Recognition and crediting

The recognition of study and examination credits enables students to have credits earned at other universities or in other degree programmes taken into account in their current studies. Competences acquired outside the higher education system can also be relevant and credited , provided they meet the requirements of the relevant degree programme.


Recognition of achievements and crediting of competences serve to ensure mobility between universities - both nationally and internationally - and to increase permeability while maintaining the quality of studies. Recognition and credit transfer can take place for compulsory modules and compulsory elective modules; it is also possible for credits earned abroad to be recognized as voluntary additional credits.


Both recognition and credit transfer can be particularly relevant in connection with a lateral entry into a degree program or a change of university or degree program .


Who decides on recognition?
Decisions on recognition and credit transfer are made by the examination boards of the relevant degree programmes and, in the case of teacher training courses leading to a state examination, by the Hessian Teachers' Academy.

How does the application procedure work?
Recognition or crediting takes place with an application, which must be accompanied by all the necessary evidence. The examination offices responsible for the respective subjects provide information on the application procedure and provide the relevant forms.

Recognition

  • refers to study and examination achievements and practical phases acquired at other universities in Germany and abroad

in accordance with the Guidelines for Recognition and Credit Transfer at the University of Kassel dated 20.12.2023:

  • In principle, recognition must be granted if a corresponding application is submitted and there is no significant difference between the completed coursework and examinations or practical phase and the work to be 'replaced'.
  • The guiding criterion for the recognition procedure is the learning outcomes described by the university. The quality, level, workload and profile of the degree program at the University of Kassel can be used as further supporting criteria.
  • Persons who are not enrolled are not entitled to submit an application. As a rule, this is possible if the student is enrolled in the degree program in question; an exception may be applications that aim to be placed in a higher study semester.
  • The application should be submitted as early as possible, but no later than four weeks before the performance for which the skills already acquired are to be recognized or credited.
  • The International Office provides separate information on the website regarding the recognition of credits earned during mobility abroad. There you will also find information on grade conversion and the number of credits to be recognized.

Crediting

  • refers to competences acquired outside the higher education system, e.g. in the context of vocational education and training or professional practice

in accordance with the Guidelines for Recognition and Credit Transfer at the University of Kassel dated 20.12.2023:

  • Credit transfer is the legal equivalence of non-university competencies to modules defined in the curriculum at the University of Kassel.
  • The decisive criterion for the recognition of credits is the equivalence of competencies (≠ equivalence).
  • The equivalence of learning outcomes is given if it exists at both content and level.
  • An explicit statement to this effect is required for recognition - equivalence in terms of content and level is not assumed from the outset.
  • Competences acquired outside the higher education sector can be credited up to a maximum of half of the scope of the examination achievements required in the degree program (§ 22 para. 6 HessHG).
  • Persons who are not enrolled are not entitled to submit an application. As a rule, this is possible if the student is enrolled in the degree program in question; an exception may be applications that aim to be placed in a higher study semester.
  • The application should be submitted as early as possible, but no later than four weeks before the performance for which the skills already acquired are to be recognized or credited.

Important sources of information

Contact us

For questions regarding recognition, credit transfer and lateral entry into higher study semesters, please contact the respective examination office or the responsible student advisory service.