Studying with child(ren)

Students with child(ren), long-term or permanent disabilities, chronic illness, or care responsibilities are given preferential access to courses with restricted admission. On this page, you can find out who is responsible for this in your degree program.

You can decide this individually. If you do not have additional childcare, full-time study is difficult to manage. Many students with child(ren) naturally want to complete their studies quickly. However, with a very full schedule, keep in mind that children sometimes get sick and working through the night should not become the norm for health reasons.

On average, students with child(ren) take about four semesters longer to complete their studies than students without children.

According to § 4 paragraph 2 sentence 3 of the North Rhine-Westphalia Higher Education Act (Hochschulgesetz NRW), students are generally free to decide whether to attend and participate in courses. However, exceptions may be defined in examination regulations for courses in which attendance is necessary to achieve the learning objectives (e.g., seminars, laboratory practicals).

If you expect to exceed the permitted number of absences (e.g., due to childcare shortages), it is best to speak with your lecturer in advance. In cases of absence due to your own illness or your child’s illness, you can submit a certificate explaining and excusing your absence.

It is helpful to inform lecturers about your situation, especially when planning a term paper, presentation, or thesis. You should request deadline extensions in good time.

Many lecturers offer individual appointments for students with child(ren). If not, KuKi KuKi can also provide short-term childcare — but you should contact KuKi beforehand and allow your child time to settle in. If you need to bring your child to an office hour, you can let the lecturer know in advance.

If you are not working with hazardous materials, you may be able to bring your child to a seminar. Consider whether this is suitable for you, your child, and your fellow students, and coordinate with the lecturer if needed. For older children who can occupy themselves quietly for about 90 minutes, attending a seminar is usually not a problem.

During the first years of your child’s life, learning and working time is often available when your child is sleeping or being cared for by others. However, studying and writing assignments require significant time, so additional childcare may need to be arranged.