A second degree is the completion of a second undergraduate degree program after you have already earned a first degree. First degrees include bachelor’s degrees, Diplom, Magister, and state examinations from universities or universities of applied sciences, as well as bachelor’s degrees from accredited vocational academies and dual higher education institutions.
You are studying for a second degree if you enroll in another degree program on the same degree level after completing your first degree.
A master’s degree program builds on a bachelor’s degree program. So if you choose a master’s degree program after completing your undergraduate studies (e.g., a bachelor’s degree), this does not count as studying for a second degree.
However, if you start another undergraduate degree program after completing your first undergraduate degree program – for instance, if you wish to earn a second bachelor’s degree after having already earned a bachelor’s degree, this is considered studying for a second degree. If you have already completed a master’s degree and would like to complete another master’s degree, this is considered a postgraduate degree (Aufbaustudium)
3% of the spots in selective degree programs are allocated to applicants who want to pursue a second degree.
You are considered an applicant for a second degree if the degree certificate for your first degree was issued by the application deadline. If your certificate was issued after the application deadline, you are applying to a first degree program.
If you completed your first degree at a university abroad, you are considered an applicant for a first degree.
If you would like to enroll in a selective degree program to earn a second degree, you must include the reasons why a second degree is necessary for you in your application. This explanation and the grade you earned in your first degree are key to determining whether or not you receive a spot.
We allocate spots to students pursuing a second degree in selective degree programs based on index numbers. The higher the index number, the better your chance of receiving a spot. Half of the index number is comprised of the points you receive for the grade you earned for your degree, and the other half is comprised of the points you receive for the reasons you gave for pursuing a second degree.
You can find binding information in Appendix 1 of the Rhineland-Palatinate state laws governing the allocation of spots (in German).
When pursuing a second degree, you must apply to the degree program on the correct application portal by the deadline.
For a second degree in degree programs with nationwide admission restrictions (Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dentistry), apply on hochschulstart.de (in German).
Winter semester application deadline
May 31 for those who graduated with an “Abitur” in a previous year,
otherwise July 15
Summer semester application deadline
January 15
You can find further information regarding the application periods at www.hochschulstart.de (in German).
For a second degree in all other degree programs (except for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicine, and Dentistry), apply on our online application portal JOGU-StINe or via hochschulstart.de, if your degree program is part of the DoS process. Please note that applications for advanced semesters are only possible via JOGU-StINe.
Winter semester application deadline
June 1–September 1
Summer semester application deadline
December 1–March 1
Winter semester application deadline
June 1–July 15
Summer semester application deadline
December 1–January 15
For a second degree in a master’s degree program, apply on our online application portal JOGU-StINe.
Winter semester application period
From the beginning of April to September 1
Summer semester application period
From the beginning of October to March 1
Winter semester application period
From the beginning of April to May 15
Summer semester application period
From the beginning of October to November 15
You can start your application to earn a second degree on our application platform JOGU-StINe.
If you have any questions about applying to study for a second degree, please contact the Student Service Center.
Not sure whether you want to start a second degree program? Do you have general questions about the process?
Not sure what subject suits you? Don’t know what your chance of securing a place at the university is? Or just can’t decide what comes next?
Call the hotline below to make an appointment with the Student Advisory Center. They can advise you in all study-related matters.
The advisors will be happy to help you in person, by phone, or online with the following:
- Choice of degree & subject combination
- Change of subject
- Overcoming doubts & decision-making guidance
- Application strategies
- Career orientation during your studies
- And much more …
Call the hotline to make an appointment!
