University Admission for Vocationally Qualified Applicants without University Entrance Qualifications

1. Passed examination for the master craftsman certificate (“Meisterprüfung”) based on Sections 45, 51a, 122 of the Crafts and Trade Code (“Handwerksordnung”) in the version published on September 24, 1998, last amended by Article 6 of the Act of January 17, 2024 (Federal Law Gazette BGBl. 2024 I, no. 12) or a qualification that is equivalent to the master craftsman certificate in accordance with Section 7 subsection 2a of the Crafts and Trade Code
2. Advanced professional training qualification based on Sections 53, 54 of the Vocational Training Act (“Berufsbildungsgesetz”) in the version published on May 4, 2020 (Federal Law Gazette BGBl. I p. 920), last amended by Article 10a of the Act of August 16, 2023 (Federal Law Gazette BGBl. 2023 I no. 217), or in accordance with Sections 42, 42f of the Crafts and Trade Code (“Handwerksordnung”), provided that the course amounted to at least 400 hours of instruction
3. Certificate of competency for navigational or marine engineering service on board commercial vessels in accordance with the Seafarers' Competencies and Proficiencies Regulations of May 8, 2014 (Federal Law Gazette BGBl. I p. 460), last amended by Article 1 of the Ordinance of July 28, 2021 (Federal Law Gazette BGBl. I p. 3236), which is based on a course amounting to at least 400 hours of instruction
4. Qualification from a publicly funded vocational school or a state-recognized independent vocational school within the meaning of Section 28 of the Brandenburg School Act (“Brandenburgisches Schulgesetz”) in the version published on August 2, 2002 (Law and Ordinance Gazette GVBl. I p. 78), last amended by Article 5 subsection 5 of the Act of March 5, 2024 (GVBl. I no. 10 p. 79), or a degree from a comparable training course in another federal state of the Federal Republic of Germany
5. Advanced professional training qualifications comparable to those referred to under numbers 1 and 2 on the basis of a advanced professional training measure regulated by federal state law for professions in the healthcare sector or in the field of social care or education-related professions
6. Completion of stage 1 secondary education or an equivalent qualification and completed vocational training suitable for the intended degree program with at least two years of work experience acquired subsequently (in the relevant subject area in an undergraduate degree program at the University of Potsdam)

An individual who can document qualifications obtained abroad can also be admitted to a degree program at the University of Potsdam that corresponds to one of the certificates referred to above if he or she has the necessary language skills for the degree program.

On the application, under each category of a vocational qualification, you will find a list of the documents to be submitted for it. Please do not submit originals, simple copies are sufficient.

Yes, you can also submit your application digitally by e-mail with the required supporting documents to vera.yuuuni-potsdampde

Yes: if you have a vocational qualification that gives you a general entrance qualification to higher education in accordance with the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (Section 10, subsection 2, nos. 6 to 10 of the BbgHG) and this has been determined via the application to determine a higher education entrance qualification for the University of Potsdam, then you can apply and/or enroll for all degree programs.

No: if you have a vocational qualification that gives you a subject-specific entrance qualification to higher education in accordance with the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (Section 10, subsection 2, nos. 11 of the BbgHG) and this has been determined via the application to determine a higher education entrance qualification for the University of Potsdam, then you can only study in degree programs where the completed vocational training is suitable for the intended degree program (e.g. trained retail salesperson > business administration).

No, there is no such quota at the University of Potsdam.

If, for example, there is no grade point average on the certificate of completion of the master craftsman’s examination or the vocational school, you can ask the respective institution where you took the examination whether it can be issued.

The grade point average may not be calculated by yourself and is important if you want to apply for a degree program with restricted admission (NC UP), since the allocation of admission slots is regulated by the grade point average or waiting period, among other factors. If there is no grade point average, the application will be placed at the bottom of the ranking list.

Yes, you can also study at the University of Potsdam if you have parental and care responsibilities to fulfill. The University of Potsdam aims to facilitate an environment that leads to a successful completion of the program. The university's "Service for Families" can help you to better balance studying and family life.