Recognition/Crediting of completed coursework
Recognizing completed coursework means crediting coursework and exams completed in another program at another university or when studying abroad.
IMPORTANT: Note that there is a special feature for the recognition of coursework completed in the free elective area at the University of Hamburg. Find more information at the link:
The University decides whether to recognize academic achievements on the basis of examination regulations and subject-specific provisions (FSBs). This process is the responsibility of the competent examinations board. Applications for recognition are assessed on the following principle: coursework and examination results achieved at another university or during another degree program will generally be recognized, provided that the acquired skills and knowledge do not differ significantly from those required by the transfer university (Section 40 of the Hamburg higher education act (Hamburgisches Hochschulgesetz, HmbHG)).
There are 3 steps to the recognition process.
1. Students: Send an email to the degree program coordinator responsible (if necessary, arrange for a consultation).
Before submitting your request, arrange a meeting with your degree program coordinator (by email). Your degree program coordinator is your first point of contact for any questions regarding the recognition of academic achievements.
Your email should include proof of the coursework (PDF transcript of records) you wish to have recognized. Explain in your email which coursework in which modules in your current degree program you wish to have recognized. Find the module descriptions of your degree program in the subject-specific provisions (FSBs).
Once you have contacted the office, you and the degree program coordinator will agree upon further steps. If a consultation is required, bring the following to your appointment with the degree program coordinator:
- original transcript of records
- learning agreement (only for semesters abroad)
- course or module descriptions where applicable (e.g., excerpts from the module handbook, course schedule, bibliographies, meeting schedule, examination materials, etc.)
At the end of the consultation, you will receive a record of your conversation, including the coursework to be recognized.
2. Students: Submitting the application using a form (in the STiNE portal)
The electronic application form is available in your STiNE account under “Study management” > “Applications”. Select the form V WISO Faculty: application for recognition of achievements and click “Start.”
When you complete the form, adhere strictly to the consultation record and to the agreements with your degree program coordinator!
Complete the electronic application form in full on the basis of the consultation notes, submit it electronically, and inform the degree program coordinator responsible that you have done so.
3. Academic Office: further handling and entering completed coursework
Approval or rejection of your request is decided by the chair of the examinations board. Once a decision has been made, you will be notified by email that the decision is available in your STiNE account. Soon after, the recognized achievements will be added to your course account.
All emails sent to you during the recognition process will be sent to your official University email address (name.surname@studium.uni-hamburg.de) only.