Orientation semester

In the orientation semester, we'll introduce you to the full range of what our university has to offer within six months (one semester). You can choose your own subjects or follow our recommendations. If you decide on a recommended combination of subjects, you benefit from the following advantages − you are eligible for BAföG funding and your timetable is already prepared for you.  

Depending on your chosen subject area, you'll study on Furtwangen Campus, Schwenningen Campus or on our Tuttlingen Campus.  

Recommended subjects – Computer Science (on Furtwangen Campus – winter semester):  

• Fundamentals of IT security
• Study skills
• Programming
• Computer graphics
• Introduction to business information systems

Recommended subjects – Engineering (on Schwenningen Campus or on Tuttlingen Campus – summer semester):  

• The recommended subject combination for the summer semester will be published here soon.

To apply for the orientation semester, you need a university entrance qualification.

This means you need either the general university entrance qualification (Abitur), the subject-specific university entrance qualification, the entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulreife) or a qualification recognised as equivalent.

General university entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife):

Abitur from:

• general secondary schools leading to the Abitur (allgemeinbildende Gymnasien) and comprehensive schools
• vocational secondary schools leading to the Abitur (berufliche Gymnasien) and specialised secondary schools (Fachgymnasien)
• upper vocational schools (Berufsoberschulen)
• colleges as full-time schools (Kollegien)
• evening grammar schools (Abendgymnasien)
• independent Waldorf schools  

Subject-specific higher university entrance qualification (Fachgebundene Hochschulreife):

 Final examination at:

• specialised secondary schools (Fachgymnasien)
• upper vocational schools (Berufsoberschulen)  

Entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulreife):

Final examination at:

• grammar schools/specialised grammar schools/comprehensive schools/independent Waldorf schools after year 12 (school-based part), plus an additional vocational part
• specialised upper secondary schools (Fachoberschulen)
• vocational colleges and vocational schools (Berufskollegien und Berufsfachschulen)
• evening grammar schools (Abendgymnasien)  

Did you know that you can even study without the Abitur? If you have completed vocational training and have at least three years of work experience, you can apply for a degree programme by taking an aptitude test.

Your orientation semester consists of a Study Skills module and the subjects you choose.

• Download file:OS Admission, Study and Examination Regulations
• Download file:HFU Statutes regulating bachelor's selection procedure

 

Certificate

As in every study semester, there are also exams in your orientation study programme. But don’t worry, if you fail an exam, there are no negative consequences. All the modules you pass will be listed on a certificate, which you'll receive at the end of the semester. 

Take your credits with you!

You can have any ECTS credits you earn during your orientation semester recognised towards a subsequent bachelor’s degree, provided they are a good subject match.

You can apply for BAföG

If you choose one of our recommended subject areas (computer science or engineering), you can apply for BAföG funding.