The legal basis for reconciling studying and family responsibilities is set out in the North Rhine-Westphalia Higher Education Act (HG NRW), the University of Siegen's Basic Regulations and the framework examination regulations and university guidelines in their current versions.

These regulations ensure that the special needs of students with children or care responsibilities are taken into account, that periods of protection and absence are recognized and that the university promotes family-friendly study conditions.

• §Section 3 (5) of the NRW Higher Education Act (2025):
  The North Rhine-Westphalia Higher Education Act (HG NRW) requires universities to take into account the special needs of students with children or caring responsibilities. It stipulates that the compatibility of studies, career and family is to be promoted and supported by suitable measures.

   

• §Section 3 (4) no. 6 of the Basic Regulations of the University of Siegen (2025):
  The University of Siegen has the mandate to promote a family- and parent-friendly university.

   

• §19 Framework Examination Regulations for Bachelor's Degree Programs (2018) and Master's Degree Programs (2019) of the University of Siegen:
  The examination regulations of the University of Siegen stipulate that maternity protection periods under the Maternity Protection Act, parental leave under the Parental Leave Act and periods of absence due to the care or support of spouses, registered partners, relatives in a direct line or first-degree relatives by marriage are taken into account. Corresponding periods are interrupted or adjusted. The prerequisite for this is a timely application to the competent authority and the submission of suitable evidence.

   

• § 2 para. 2 lit. a Guidelines for the regulation of participation in courses at the University of Siegen (2013):
  The guidelines for participation in courses at the University of Siegen provide for special consideration to be given to cases of hardship, such as the care of close relatives or the care of underage children, when allocating course places. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis by the responsible Dean of Studies.

Students who can prove that they have caring or nursing responsibilities can apply for compensation if an examination cannot be taken in the prescribed form or within the regular deadline.

An application must be submitted to the relevant examination office in good time. Reference must be made to a specific examination or coursework and the particular burden that makes regular participation difficult must be specifically stated.

The aim of the compensation for difficulties is to find a solution together with the examiner and the responsible examination board that meets the individual needs of the student.

Here you will find the contact details of the:

• Examination offices
• Student Advisory Service of Faculty I
• Student Advisory Service of Schools II
• Student Advisory Service of Schools III
• Student Advisory Service of Schools IV
• Student Advisory Service of Schools V

NRW Higher Education Act

Consolidated Basic Regulations of the University of Siegen

Framework Examination Regulations for Bachelor's Degree Programs at the University of Siegen

Framework Examination Regulations for Master's Degree Programs at the University of Siegen

Guidelines for the regulation of participation in courses at the University of Siegen