Leave of absence

Whilst studying abroad, you will remain a fully enrolled student at Paderborn University at all times. However, you do have the option of taking a leave of absence; please contact the Service Centre for further information.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking a semester’s leave of absence?

Advantage: If you take a leave of absence for the duration of your semester abroad, you will pay reduced semester fees at Paderborn University – that is, excluding the social contribution – and you will also have the option of claiming a refund for the cost of the semester ticket after your stay, upon submission of the relevant form from the AStA.

Disadvantage: Whilst on leave of absence, you are not permitted to take any exams at Paderborn University. You should therefore consider carefully whether you might return to Paderborn before the end of the semester (e.g. because the winter semester at your partner university only lasts until the end of December) and whether you would still like to complete any exams in Paderborn.

Please note: If academic achievements whilst studying abroad are subsequently recognised for your degree programme here, the semester will be counted towards your period of study.

Please find out more about the advantages and disadvantages of taking a leave of absence at the Service Centre and on the Student Services website. If necessary, clarify the implications for your BAföG entitlement there as well.

 How do I provide proof to Student Services that I am studying abroad for a semester? We will issue you with a general certificate confirming your semester abroad. As soon as your nomination has been made to the partner university, we will activate this certificate in Mobility Online so that you can download it yourself.

Tuition fees at partner universities

As an exchange student, you are normally exempt from pure tuition fees at our partner universities; this is stipulated in the partnership agreements and is certainly a great relief. Nevertheless, we want you to be able to plan sensibly and to be aware that you may still incur a number of other costs. We have tried to compile an overview under the heading ‘Possible costs and potential requests for financial guarantees’.