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Study Prognosis for Extention of the Residence Permit

"Proper course of study" (Ordnungsgemäßes Studium)

means that you do not exceed the average length of study in your field of study by more than three semesters (= bonus semesters for international students). If you are completing a Bachelor's degree program and then immediately afterwards a Master's degree program, you are only entitled to the three bonus semesters only once for the entire duration of your studies. You may apply those three bonus semesters as you wish.

It is important to note that the average length of study is not the same as the standard time for completing courses. It is the average number of semesters that is necessary for completing the course of study in the respective discipline at a given university. You can get information on the average length of study in your field from the International Office (incoming-degreeuni-potsdamde).

In order to check that your studies are progressing properly, the Immigration Office may ask you to provide a so-called study prognosis (Studienprognose) after a certain period of time. The study prognosis contains information about completed coursework, any individual reasons for possible interruptions or irregularities, and details on the planned progression of your studies with regards to your individual situation.

  • The study prognosis form is issued by the International Office. Please send an e-mail request to incoming-degreeuni-potsdamde stating your matriculation number along with which Immigration Office is responsible for you.
    Please note that the study prognosis is only valid for 8 weeks from the date it is issued!
  • The study prognosis is then completed by the departmental advisor (Studienfachberater) or by the examination commissioner (Beauftragter für Prüfungswesen) of your subject. Please take a confirmation of your exam results (you can print them from PULS or request them in the examination office) to your appointment with the advisor.

If the Immigration Office becomes aware during the duration of your residence permit that your academic progress is not sufficient to fulfill the above mentioned conditions, it is possible that they may revoke your residence permit.

Please ensure you retain all relevant documentation in the event that your studies take longer to prove you were unable to study faster (eg: certificate of illness, doctors attest) and take them with you to your appointment.

"Proper course of study" (Ordnungsgemäßes Studium)

means that you do not exceed the average length of study in your field of study by more than three semesters (= bonus semesters for international students). If you are completing a Bachelor's degree program and then immediately afterwards a Master's degree program, you are only entitled to the three bonus semesters only once for the entire duration of your studies. You may apply those three bonus semesters as you wish.

It is important to note that the average length of study is not the same as the standard time for completing courses. It is the average number of semesters that is necessary for completing the course of study in the respective discipline at a given university. You can get information on the average length of study in your field from the International Office (incoming-degreeuni-potsdamde).

Information regarding the residence permit:

1. If you were unable to arrive in Germany on time or unable to attend courses in the first semester due to a delay in obtaining your visa, we highly recommend that you keep track of all documents related to this. It might be important at a later stage for the extension of your residence permit. This applies to flight tickets or appointments at the embassy as an example.

2. If you were enrolled at the University of Potsdam during the COVID pandemic: We recommend that you submit the PULS-Studienverlaufsbescheinigung ("Confirmation of periods of study"- this is a different document than your certificate of enrollment for the current semester) whilst applying for the extension of your stay. There, it is stated that certain semesters were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can download the Studienverlaufsbescheinigung via PULS ("My Documents").