Studies with an Impairment
The Hochschule Niederrhein

Students with an impairment have a legal entitlement to compensation for disadvantages if they are unable to take an examination, course, internship, etc. in full or in part in the intended form due to their impairment. In this case, equivalent substitute work can be performed in a different form. All examination regulations of the HN contain a corresponding regulation.

The Examinations Board of your degree programme is responsible for granting compensation for disadvantages. Students who require compensation for disadvantages should contact the Examinations Board in good time - preferably at the beginning of their studies. In an application, which is usually informal, students must name the desired examination modifications and justify their necessity. In addition, they must provide evidence of the health impairment and its specific effects on the examination by means of specialist medical certificates and make them credible. It is not necessary to disclose the diagnosis.

Disadvantage-compensating measures can be, for example

• the granting of a writing extension for written examinations
• extending the processing time for studies or theses
• splitting examinations into several parts
• Interrupting examinations with individual breaks for recovery
• replacing written examinations with oral examinations and vice versa
• the authorisation and, if necessary, the provision of technical aids, assistance services, adapted examination documents and separate examination rooms

Important: There is no entitlement to a specific form of compensation for disadvantages. And there are general limits: Not all study-relevant effects of a health impairment can be compensated for by disadvantage compensation. In principle, students must be able to acquire the skills required in their degree programme and demonstrate this knowledge through examinations. This means that the form and conditions of the acquisition of competences and the examinations can be modified under certain conditions, but the performance objectives themselves must be fulfilled. In some cases, this may mean that a modification or replacement of an examination is out of the question. This is usually the case if the examination is an essential and indispensable part of the studies and definitely cannot be replaced with an equivalent.

Bachelor's thesis

As the Bachelor's thesis is a separate type of examination, a separate application is required in any case, even if there is already compensation for disadvantages for assignments or similar. It is also important that the application is submitted before registration.

We provide advice and support regarding coverage of costs for so-called disability-related additional needs during your studies.

BAföG

The BAföG provides for exceptions to certain requirements in some respects for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses. This applies, for example, to exceeding the age limit at the start of studies, to funding beyond the standard period of study, and to repayment terms. You can find more detailed information here on the website of the German Student Services (Deutsches Studierendenwerk).

Scholarships

There are only a few scholarships specifically for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Nevertheless, you should not overlook the general opportunity to apply for a scholarship. Further information, tips for your search, and a database of scholarship providers can be found here:

Funding Opportunities – HN Overview Page

Scholarship Information Page of the German Student Services

Assistance and Assistive Devices

The costs for assistive devices and assistance are generally covered by the Rhineland Regional Council (LVR) as the provider of regional social assistance. When applying, it is often necessary to specify the need in relation to the requirements of your studies. If necessary, we will provide a written statement or contact the processing office directly. We also provide support in finding assistants or securing funding if the

Other Funding Options

Citizen's Income: If you are officially or individually permitted to study part-time due to your disability, you may be eligible to receive citizen's benefit.