Prüfungssemester

Prüfungssemester is a term used in many German-speaking universities to describe a semester in which the primary activity is taking examinations and completing assessment requirements for a degree program. It is not a formal degree status, but rather an administrative designation that can appear in study and examination regulations (Prüfungsordnung).

Typical context and purpose

A Prüfungssemester may occur after a student has completed the required coursework or after a program change, when the focus shifts from learning modules to preparing for and sitting exams. It can also arise when students retake failed exams, or when multiple exam components are concentrated in a particular term. The exact meaning and rules depend on the specific Prüfungsordnung of the study program and the university.

Regulatory and practical implications

Rules governing Prüfungssemester are laid out in the examination regulations and may influence how exams are scheduled, how many attempts are allowed, and how progress toward the degree is tracked. While the designation labels the semester as exam-focused, it does not create a separate degree status. In some contexts, Prüfungssemester can affect administrative aspects such as funding, eligibility for certain subsidies, or the calculation of study duration, but the details vary by institution.

Planning and considerations

Students should consult their program’s Prüfungsordnung and the student advisory services to understand how a Prüfungssemester affects their progression, deadlines, and funding. Clear planning for exam registrations, deadlines, and retake opportunities is essential, as rules and procedures differ among faculties and universities.