Attending university without a high school diploma

The general higher education entrance qualification allows you to choose from many career paths in Germany. One of them is to study at university.

But not all pupils finish their schooling with a high school diploma. For those who still want to study, there are several options. In this article, we will show you various ways to get your dream university place.

TU Clausthal is an open university

First things first: Clausthal University of Technology is one of the open universities in Lower Saxony. This means that we attach particular importance to giving all prospective students access to higher education. For example, we have launched the Techniker2Bachelor program, which makes it easier for trained technicians to start studying mechanical engineering.

Regardless of whether you are doing your vocational diploma, want to continue your education after vocational training or at a university of applied sciences, or have not completed your school-leaving certificate: many paths lead to Clausthal University of Technology!

1. Entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences

If you go to a vocational grammar school, you will graduate with a special focus - for example in the fields of business, technology and health & social affairs.

The german Fachhochschulreife (vocational diploma) differs from the general high school diploma in this specialization. When choosing a course of study, you must therefore make sure that your dream course of study matches your vocational diploma.

At Clausthal University of Technology, we offer degree courses in engineering and natural sciences as well as economics. This means that you can easily enroll with us if you have a vocational baccalaureate in engineering or economics.

2. Work experience through training, master craftsman or technician

After leaving school, you decided to do vocational training and have now successfully completed it. Perhaps you have even taken your master craftsman's examination and have already gained some work experience. And now you're looking for a new challenge?

Then studying for an additional qualification could be the right choice. As a rule, your vocational qualification entitles you to study - either in a suitable subject or (in certain cases) even with a completely free choice of subject.

Special conditions apply for technicians at Clausthal University of Technology: As an open university in Lower Saxony, we recognize your achievements. In the Techniker2Bachelor program, we enable technicians who decide to study for a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering to shorten the study period from three to two years. However, this offer only applies to technical schools with which we cooperate; please contact our student advisory service to find out whether this is an option for your degree!

3. Degree from a university of applied sciences

Are you attending a university of applied sciences and will soon have your degree in your pocket? Then many doors are open to you afterwards! For example, you can go on to study for a Master's degree at a university. Perhaps with us at Clausthal University of Technology?

4. Studying with a foreign school-leaving qualification

If you are interested in studying in Germany but do not have a German school-leaving certificate, your certificate is sometimes not recognized. In such a case, you will have to attend the so-called Studienkolleg here in Germany and take some exams in order to be accepted at a university.

At Clausthal University of Technology, the Clausthal International Center (IZC) will support you with your application. Our International Student Advisor will be happy to help you with any questions or problems. 
Simply send an email to: isa@tu-clausthal.de