Pregnancy, maternity leave, nursing

The Maternity Protection Act (Mutterschutzgesetz, MuSchG) applies to women studying at university. The goal is to ensure that the academic requirements and environment do not endanger the health of the mother and her child. At the same time, the law states that students should not suffer any disadvantages on account of their pregnancy, e.g. they should not be forced to interrupt their studies if they do not wish to.

• This applies to students during pregnancy, after delivery and during the entire nursing period.
• Maternity protection is extended to all activities necessary for achieving one’s university degree, i.e. courses, examinations, independent research for one’s thesis etc.

Female students are entitled to various protective measures. However, the University of Münster can only comply with its legal obligations provided they notify the University of their condition through the Student Maternity Protection Coordination Office. The office provides information about all aspects of the Maternity Protection Act and can offer you non-binding consultation if desired. Moreover, they are responsible for initiating the protective measures and inform the according faculty contact person.

Students with children

The website of the Central Equal Opportunities Office at the University of Münster, Studying with Children, provides an excellent overview of support and services available for students with children. Here you will find a guide for (expectant) parents who are students and various programs and counseling contacts for young parents, such as a childcare allowance (Studi-Kidz-Zuschuss), the Studi-Kidz-Café, or the Madame Courage donation project for single parents.

Further support and counseling services relating to financial and legal matters, childcare, and family-friendly housing can be found on the University of Münster's central website Studying with Children.

The AStA offers, among other things, a babysitting exchange and counseling and networking opportunities through the “Studying with Children” program.

As part of its commitment to equality, the Faculty of Biology offers financial support for laboratory assistance in the final phase of a degree program and for conference travel. Further information can be found here.