Orientation semester

Try out studying - with the orientation semester

The orientation semester is a modular course in which you can get a taste of campus life, get to know one or more degree programs with a completely individual timetable and, if you wish, even take your first exams.

orange quotation mark symbol"We would recommend it to anyone who is unsure about their choice of course or between studying and training."
Student Advisory Service and Career Service

You can choose modules from the fields of Natural Sciences, Engineering & Computer Science, Building & Design (limited, see FAQs), Social Affairs & Health and Business. An orientation semester is possible in the winter and/or summer semester. You decide which degree programs and how many courses you want to try out!

For all enrolled students in the orientation semester, we offer an online introductory event on 02.03.2026 at 10:00 and 17:00, in which the module selection and the opening of the semester are explained and we answer any open questions. We recommend that you attend this introductory event so that you can start your orientation semester smoothly.

Here you will find the modules for the orientation semester in summer semester 2026:

Module catalog summer semester 2026

The most important thing

Benefit from student status

With your student ID card, you can use the semester ticket, canteen, library and all additional university services such as sports or language courses during the orientation semester. The only cost is the semester fee. You also benefit from student status when it comes to health insurance, child benefit and student accommodation.

No admission restrictions

There are no admission restrictions for the orientation semester, i.e. if you complete all the formalities by the deadline and have a valid university entrance qualification (Abi or Fachabi or a professional qualification), you will definitely be offered a place.

We support you

For all students enrolled in the orientation semester, we offer an online introductory event before the start of the semester to explain the module selection, introduce important service points and online platforms and answer open questions. You will receive the dial-in details in advance by email.

Registration and enrollment for the orientation semester

Module selection and timetabling

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More Information

Orientation semester vs. start of studies in the summer semester

FAQs on the orientation semester

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FAQs on the orientation semester

Do I have student status during the orientation semester?

Yes, you are enrolled as a regular student at Coburg University of Applied Sciences.

Can I receive BAföG during the orientation semester?

No, unfortunately the orientation semester is not eligible for BAföG.

By the way: If you go on to study full-time, the orientation semester does not count as a (first) change of degree program, so you will not suffer any disadvantages if you subsequently receive BAföG.

Will my parents continue to receive child benefit?

You are enrolled and have student status. If you meet all other requirements, your parents will receive child benefit. Please ask your local family benefits office about this.

Please note that the seriousness of your studies must be proven in the event of a review by the Family Benefits Office. This can take the form of credits/credit points (ECTS).

Can I apply for a place in a hall of residence?

You can also apply for a place in a hall of residence for just one semester (6 months) via the Studierendenwerk Oberfranken. If you then decide to study at Coburg University of Applied Sciences, you can extend your place in halls of residence. Incidentally, the chances of finding a free place in a hall of residence are even better in the summer semester.

Can I choose modules from all degree programs?

  • A contract with a cooperating hospital is required for the "Midwifery Science" course. It is a dual study program with alternating theory and practical modules.
  • Access to the degree programs "Architecture", "Interior Design" and "Integrated Product Design" is restricted by an aptitude test. No module selection is possible here.

You can put together individual modules from all other Bachelor's degree programs.

What happens after orientation in the winter semester?

  1. You switch to a regular Bachelor's degree course in the summer semester: currently, Business, Industrial and Insurance Management, as well as Technical Physics and Future Technologies also start in the summer semester.
  2. You are starting a second orientation semester in the summer semester. We will explain how you can organize the second orientation semester in the next question.

If you are still unsure about what you can do after your first orientation semester, you can find an overview of your options here.

What are the advantages of a second orientation semester?

Gain experience in the…

…the theory: In the second orientation semester, there are also modules that you can put together individually and in which you can take exams. This means you can get off to a relaxed start in a regular degree course later on.

Or have you noticed in your first orientation semester that you lack certain previous knowledge? Prepare yourself even better for your studies in your second orientation semester, e.g. with a preliminary math course, a language course (e.g. English), a course on scientific work, etc. We will be happy to advise you.

…in practice: After the theory in the first orientation semester, you can directly apply the knowledge you have learned in a voluntary internship. Or you can complete the basic internships required for your studies (e.g. in mechanical engineering and automotive engineering) before you start the next winter semester. The Student Advisory Service and the Careers Advisory Service of the Employment Agency will be happy to advise and support you.

abroad: Take advantage of the second orientation semester and go on a language trip or attend a summer school abroad, for example. At summer schools, you can get to know another university and city and get a taste of a subject – without any major commitments. If you are interested, you should do your research in good time (e.g. via DAAD); the International Office at Coburg University of Applied Sciences will also be happy to help you with eligible offers and funding.

Die nächsten Veranstaltungen

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