Special cases in the application process
Second degree programme
If you receive your certificate of successful completion of studies by 15 July for a winter semester or 15 January for a summer semester and have completed your studies at a state-accredited university in Germany, please apply for a second degree programme.
More information about applying for a second degree programmeHardship cases
Up to 2% of study places are reserved for cases of exceptional hardship. Within this quota, the recognition of a hardship application without consideration of the selection criteria (e.g. average grade, waiting time) leads to admission immediately before all other applicants.
Further information about hardship casesCompensation for disadvantages
An application for compensation for disadvantages is justified if the applicant was prevented from achieving a better average grade or a longer waiting period for reasons for which he or she is not responsible.
If such circumstances and their effects are proven, participation in the award procedure will take place with a better average grade and/or waiting time. It should be noted that circumstances relating to the person or living conditions of parents, siblings or other third parties should only be taken into account to the extent that they have had a direct impact on the applicant.
More information on requesting compensation for disadvantages (Bachelor programmes and State Examination)
More information on requesting compensation for disadvantages (Master of Education)Studying without an Abitur ("professionally qualified" applicants)
Under certain circumstances, German applicants, EU/EEA applicants and candidates with equivalent admission status may be allowed to study at the University of Münster, even if they do not have an Abitur (general university entrance qualification).
More information about studying without an Abitur
Application attachment for recognition as a "professionally qualified applicant" [de]Applying during civil or military service
If you are currently serving or intend to serve, we recommend that you apply right at the beginning or during your service. If you receive admission and are not yet able to start your studies due to your service, you are entitled to admission to the degree programme when you reapply.
More information about preferential admission on account of civil or military service [de]Top-level athletes
If you belong to the national Olympic, Perspective, Reserve, Team Sport or Young Talent squad (formerly A, B, C or D/C squads) of the German Olympic Sports Confederation, your application for admission will receive preferential consideration. Please upload the confirmation of your current membership in the respective squad in the info portal of your application within the deadline.
Underage applicants
If you are still a minor (under 18) by the beginning of the lecture period of the semester for which you are applying (see semester dates), and your primary place of residence is your parents' home and is located in Münster, Hamm, or the districts of Borken, Coesfeld, Steinfurt or Warendorf, you may upload a certificate of registration (Meldebescheinigung) in the info portal of application to confirm that you still live with your parents and in one of the districts mentioned above. If you live outside these districts, but the University of Münster is the closest place of study which offers your desired degree programme, you may still apply as an underage applicant.
Complete list of applicable cities and districts
As 2 % of all study places are reserved for this group of applicants, your application may receive preferential consideration if it falls within this quota (in excess of 2 %, the admission decision is based on the final grade on the Abitur).
This special case does not apply to nationally restricted-admission degree programmes (Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry).
Studying despite the age limit (applicants older than 55 years of age)
Applicants who have exceeded the official age limit of admission (55 years) by the application deadline for summer semester (15 January) or winter semester (15 July), may only participate in the study-place allocation procedure if there are serious academic or professional reasons for admission to the desired programme with regard to the applicant's special personal circumstances.
If there are study places available at the conclusion of the allocation procedure, these are granted through a random selection procedure. You may apply to receive a study place in this way even if you have already reached the age limit.
More information about the random selection procedure