A hardship case exists if special circumstances make it necessary to start studying immediately and it is unreasonable to wait for a regular study place or to study somewhere other than Berlin. At HTW Berlin, up to 2% of study places in degree programmes with restricted admission are reserved for hardship cases.

• Serious health problems (e.g. imminent deterioration of an illness or disability).
• Family obligations that require immediate admission
• Late resettlement, whereby a comparable study programme has already been started in the country of origin
• Vocational rehabilitation after illness or accident, where a return to work is only possible through immediate study

• Location restrictions due to own illness or illness of a relative
• Financial difficulties or the loss of funding such as BAföG
• Marital status, children or caring for relatives
• Multiple rejections in the selection process
• Age or imminent exceeding of age limits
• Own conviction of being particularly suitable

The hardship application is submitted as part of the regular online application. All requisite documents, such as medical reports or certificates, must be uploaded by the application deadline. 

The requirements for hardship applications are rigorous. A well-documented and comprehensible justification is crucial in order for the application to be accepted.

Proof: 

• In the case of health reasons, a detailed medical report describing the severity, course and prognosis of the illness is required that is comprehensible to laypersons. As additional proof, e.g. the disabled person's pass or the assessment notice from the pension office are suitable.
• Depending on the grounds for the application, further relevant documentation may be required as proof. You will be informed of this when you submit your application in the application portal.