping study places between universities
- Changing your subject: when it makes sense (in German)
- Application checklist for university study
- Finding a study place
Sources: University of Hamburg, recognition of study achievements (as of November 2026).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
