Disadvantage compensation

Table of contents

Who can apply for disadvantage compensation?

Disabled students can apply for disadvantage compensation. This entitlement includes students with

  • chronic illnesses or conditions that impair their ability to fully participate in society, e.g. mental illnesses,
  • dyslexia (difficulties with reading and writing),
  • dyscalculia (difficulties with learning and comprehending maths).

Disadvantage compensation measures

Disadvantage compensation should always be individually tailored to the particular needs of each student. In practical terms, this means

  • deadlines can be appropriately extended, e.g. for examinations and for writing assignments and degree theses
  • additional work tools or aids can be permitted (laptop, other forms of assistance, e.g. sign language interpreter, speech-to-text interpreter)
  • examinations can be taken in a different form (written assignment, written examination instead of an oral examination or vice-versa)
  • examination dates and submission deadlines can be individually agreed
  • examinations can be held in a separate room
  • special breaks can be permitted during the examination time

Application process

You should submit your application for disadvantage compensation in writing to the examination board for your study programme approximately six weeks after the beginning of the semester. You should explain why you are unable to take the module examinations in the prescribed manner and propose a suitable form of disadvantage compensation. To support your application, you should submit documents such as a copy of your disabled pass, a medical certificate or a social education or psychological assessment report.

Notes and documents