Short answer
Maternity protection for students (Mutterschutz) is governed by the Maternity Protection Act (Mutterschutzgesetz), which also protects female students. It usually applies six weeks before and eight weeks after the birth. After a premature birth or a multiple birth, the period after the birth extends to twelve weeks. During this time you do not have to take part in exams. For deadlines and attempts, the examination rules of your university apply, and you should clarify them with the examination office.
| Point | Rule | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Female students at universities when they take part in courses, exams or internships | Section 1(2) sentence 2 no. 8 MuSchG |
| Protection period before birth | 6 weeks | Section 3(2) MuSchG |
| Protection period after birth | 8 weeks, 12 weeks after a premature or multiple birth | Section 6(1) MuSchG |
| Exams | No obligation to take part, voluntary participation possible | University practice, university information sheet |
| Compensation for disadvantages | Application to the examination office | Examination regulations of the university |
Does maternity protection for students apply to me?
Yes, if you study at a state or state-recognised university and take part in courses, exams or compulsory internships. The protection therefore does not apply only to employees. The rule is set out in Section 1(2) sentence 2 no. 8 of the Maternity Protection Act and has been explicitly in the law since 2018.
The protection begins on the day you invoke your pregnancy. If you submit proof of pregnancy, you should notify the university in writing. Some universities’ information sheets recommend making the notification to the admissions office or the student registry. That makes clear from when the rules apply.
Can I take exams during the protection period?
You do not have to. During the protection periods there is no obligation for you to sit an exam. If you nevertheless decide to take an exam, that is your free choice. The protection is intended to ensure that you are not put under pressure. For that reason, you should ask the examination office in advance how the procedure works and whether withdrawal has no consequences.
Many universities offer replacement dates outside the protection period. The examination regulations of your subject set out how many attempts you have and whether a withdrawal counts as illness or as maternity protection. Have the decision confirmed in writing.
What is a compensation for disadvantages (Nachteilsausgleich)?
A compensation for disadvantages (Nachteilsausgleich) offsets disadvantages that arise for you from the pregnancy, the birth or the care of your child. Typical measures are extended processing times, replacement dates, waiving compulsory attendance or postponing a performance record. You submit the application to the examination office. It usually requires proof, such as a medical certificate from your gynaecologist or the birth certificate.
A compensation for disadvantages is not an exemption from studying. It postpones deadlines or changes the form of the exam. The requirements on content remain the same. This also applies when you return after maternity protection.
What does this mean for deadlines and attempts?
The standard period of study, the subject semesters and the exam attempts are set out in the examination regulations of your subject. Many regulations provide that periods of maternity protection and parental leave do not count as subject semesters or attempts. Other regulations require an application. Whether and how this applies to you is checked against the regulations and with the examination office.
For BAföG, the maximum funding period can be extended if you cannot study because of pregnancy, maternity protection or childcare. This must be applied for at the BAföG office. The process is described in the guide BAföG with a child: Childcare supplement and extension.
How to proceed now
- Notify the pregnancy to the university in writing and enclose a medical certificate.
- Read the examination regulations of your subject and check deadlines, attempts and withdrawal rules.
- Submit the application for compensation for disadvantages to the examination office before the next exam.
- Clarify in writing how the maternity protection period counts towards subject semesters and attempts.
- If you receive BAföG, inform the BAföG office at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Maternity Protection Act also apply to female students?
Yes. For female students at state or state-recognised universities it applies as soon as they take part in courses, exams or internships.
Can I sit an exam during maternity protection?
You do not have to take part. If you decide to do so voluntarily, it is possible. Clarify the consequences of a withdrawal in advance.
What is a compensation for disadvantages?
A compensation for disadvantages adjusts the exam conditions to your situation, for example through extended deadlines or replacement dates. You submit the application to the examination office.
Do I lose exam attempts because of the pregnancy?
That depends on your examination regulations. Many regulations do not count maternity protection periods, and some require an application. Ask the examination office in writing.
Related guides
- Pregnant during your studies: What you need to know now (in German)
- Parental allowance during studies: Minimum amount, application and BAföG (in German)
- BAföG with a child: Childcare supplement and extension (in German)
- Accessible studies: Compensation for disadvantages and support (in German)
Sources and checks
- Maternity Protection Act (MuSchG), Sections 1, 3 and 6, gesetze-im-internet.de, retrieved 20 October 2026
- Maternity protection information sheet for female students of HAW Hamburg, status January 2026, retrieved 20 October 2026. Secondary source for practice at universities.
- Maternity protection information sheet of the University of Kassel, undated, retrieved 20 October 2026. Contains references to older Covid rules, so used for practice only.
Information, not individual advice.
Editorial team: Academycon · Last updated: October 2026
If you want to go through your exam deadlines and protection periods in detail, the next step is in the Academycon online check.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
