Applying for compensation for disadvantages (‘Nachteilsausgleich’)

Compensation for disadvantages is a tool designed to give students with health impairments (disabilities or chronic illnesses) equal opportunities in situations such as exams.

A long-term mental health crisis (if medically deemed to be a chronic illness) may also entitle you to compensation. If you have the relevant medical certificates and would like to apply for compensation for disadvantages, you will find helpful information on our Student Advisory and Career Service Centre (ABZ) inclusion portal. While the information itself is currently not available in English, the contact person does offer consultation in English.

Compensation for disadvantages must always be applied for individually through the Examinations Office. The final decision is then made by the relevant examination board.

It is strongly recommended that you submit your application early, ideally around the same time that you register for the exam.

Withdrawing from an exam before the deadline

If your health issue prohibits you from taking an exam you were registered for, please check whether you can still withdraw from the exam in HISinOne portal in order to prevent the exam being recorded as a failed attempt.

Withdrawing from an exam due to acute illness (with a doctor's certificate)

If you experience acute illness after the withdrawal deadline has passed, you may also withdraw from the exam by submitting a doctor's certificate (issued on the date of the exam) to the Examinations Office within three days after the exam at the latest. Information is available in the Examination Office's FAQs.

Psychological counselling at and around UDE

UDE and various partners offer psychological counselling services.

Finding a psychotherapist

If you are looking for a psychotherapist, we also recommend using the search functions provided by the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians North Rhine (KVNO) and the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians of Westphalia-Lippe (KVWL). Among other options, both databases allow you to search for therapists who offer treatment in a specific foreign language.

Psychosocial centres for refugees

Refugee students may also be interested in the list of psychosocial centres for refugees in Germany available on the website of the German Association of Psychosocial Centres for Refugees and Victims of Torture (BAfF).

How to book an appointment at the local immigration office

UDE does not provide legal advice. Such advice can only be provided by a lawyer. However, international students can find basic information on how to make an appointment with the local immigration office on our International Office’s website.

Consultation hours for international students and email support

If your questions are not answered on the website or in case of an emergency, you can also use Moodle to book an appointment during the consultation hours for international students or you can send an email to support-immigrationoffice@uni-due.de.

Consultation hours for international students (first contact)

Financial difficulties can be a source of enormous stress. Hence, such problems can also negatively impact one’s ability to study.

If you are experiencing any such issues, please book an appointment during the consultation hours for international students. During the scheduled appointment, we will discuss with you whether you might be able to receive financial assistance and, if so, where you can apply.