Study and research in Germany

All about student advice services

Several university facilities offer advice to students. New students may find this a little confusing at first, because they might not initially recognise how the various services differ. Here a brief overview:

Central Student Advice Service (Zentral Studienberatung)

The Central Student Advice Service (Zentrale Studienberatung - ZSB) is the first point of contact for anybody interested in studying. The service mainly answers general questions relating to studying. You will be able to find out about the range of courses and studies offered, about application and admissions processes, about the study conditions, course contents and scholarships. The service will also help you decide which programme is right for you and will help you plan the start of your studies. 

At the same time, it is the place to contact on all questions and problems relating to studies. It will help you change subject if you wish, and will provide tips and advice on organising your studies. It offers assistance in the event of psychiatric problems. And it organises special introductory seminars for foreign students.

Faculty Student Advice

The Faculty Student Advice Service (Studienberatung der Fakultäten) explains how the studies are structured in your subject or programme, the examination regulations and helps you organise your own studies. It is an important source of advice if you are planning to graduate from your German university.

Subject Advice

Subject Advice (Fachberatung) is offered in the individual departments and is mainly given by academic assistants. Experts from your subject provide valuable information and tips on special features of your subject and on how to specialise. Make sure you use these services. You can profit particularly from their insider tips for your future study and career planning.

Students Advising Students

The Students Advising Students Service (Studentische Studienberatung) is offered at the Departmental Student Societies (Fachschaften), for example, or at the Student Council (AStA, UStA or StuRa). The students provide useful tips on examinations and on how these are organised. In addition, they also provide support if you have problems with university teachers or with the recognition of credits.

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