Students who want to study at another university in Germany can sometimes swap their place instead of applying again. A place exchange (in German: Studienplatztausch) is an administrative process in which two students take over each other’s places at different universities. It matters mainly in restricted degree programmes, where new applications are difficult and requests to change location are common.
Short answer: In restricted degree programmes, a study place can be swapped if the universities involved issue exchange approvals. The University of Saarland, for example, accepts the exchange approvals of the universities involved as a replacement for an admission notice. You should de-register only once all approvals are in hand. Last updated: November 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- A place exchange is a swap between two students at different universities, not a change through a new application.
- It is possible in restricted degree programmes when both universities issue an exchange approval.
- According to the University of Saarland, the exchange approvals and the de-registration certificates of the partners can replace an admission notice.
- De-registration should only happen once the exchange approvals are in place.
- Each university sets its own conditions, so check the rules of your own university.
What exactly is a place exchange?
In a place exchange, two students swap their enrolment at two different universities. Afterwards, each person studies at the location they wanted, and the places that become free are not lost. The procedure works only if both sides agree and the universities approve the swap formally. An informal agreement between students is not enough.
When more than two people are involved, people speak of a ring exchange (in German: Ringtausch). Whether such an exchange is possible depends on the university. Check which form your university uses for such cases.
Which requirements apply?
The universities set the requirements for an exchange in their regulations and forms. The University of Saarland names restricted degree programmes as the scope and refers all other points to the application form and the responsible office. Who may swap, which requirements apply to the degree programme, the semester or the university, and whether deadlines or fees apply, is not described publicly on that page.
Typical points to clarify before you apply include the following:
- Whether both degree programmes are identical or equivalent, and whether both universities offer the same subject.
- Whether a particular semester or study phase is required, because this can differ between regulations.
- Which documents both universities need and whether the applications must be submitted at the same time.
- Whether the exchange affects semester deadlines, BAföG (German federal student financing) or scholarships.
How the exchange works step by step
The procedure differs between universities, but the order of steps is usually the same. The table below shows the typical sequence. You will find the exact forms and responsibilities on the pages of your university.
| Step | What happens | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Find a partner | You look for a person who wants your place and whose place you want. | Check the degree programme and university carefully before you agree. |
| 2. Submit applications | You submit the application for a place exchange to the universities involved. | Keep the forms of both universities ready. |
| 3. Wait for approval | Both universities check the case and issue an exchange approval. | Only the approval creates certainty. |
| 4. De-registration | You de-register from your current university. | Only after the approvals are in place, according to the University of Saarland. |
| 5. Registration | You enrol at the new university. | Submit all documents on time. |
Why the order matters
De-registration is the step with the greatest consequences. Without an exchange approval, you are left with nothing, because the place at your former university no longer belongs to you. That is why the University of Saarland explicitly recommends de-registering only when the approvals are in place. This principle applies regardless of how trustworthy your partner seems.
Also watch for gaps in health insurance. Keep copies of every approval and confirmation in one place. Between de-registration at your old university and registration at the new one, there can be a period in which your cover as a student is not continuous. Clarify this early with your health insurer, before you submit the application.
Why the topic comes up especially for medicine
Place exchanges are often searched for in restricted subjects such as medicine, because places are scarce and a change through a new application is hard to achieve. That does not mean the exchange is easier there. Universities examine each application individually, and the rules can differ by location.
Many offers online promise a quick exchange partner. Do not rely on assurances from third parties in such cases, and insist on the official approval from both universities. An exchange without approval can leave you enrolled at neither university.
Frequently asked questions
Can I swap a place if my degree programme is open for admission?
For programmes without admission restrictions, an exchange is usually unnecessary, because you can enrol without a selection procedure. The University of Saarland refers the exchange explicitly to restricted programmes. If in doubt, clarify the change directly with the university.
Does an exchange approval replace the admission notice?
According to the University of Saarland, the exchange approvals of the universities involved and the de-registration certificates of the partners can replace an admission notice. Ask your own university whether the same applies there.
When should I de-register?
De-registration should only take place after all exchange approvals are in place. Before that, you give up your place without any safeguard. Have the approval confirmed in writing before you take this step.
What does a place exchange cost?
Whether fees apply, and how much, is set by each university. The page of the University of Saarland gives no figures. Ask both universities before you submit the application.
Do I have to complete the exchange before the semester starts?
That depends on the regulations of the universities. What matters is that both approvals are in place before you de-register. Plan the timing so that your start of studies does not fall into a period without valid enrolment.
What to do now
- Check whether your degree programme is restricted and which application forms your university uses.
- Find an exchange partner and check the requirements of both universities together.
- Submit the applications to both universities and wait for the written exchange approvals.
- Only after the approvals are in place, de-register and clarify your health insurance cover.
Related articles
- Finding a study place: free places and waiting procedures overview (in German)
- Hochschulstart: what counts for restricted subjects (in German)
- Medical studies without a top Abitur grade: selection routes (in German)
- Applying for the winter semester 2027/28: deadlines, documents and process (in German)
Sources: Place exchange (Studienplatztausch), University of Saarland, student administration (in German). For the form and the responsible office, check the pages of your own university.
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
