Orientation semester

Try out studying - with the orientation semester

Still not sure which degree program is right for you? Then just give it a try!
In an online information session on July 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. , we’ll answer any questions you have about the orientation semester.

The orientation semester is a modular program in which you get to know the university and take courses (modules) from regular bachelor’s degree programs.

Here’s how it works:
– You enroll in a anchor program .
– Then you choose your modules from various academic departments (DIVERSITY Orientation Semester) or from a specific degree program (FOCUS Orientation Semester).
– Discover now: Modules for the orientation semester in the winter semester 2026/2027:Module Catalog for the Orientation Semester, Winter Semester 2026/2027

Here’s what you’ll get:
– Insights into actual course content
– Clarity to help you choose your major
– Your first exams —only if you want them

Good to know:
– Start in the winter semester (Oct. 1) or summer semester (Mar. 15)
– Online registration: May 2–Sept. 14 (winter semester) or Nov. 15–Feb. 28 (summer semester)
– No limit on the number of spots
– Only the regular semester fee

Choose: FOKUS or VIELFALT Orientation Semester

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.

FOCUS – Focus on Your Degree Program

“FOKUS” Target Audience: Prospective students who want to prepare for a degree program.

Your advantages:

  • Automatic enrollment in all open modules of your chosen anchor degree program
  • Get a Firsthand Look at and Prepare for Your Major
  • Ideal for anyone who already knows which degree program they’re interested in

Procedure:

  1. Online Registration and enrollment in the desired degree program (primary degree program)
  2. Module Selection: Shortly before you begin your studies, select “Orientation Semester FOKUS” during the module selection process. This will automatically enroll you in all modules offered for the orientation semester within your primary degree program.* You can find a list of these modules on the respective degree program page. The corresponding module descriptions can be found in the orientation semester’s module catalog.
  3. Exams: At the end of the semester, you decide for yourself whether to register for the exams. You can later have the exams you pass count toward your regular degree program.
  4. Automatic withdrawal after one semester: Please register for your intended degree program or for a second orientation semester.

* Dropping Modules: Do you want to focus on a specific degree program during the FOKUS orientation semester but can’t complete all the modules? Just contact the Academic Advising Office—we’ll remove you from the individual courses.

DIVERSITY – Discover Your Possibilities

“DIVERSITY” Target Group: Prospective students who are considering several fields of study and would like to try out a degree program.

Advantages:

  • Maximum flexibility in choosing modules
  • Broad insight into various fields of study
  • Ideal for exploring interests and discovering new perspectives

Procedure:

  1. Online Registration and enrollment in a core degree program
  2. Module Selection: During the VIELFALT orientation semester , you can freely combine any of the available modules (selection takes place shortly before the semester begins)—based entirely on your interests. You can find the complete list of modules, including module descriptions, in the orientation semester’s module catalog.
  3. Exams: At the end of the semester, you decide for yourself how to proceed. If you know which degree program you want to pursue, you can voluntarily register for exams. Exams you pass can later be applied toward your regular degree program.
  4. Automatic withdrawal after one semester: Please register for a second orientation semester or a regular degree program.

Select: optional add-on modules

MINTstart – The Foundation for Your Success in College

In MINTstart, you’ll take the “Introduction to Mathematics” course ( 2 SWS), which will help you brush up on the basics, fill in any gaps in your knowledge, and prepare you as thoroughly as possible fordegree programs in engineering, the natural sciences, and economics.

Content & Timeline
– Review of key mathematical fundamentals (organized by topic blocks)
– Exercises to reinforce and deepen understanding
– Short written exams after each block (a total of 6 15-minute exams)

Your Benefits
– Start Your Studies with Mathematical Confidence
– Certificate of Participation
– ECTS credits are awarded upon passing four of the six partial exams

Registration
When selecting your modules (shortly before the start of the semester), simply choose the additional module “MINTstart.” You will be automatically registered for the math course and will then receive all the necessary information from the instructor.

StudyCoach – Guidance for Your Decisions

Would you like more guidance in choosing your major during the orientation semester?
StudyCoach is a voluntary, supplementary program—with no exam pressure, flexible, personalized, and tailored precisely to your needs.

Contents
– Individual and group coaching
– Reflection on interests, strengths, and goals
– Assessment tools for academic orientation
– Group discussions and student mentoring

Your Benefits
– Informed decisions about your future educational path
– Certificate of participation.

Registration
When selecting your modules (shortly before the start of the semester), choose the additional module “StudyCoach.” You will be automatically registered and will receive information from the module coordinators.

How do I register for an orientation semester?

Registration period: May 2 – September 14 (winter semester) or November 15 – February 28 (summer semester)

  1. Registration on the online portal: Create a personal user account to begin the application process.
  2. Select a bachelor’s program as your primary program: Select “Apply for the first semester” and choose a bachelor’s program as your primary program.
  3. Select your program type: In the next step, select “Module-based program/orientation semester” as your preferred program type.
  4. Upload documents: Fill out the online forms and upload your high school diploma and resume.
  5. Receive your admission and enroll: After your documents have been reviewed, you will receive your admission letter and can enroll online.
  6. Activate yourdigital university account: Activate your account to gain access to campus services, email, and your class schedule.

