The Hessian Enrollment Regulations state that “students can be granted leave during maternity leave, parental leave, or for relatives in need of care”.

You are entitled to a maximum of 6 semesters on leave for pregnancy, maternity leave, and parental leave. Seek consultation with your study guidance or faculty for advantages and disadvantages prior to the application of a semester on leave or part-time studies and make a decision afterwards.

Conditions for a leave of absence

• Semesters of leave due to maternity/ parental leave can only be applied for with a medical certificate or the birth certificate.
• The application must be handed in by 1^st April (summer semester) and respectively by 1^st October (winter semester) at the university.
• A leave of absence does not excuse from paying the semester fee.
• A retrospective leave of absence cannot be granted for a completed semester.
• During the leave of absence you keep your student status.
• BAföG is not paid during during the leave of absence – but perhaps ALG II. More information can be found here.