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Leave of Absence

Do you need to take a break from your studies for a valid reason? Upon application, students may be granted a leave of absence for one or more semesters. Semesters spent on leave do not count towards your subject-related study duration.

Deadlines

  • Summer term: 30 April
  • Winter semester: 1 October

Exceptions to the deadline: If unforeseen circumstances arise after the start of the semester (e.g. a sudden illness), you can still submit your application up to four weeks after the start of lectures. It is not possible to take a leave of absence retrospectively for a semester that has already ended.

What you’ll need

  • Application for a leave of absence (to be submitted online via the horstl portal only)
  • Evidence regarding the reason for the leave of absence (e.g. doctor's certificate, internship contract, evidence of parental leave)
     

Procedure

Submit application

  • Please submit your application exclusively online via horstl under: My University Studies > Applications > Leave of Absence.
  • Please note: Applications received in written form (by email or post) will not be processed.

Upload evidence

  • Upload the required documents directly with your application.

1. Review and decision

  • As soon as the status of your application changes, you will receive an automatic notification directly in horstl under ‘My Notifications’.
  • Once approved, your student status will be updated on your enrolment certificate.
  • You can find the updated enrolment certificate under ‘Student Services’ → ‘Notifications/Certificates’.

Don’t forget!

Please make sure you upload evidence with your application for leave of absence!

Enrolment Regulations