Study Organisation with Family Responsibilities

In accordance with the Registration Regulations of FH Aachen, pregnant students and students who have given birth or who are taking advantage of the statutory maternity protection periods can take leave of absence. The leave of absence is granted for the entire semester and can be applied for during the current semester. It is not possible to complete coursework during a leave of absence due to pregnancy / maternity leave. Applying for a semester of leave due to maternity leave is equivalent to a notification of pregnancy and therefore obliges the university to submit a corresponding notification to the Cologne District Government.

According to the Registration Regulations of FH Aachen, student parents can take leave of absence during the deadlines for parental leave in accordance with the Federal Parental Allowance and Parental Leave Act. Up to six semesters of leave per child can be applied for due to caring for and bringing up children. The application must be submitted within the re-registration deadlines and the leave of absence is granted for the entire semester. As part of the leave of absence due to parental leave, it is possible, but not compulsory, to complete coursework at your own request in accordance with the Registration Regulations.

According to the Registration Regulations of FH Aachen, students who are caring for a close relative can take a leave of absence. The leave of absence can be taken for the duration of the prescribed period of study. The application must be submitted within the re-registration deadlines and the leave of absence is granted for the entire semester. In the context of a leave of absence due to caring for close relatives, it is possible, but not compulsory, to complete coursework at the student's own request in accordance with the Registration Regulations.

Students who have to combine their studies with family commitments - such as caring for children, nursing relatives or pregnancy - often face particular challenges. In order to compensate for the resulting difficulties in study progress and examinations, compensation for disadvantages can be granted. This serves the purpose of creating equal opportunities without changing the academic requirements of the degree programme. Rather, it is a matter of adapting the organisational framework conditions of the degree course and examinations if a disadvantage arises due to family responsibilities. The following is a list of compensation for disadvantages that can be granted.

Pregnant students or students who have given birth are exempt from attending courses and lectures or examinations during the special maternity protection periods (6 weeks before and 8 weeks after the birth), unless they have expressly waived their right to take advantage of the protection periods. The waiver does not include courses and lectures that have been classified as hazardous to health as part of the risk assessment. Pregnant and breastfeeding students are entitled to compensation for disadvantages (e.g. compensation for laboratory courses, practical trainings or excursions). There is no compulsory registration for examinations during maternity protection periods. If students take maternity leave and examinations fall within this period, they must not suffer any disadvantage as a result. For this reason, students have various compensation options available to them so that their study time is not extended. Equivalence credits, exam postponements or deadline extensions can be used to compensate for disadvantages.

If a child to be cared for falls ill or if a relative to be cared for has an acute (non-permanent) need for care or support and it is not possible to attend an examination date or the submission deadline for an examination achievement cannot be met, students have the right to withdraw from the examination for a special reason, as in the case of their own illness. To do so, a medical certificate confirming the illness of the child or the acute need for care of the close relative must be submitted to the respective Examination Office. This then counts as your own inability to take the examination. In order to take part in the next examination, a new registration must be submitted. In the case of homework or similar examination achievements, an extension of the deadline may have to be agreed with the teacher.

As compensation for disadvantages depends on the respective situation and is therefore always individual, this overview is not exhaustive. If a pregnancy, daily parental duties or caring for relatives conflict with the requirements of the degree programme, it is recommended that you first talk to your lecturers. Experience has shown that many adjustments in terms of compensation for disadvantages can be clarified on an individual basis. If a formal application is required, this is submitted to the Chairman of the Examination Board of the respective subject. The application is made informally in the form of a personal statement, which states how the family situation affects the student's studies. This statement is supplemented by current proof of eligibility, e.g. a doctor's certificate of sick leave, a care level certificate, the mother's passport, the child's birth certificate, proof of the type and extent of regular childcare. In addition, a specific reference regarding the required compensation for disadvantages is required. The Examination Board decides on the application.

Once a semester, the Family Office together with the AStA of FH Aachen invites expectant, current and future student parents of FH Aachen to a parents' café. Students receive helpful information about studying with a child as well as an overview of the family-orientated offers at FH Aachen. This meeting offers participants the opportunity to discuss questions and suggestions on the topic of "Studying with children" in a relaxed atmosphere over coffee and cake and to get to know each other. Children can of course be brought along. There is a play area for them where they can play, build, colour or read together. All students who attend a parents' café for the first time receive a small welcome gift. With the Parents' Café, we would like to give student fathers and mothers at FH Aachen the opportunity to meet regularly. It is therefore not an event that can only be attended once. Quite the opposite: we look forward to regular participation!
The dates for the respective meetings will be announced to you in good time by email and here.

Next date: Thursday, 20 November 2025, 3 - 5 p.m.
Registration via email to: familiefh-aachen.de