The transition from school to university

Those who wish to study are specifically prepared for this in the sixth form. Student advisory services, university partnerships and taster days help with orientation.
The path from school to university is varied - and easy to plan. Different study options open up depending on the school-leaving qualification.

Which qualifications entitle students to study?

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur): Access to all degree programs at universities and universities of applied sciences.

• Subject-specific university entrance qualification: Access to certain subjects at universities and universities of applied sciences.

• Advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachabitur): Access to universities of applied sciences and selected courses at other universities.
  It is also possible to study without an Abitur - for example through professional qualifications. The requirements vary depending on the federal state and university.

Overview of university types

• Universities: Academically oriented, broad range of subjects, doctorate possible.

• Universities of Applied Sciences (Universities of Applied Sciences): Practical, often with compulsory internships.

• Cooperative universities and vocational academies: Combination of studies and practical experience in the company.

• Art, music and sports colleges: Admission usually only with aptitude test.

Degrees

• Bachelor: First professionally qualifying degree (3-4 years).

• Master: Further studies (1-2 years).

• State examination: For example, for medicine, law or teaching.

• Diploma/Magister: Only offered sporadically.

Application and admission

Not all degree programs are freely accessible. Many are subject to admission restrictions (e.g. numerus clausus). Early information about deadlines and procedures - either directly from the university or via hochschulstart.de - is recommended.

Studying in Bochum

With around 55,000 students at eight universities, Bochum is an important university location in the Ruhr region. The city is part of the network UniverCity Bochumwhich promotes cooperation between schools, universities, the city and business.

The most important universities in Bochum:

• Ruhr University Bochum (RUB): One of the largest universities in Germany with a wide range of subjects from humanities to natural sciences and engineering.

• Bochum University of Applied Sciences (BO): Practice-oriented university of applied sciences with a focus on technology, business and sustainability.

• Protestant University of Applied Sciences Rhineland-Westphalia-Lippe: Specialized in social work, education and care.

• Georg Agricola University of Technology: Traditionally close to mining, today with a focus on engineering and sustainability.

• EBZ Business School: Private university with a focus on real estate economics and management.

• Folkwang University of the Arts (Bochum location): Study programs in the field of acting and performing arts.

• IU International University (Bochum): Offers dual and flexible study models in many disciplines.

• International University of Cooperative Education (iba): Practice-integrated degree programs with in-company training.

Many of these universities offer cooperation with schools, taster days, workshops and advisory services to make the transition to university easier. Information can be found directly on the websites of the universities or via the network UniverCity Bochum to find.

Contact points for pupils in Bochum

Central Student Advisory Service of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB)

The ZSB is the first point of contact for all questions relating to studying: choosing a course, application procedures, subjects and more.

• Location: Student Service Center (SSC), RUB campus

• Contact: studienberatung@rub.de

• Extras: WhatsApp channel with application tips, event information and insights into studying

• More info

Central Student Advisory Service of Bochum University of Applied Sciences (BO)

Bochum University of Applied Sciences offers individual advice, workshops, information events and online tests for study orientation.

• Contact: studienberatung@hs-bochum.de

• Offers:

  • Workshops on study choice, time management, learning strategies

  • Ambassadors - Students report on their day-to-day studies

  • Talentmobile & school lab with STEM workshops

  • Participation in the "Study Orientation Weeks"

  • Advice also available directly at schools

• More info

Interface school - university (RUB)

A special team accompanies the transition to university.

• Target: Providing orientation, making everyday study life tangible

• Offers: School cooperation, events, advice

• More info