Studying Without a High School Diploma
The prerequisite for admission to a course of study is always proof of a so-called higher education entrance qualification (HZB). This can be acquired through various school and/or vocational routes. The general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) is therefore not the only opportunity to start your studies at Osnabrück University. In accordance with the guiding principle of Open University, it is possible to study in Lower Saxony and therefore also at Osnabrück University without a general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) if you have the appropriate school or vocational qualifications. The basis for this is § 18 of the Lower Saxony Higher Education Act (NHG).
In Lower Saxony, graduating from a vocational college - without a second foreign language - qualifies students to study a specific subject or group of subjects at universities and therefore also to study at Osnabrück University.
The specific courses of study for which access is granted are determined directly by the respective subject area of the vocational secondary school attended. Which subject areas and subjects are "suitable" in Lower Saxony can be found in the overview of possible study subjects with a subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification from the Coordination Office for Study Information and Advice Lower Saxony.
The following information provides detailed information on which degree programs can be studied at Osnabrück University with a vocational high school diploma obtained in and outside of Lower Saxony without a second foreign language or with a subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification. Please also refer to the information provided by the education ministries of the individual federal states.
Agriculture, Biotechnology and Environmental Technology
Nutrition and Domestic Management
Health and Social Studies - major Health and Care
Health and Social Studies - major Social Studies/Social Education
In Lower Saxony, the entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulreife) allows the holder to study at a university in a respective subject area and, thus, generally to study at Osnabrück University.
For general information on obtaining the entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulreife), see Bildungsportal Niedersachsen.
It is important to distinguish:
1. Obtaining the Entrance Qualification for Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulreife) at a Specialized Upper Secondary School (Fachoberschule), Technical College (Fachschule) or at a Vocational School with a Designated Specialization(Berufsfachschule, Berufsschule)
Whether the entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences has been obtained at a specialized upper secondary school (Fachoberschule), a technical college (Fachschule) or a vocational school with a designated specialization (Berufsfachschule, Berufsschule), the specialization of the school is relevant for the decision on which course of study can generally be considered.
Which subject areas and subjects are “ eligible” in Lower Saxony is shown in the overview of possible study subjects with an entrance qualification for universities of applied science (Fachhochschulreife) from the Coordination Office for Study Information and Advice in Lower Saxony.
The following information provides detailed information on which degree programs can be studied at Osnabrück University if you have a higher education entrance qualification from a school in Lower Saxony. Please also refer to the information provided by the school ministries of the individual federal states.
Agriculture, Biotechnology and Environmental Technology
Health and Social Studies – major Health and Care
Health and Social Studies – major Social Studies/Social Education
Health and Social Studies – without a further major
Nutrition and Domestic Mangement
2. Acquisition of the Entrance Qualification for Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulreife) by Completing the Educational Part at a Secondary School and a Subsequent Practical Part
If the entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulreife) has been obtained by completing the educational part at a secondary school and a subsequent practical part, only the practical part is decisive for the decision on which course of study can generally be pursued.
The practical part of the entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences can be obtained by:
- a successfully completed apprenticeship or
- a supervised work-related internship of at least one year or
- a one-year social or ecological year or
- one year of military or civilian service or
- one year of federal voluntary service
The one-year supervised work-related internship must be completed for a full year and should correspond to the scope of employment of a full-time employee.
It should provide an insight into different areas and processes of work and allow you to get to know and test a variety of working methods.
A supervised internship is properly completed if it fully meets the following criteria:
- It must be completed at different workplaces (in one company).
- It must provide a comprehensive overview of operational processes.
- It must provide a comprehensive overview of the content of the relevant apprenticeship.
The internship should be completed in accordance with a regulated internship plan and the certificate to be submitted at the end of the internship should explicitly document compliance with the three criteria.
A vocational university entrance qualification also enables you to study.
A general entrance qualification is awarded to master craftsmen, state-recognized technicians/business administrators and holders of recognized further education qualifications. You can study in any subject area.
It is also possible to study after completing an apprenticeship.
Employed people who can provide proof of a three years appranticeship and three years of work experience (full-time) will receive a subject-specific admission authorization. This enables you to study in the relevant subject area. The qualification and experience must be related to the desired degree course.
Please note that up to 10% of study spots are available in the special quota for professional qualified students in degree programs with restricted admission.
Contact and Further Information
If you have any questions about studying without an Abitur, please contact the Registrar's Office.
You can find an overview of the complete range of degree courses from A-Z.