A change of degree course makes sense if doubts stay with you for several months and no solution in your current subject is in sight. For BAföG, timing matters: until the start of your 4th semester of study, an important reason for the change is presumed. After that, you have to justify it.
The key points at a glance
- Doubts about your degree course are common. What matters is whether they last and whether the cause lies in the subject or in your environment.
- For BAföG, a tiered rule applies to a first change. Until the start of your 4th semester, notifying the change is enough. Until the start of your 5th semester, you need an important reason set out in writing. After that, only an unavoidable reason counts.
- Your university decides on a case-by-case basis whether study achievements are recognised. Apply as early as possible.
- Your health insurance cover can change when you switch. Clarify this before you deregister.
When does a change of degree course make sense?
A change pays off if your interest clearly lies in another subject, or if you keep falling behind despite serious effort. It also makes sense if your studies put a lasting strain on your health. It is not a defeat, but it should rest on an analysis rather than on one bad week.
- Your interest lies elsewhere: you spend your free time on another subject and look forward to it.
- You repeatedly fail the same exams even though you study thoroughly.
- The idea of the career your degree prepares you for puts you off.
- Your studies continuously strain you, for example through sleep problems or exhaustion. In that case, talk to a doctor or the psychological counselling service of your university.
What reasons for changing degree course are there?
The most common causes are wrong expectations of the content, a shifted interest, being overwhelmed and an unsuitable learning environment. They look similar but call for different solutions.
Wrong expectations of the subject
A subject is often more theoretical or broader than its course description suggests. A look at the module handbook and the study plan shows what really awaits you. Many universities also offer taster lectures.
Changed interests
After an internship, a minor subject or a job, things often look different. If you have had another subject on your mind for months, it is more than a passing mood.
Being overwhelmed or under-challenged
Too much and too little demand can both show that the subject or university does not fit. First check whether your learning strategy or your environment is the problem before you question the subject.
Environment and university
Sometimes the degree course fits but the university does not. Then changing to the same subject at another university may be the better solution. The article University of applied sciences or university (in German) helps you decide which type of institution suits you.
Change degree course, take a break or drop out?
A change is not your only option. You can change subject, change university, take a break or end your studies. If you need time out to get your bearings, you can also plan a gap year (in German).
If you want to end your studies altogether, a separate article shows which paths exist after dropping out (in German).
How does a change of degree course work?
- Identify the cause: subject, university or life situation?
- Check the subject you want: study plan, module handbook, taster lecture, conversation with students.
- Use advice: the general student advisory service of your university helps, and under strain the psychological counselling service too.
- Apply for the new subject and observe the deadlines. For admission-restricted subjects, look at waiting time and admission (in German).
- Clarify BAföG, recognition and health insurance before you deregister.
- Deregister and register according to the rules of the universities involved.
Changing degree course and BAföG: which deadlines apply?
If you receive BAföG or want to apply for it, timing makes a big difference. For a first change, a tiered rule applies, based on the number of semesters you have studied.
| Timing of the change | What applies |
|---|---|
| Until the start of the 4th semester of study | An important reason is presumed. Notification is enough. |
| Until the start of the 5th semester of study | You must set out an important reason in writing, for example a change of interest or health reasons. |
| From the 5th semester of study | Funding only for an unavoidable reason. |
An unavoidable reason exists, for example, if a disability or serious illness objectively makes studying or the intended career impossible. You must justify it in writing and act without culpable delay. A mere shift of focus within the same semester, in which all achievements are recognised, does not count as a change of subject.
After a recognised change, the new course is funded within the standard period of study, as if it were your first. Earlier training or practical experience can be credited. If you are unsure, you can apply to the BAföG office in advance for a binding decision (section 46 para. 5 BAföG). The rules are set out in the FAQ of the Studierendenwerke on BAföG and on the page on changing subject for an unavoidable reason. Your BAföG office confirms which tier applies to you.
Are achievements recognised when you change degree course?
The receiving university decides case by case whether earlier achievements count, usually through the examinations office or examination board. The more similar the content and scope of the modules, the better your chances. Submit the application early, with module descriptions and proof of achievement, because recognition determines which semester you are placed in and how long you still need to study.
What changes with health insurance?
Depending on the change, your age and your status, your insurance cover may change. The article Health insurance when changing degree course (in German) explains the cases and what to clarify in advance.
Frequently asked questions
How often can I change degree course?
The study regulations of your university set out how many changes are possible. For BAföG, the deadlines described above apply to a first change. For a later change, clarify the funding with the BAföG office in advance.
Do I lose semesters when I change?
That depends on recognition. If achievements are credited, the university places you in a higher semester. Without recognition, you start the new subject from the beginning. Ask the examinations office of the new university before you deregister.
What should I do if I doubt my degree course?
Write down what bothers you specifically and talk to the student advisory service of your university. Check whether a different focus, a different minor subject or a different university solves the problem. If you feel strained physically or mentally, seek medical or psychological help.
Will I still get BAföG if I change subject?
That depends on the timing. Until the start of the 4th semester of study, notification is enough. Until the start of the 5th, you need an important reason set out in writing. After that, only an unavoidable reason counts. Your BAföG office confirms the classification in your case.
So what should you do now
- Write down what bothers you and sort it into subject, university and life situation.
- Arrange an appointment with the student advisory service of your university.
- Check your preferred subject, the deadlines and the recognition of your previous achievements.
- If you receive funding, ask the BAföG office before you change subject.
- Clarify your health insurance. If you want to talk through your situation, you will find the way to advice on the Academycon homepage.
You can read about our work on ProvenExpert, Trustlocal and Trustindex. Academycon was mentioned, among other places, in a report by VersicherungsJournal. An overview of all mentions is on the press page.
Related reading
- Health insurance when changing degree course: what protects you (in German)
- Dropping out: alternatives you have (in German)
- University of applied sciences or university: what suits you better (in German)
- PKV at career entry: benefits and decision for graduates (in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This article provides general information and does not replace individual advice.