After your application materials have been reviewed, you will receive an admission letter. You can then enroll directly online and create your digital university account . This will give you access to email, your class schedule, learning platforms, and all of the university’s services.

Shortly before the semester begins, you will receive an email invitation to the online orientation session. There, you will receive all the important information about selecting modules, your class schedule, student services, and the structure of your orientation semester.

How does the orientation semester work?

Winter Semester 2026/2027 (Start: October 2026)

  • Mid- to late September: Online orientation session and course selection
  • End of September: Freshman Orientation (optional)
  • October 1, 2026: Official start of the semester and orientation event
  • October 1, 2026 – January 22, 2027: Lecture period according to your individual class schedule
  • 23.01. – February 14, 2027: Exam time – only relevant for you if you decide to take exams.
  • 15.02. – March 14, 2027: Semester Break
  • March 14, 2027: Your orientation semester ends automatically.

Module Selection

Before the start of the semester, you’ll be invited to an online orientation session where we’ll explain how the module selection process works.
Module selection takes place in mid-September (for students starting in the winter semester) or early March (for students starting in the summer semester)—once the class times and locations have been finalized.

Module Selection During the FOKUS Orientation Semester:

  1. Select “Orientation Semester FOKUS” from the module list, and you will be automatically enrolled in the available modules for your primary degree program.
  2. If you’d like, you can also choose additional modules (MINTstart or StudyCoach) or modules from the Studium Generale program or the Virtual University of Bavaria.

Module Selection During the “VIELFALT” Orientation Semester:

  1. You must select at least one module from your primary degree program.
  2. If you wish, you can select additional modules from the same or other degree programs.
  3. If you’d like, you can also select the additional modules (MINTstart or StudyCoach) or modules from the Studium Generale program or the Virtual University of Bavaria.
  4. We recommend a maximum of five modules. With five modules, your timetable will comprise around 20 to 25 lessons per week.

If you have any questions about choosing modules, the Student Advising Office can help you.

Come on: Try out studying

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Orientation semester vs. start of studies in the summer semester

Comparison table showing differences between an orientation semester and a regular bachelor’s program. Categories include duration, schedule, examinations, and financial aid. The orientation semester lasts one semester and has flexible scheduling. at Hochschule Coburg

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 at Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts just like a regular student.

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 a hall of residence. Incidentally, there is an even better chance of finding a free place in a hall of residence in the summer semester.

Can I choose modules from all degree programs?

Unfortunately, the following degree programs are not permitted to offer modules for the orientation semester:

  • “Midwifery”: This program requires an agreement with a partner hospital. It is a dual-track program with fixed, alternating theory and practical modules.
  • “Architecture,” “Interior Design,” and “Integrated Product Design”: Admission to these programs is subject to an aptitude test

All other bachelor’s degree programs participate in the orientation semester and offer modules.

What is an anchor degree program?

You will be enrolled for the orientation semester so that you have student status and all the benefits that come with it. This enrollment must be for a degree program: your so-called “anchor program.”

  • Orientation Semester Focus: Your “anchor” program is simply the program whose modules you want to take.
  • Orientation Semester VIELFALT: You choose a degree program that particularly interests you as your “anchor.” You must take at least one module from that program. You can freely choose additional modules from other degree programs.

How does the transition to the bachelor's program work?

In many degree programs, transferring into a regular bachelor’s program is only possible during the winter semester.

  • So if you start with the orientation semester during the summer semester and have already decided on your desired degree program, you can seamlessly continue with your regular studies in the following winter semester.
  • If you start with the orientation semester during the winter semester, you can currently begin a regular bachelor’s program in Business Administration, Insurance Management, or Technical Physics and Future Technologies in the following summer semester.
  • Alternatively, it may be a good idea to add a second orientation semester during the following summer semester. For anyone who needs a second semester or is intentionally planning for one, we’ve put together some helpful ideas on how you can make the most of a full year of orientation (see the next question).

Please note: At the end of your orientation semester, you will be automatically withdrawn from the university. This means you will still need to re-enroll online for your degree program or for a second orientation semester.

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.

…Practical Experience: After completing the theoretical coursework in the first orientation semester, you can directly apply what you’ve learned in a voluntary internship. Or you can complete the introductory internships required for your degree program (e.g., in civil engineering) before you officially begin your studies in the next winter semester. The Student Advising Office and the career counseling services at 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.

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The website of Coburg University of Applied Sciences was translated using translation software provided by a third-party provider such as DeepL. The official text is the German version of the website. No liability is assumed, either explicitly or implicitly, for the accuracy, reliability, or correctness of the translations into another language.