Orientation Semester

Which study programme is the right one for me?

You have finished secondary school or high school and are wondering what to do next? The University Orientation Semester (HORSE) at Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences will help you decide what to study. For one semester, you can attend courses in the fields of engineering, business and computer science and find out which study programme suits you best!

The Orientation Semester gives you chance to get to know numerous study programmes at HHN. Furthermore, you experience campus life and even have the opportunity to take exams. This eases the transition to a subsequent study programme.

Instead of having to decide on a specific subject area or study programme, the Orientation Semester enables you to take part in the wide range of courses on offer, as well as in excursions, practical laboratory exercises or colloquia and lectures in basic subjects. Ultimately this will enable you to make a sustainable decision about your future study programme.

Ein Student sitz im Hörsaal und blickt direkt in die Kamera.

Starting options

The Orientation Semester is offered both in the winter and summer semesters.

Next possible start date:
Summer semester 2025 with lectures starting on 10 March 2025.

Application deadline is 10 March 2025.

Apply now!

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The Orientation Semester at Heilbronn University offers you the opportunity to spend a semester getting to know different study programmes and everyday life at the university in order to make an informed decision as to whether a study programme - and if so - which study programme is the right choice for you.

During the Orientation Semester, you will take part in various courses such as lectures, practical laboratory exercises, excursions and colloquia. You can individually select which courses from the participating study programmes in the fields of engineering, computer science and business you would like to attend and which are of interest to you in order to find out what suits you best.

In addition to subject-specific orientation, you can also acquire key competences for academic work. Examinations can also be taken and credited on application if you subsequently take up a degree course in the appropriate study programme.

You can apply directly for the Orientation Semester.

The application for the Orientation Semester consists of 2 steps:

1. Registration with Heilbronn University: Register in the Heilbronn University online application portal.

2. Submission of the enrolment documents: Send your documents to the university by e-mail in PDF form or by post in paper form.

Important information for international applicants:

If you have completed your higher education entrance qualification abroad, you will need a certificate of recognition before applying to HHN. Please make sure to obtain the recognition of your certificates as early as possible. The certificate of recognition must be received by HHN by the application deadline. You also need a German language certificate (level B2) for admission. The tuition fee of EUR 1,500 per semester, that international students from non EU/EAA states applying for a degree in the state of Baden-Württemberg have to pay, does not apply for the Orientation Semester.

Further information can be found here.

Apply now!

The prerequisites for admission to the Orientation Semester are identical to those for admission to a regular Bachelor's study programme. This means that you need a university entrance qualification.

This is either a

Certificate of general higher education entrance qualification or
the subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification or
the entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences or
an entrance qualification recognised as equivalent by the responsible state authority.

International applicants must also submit a

certificate of recognition
German language certificate (level B2)

Detailed information

To the prerequisites for admission

Can the Orientation Semester be funded by BAföG?

The Orientation Semester is not eligible for BAföG funding as it is a preliminary study programme.

How long does the Orientation Semester last?

The Orientation Semester lasts one semester and can be completed in both the winter and summer semesters. The Orientation Semester cannot be repeated.

Can I attend courses at different HHN locations during the Orientation Semester?

You can attend courses at different HHN locations.

How do I get my timetable for the Orientation Semester?

The individual timetable for the Orientation Semester is drawn up in a personal consultation.

Can I take examinations during the Orientation Semester?

Yes, examinations can be taken during the orientation semester. It is possible to take examinations in the courses listed in the HORSE module catalogue or approved by the study programmes for the Orientation Semester. If an examination is passed, it can be credited upon application after enrolment in a Bachelor's degree programme at Heilbronn University.

Am I enrolled at Heilbronn University during the Orientation Semester?

Yes, you are enrolled as a student at Heilbronn University during the Orientation Semester.

Can international applicants also take part in the Orientation Semester? Are there any additional admission requirements?

Yes, international applicants can also take part in the Orientation Semester. The following documents must also be submitted:

- Certificate recognition (further information can be found here)
- German language certificate with an overall result of at least DSH-1 or B2