The Numerus Clausus (NC), from the Latin for "limited number," is a selection procedure for study places at German universities. It is usually based on applicants' Abitur grades and is intended to regulate admission to courses that are in high demand. Degree programs with an NC have a limited number of places, and applicants are selected on the basis of their school grade point average. Those with the best grades have the best chance of admission, while others are rejected. This can lead to high competition for the limited seats. Programs without NC select their students based on alternative criteria, such as aptitude tests, letters of motivation, or professional experience. The NC is a controversial system because it affects educational opportunities and does not always take into account the individual aptitude and motivation of applicants.
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A study program without NC, short for Numerus Clausus, refers to the possibility of studying at German universities without a specific grade point average as a selection criterion. In contrast to study programs with NC, where the number of study places is limited and applicants are selected on the basis of their high school diploma grades, study programs without NC offer an alternative admission option. This means that universities do not focus exclusively on academic performance when selecting students, but take other criteria into account to admit a wider variety of applicants. Waiving the NC allows more open access to higher education and promotes equal opportunity. It opens up opportunities for people who, for a variety of reasons, did not have an outstanding academic record to pursue further education and obtain academic qualifications.
Courses of study without NC are available at various types of higher education institutions in Germany. These mainly include universities of applied sciences (FH) and universities of applied sciences (HAW). At these institutions, the focus is often on practice-oriented education, making them a popular choice for prospective students who want to prepare for professional applications.
Overall, the concept of degree programs without NC offers a wide range of educational opportunities for a diverse group of prospective students. It provides access to higher education for people with different educational backgrounds and different life paths. This helps to promote equal educational opportunity and enrich the higher education community by bringing diverse experiences and perspectives to the educational field.
The following chart provides a clear comparison of the paths to study with and without Numerus Clausus (NC):
The requirements for studying without NC in Germany can be diverse and vary depending on the university and study program. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully check the respective admission guidelines and procedures and to inform yourself early on if you are interested in studying without NC. Here are some of the most common requirements:
You need a university entrance qualification, such as the high school diploma (general university entrance qualification), the subject-related university entrance qualification, the University of Applied Sciences entrance qualification or a qualification recognized as equivalent. For a Master's program, a completed Bachelor's Program is usually required in addition or instead.
A letter of motivation outlining your interests, motivation, and goals for the program may be required in some cases.
Some colleges conduct in-person interviews or interviews to evaluate the suitability of applicants.
Certain degree programs require applicants to take an aptitude test to determine their technical and personal suitability. This test can be written, oral or practical.
In some cases, people with completed vocational training and work experience in a field relevant to the course of study can be admitted. This is one of the cases where it is even often possible to study without a high school diploma.
For certain degree programs, professional experience in a relevant field may be an admission requirement. Again, a high school diploma is not always necessary.
In some NC free programs, especially at universities, you can simply enroll without having to apply first. Sometimes everyone is simply admitted. Where this is the case, one must inform oneself beforehand.
The admission criteria for study programs without NC, if they exist, can be varied. They vary from university to university and from study program to study program. One way is to check applicants' aptitude by means of aptitude tests that are specific to the degree program. These tests may include written exams, oral interviews, or practical exams. Colleges want to ensure that applicants have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen degree program.
Another admission criterion may be letters of motivation or personal interviews in which applicants explain their interests, motivation, and goals for the program. This allows colleges to develop a better understanding of applicants and ensure that they are a good fit for the chosen degree program.
In some cases, professional experience and qualifications are also important. This may include allowing individuals who have completed vocational training and have relevant work experience to apply to degree programs related to their learned career field. This promotes professional development and enables the link between practical experience and academic knowledge.
There are also opportunities for foreign applicants to apply for degree programs without NC. However, they often have to complete a preparatory course before admission in order to improve their German language skills and prepare for university studies in Germany. Of course, this only applies if the course of study is held in German. However, for the completely English-language degree programs, such as the Business Studies programs at Munich Business School, you do not necessarily have to learn German.
DID YOU KNOW?
All degree programs at Munich Business School are Numerus Clausus (NC) free.
Study programs without NC
| Course of Study | Examples |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | Sociology, Political Science, Social Work |
| Humanities | Philosophy, History, German Studies |
| Economics | Business Studies (Business Studies), Economics (VWL), Business Law |
| Communication Sciences | Communication Design, Media Science |
| Psychology | General Psychology, Clinical Psychology |
| Engineering | Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering |
| Health Sciences | Health Management, Health Economics |
| Nursing Sciences | Nursing Education, Nursing Management |
| Sports Sciences | Sports Management, Sports and Exercise Science |
| Media and Communication Design | Graphic Design, Media Design, Communication Design |
| Tourism Management | Tourism and Event Management, Hotel Management |
| Business Administration and Management | Business Management, Human Resource Management |
| Environmental Sciences | Environmental Management, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability Science |
| Applied Computer Science | Software Development, Data Analysis, IT Security |
| Cultural Studies | Art History, Cultural Management, Media Culture |
| Law | Law at universities of applied sciences |
| International Relations | International Politics, International Economics |
Please note that the availability of these degree programs and the exact requirements may vary from university to university. However, the table provides an overview of some of the degree programs that sometimes do not have an NC.
It is possible to be rejected even in degree programs without a Numerus Clausus (NC). The NC-free nature of a degree program simply means that admission is not based on grade point average. Instead, other criteria such as aptitude tests, letters of motivation or personal interviews may be used to select students. In some cases, however, there may still be more applicants than available study places, especially in popular degree programs. In such cases, applicants are selected based on other criteria, and some may be rejected. It is important to pay attention to the specific requirements and selection procedures of the university in order to have the best chance of admission.
Studying an NC degree program without a Numerus Clausus (NC) can have both advantages and disadvantages. Here are some aspects to consider:
Overall, there is no general answer to whether studying an NC-free degree program has advantages or disadvantages, as it depends on individual circumstances and preferences. It is important to consider the specific requirements and selection procedures for the chosen program and university in order to make an informed decision about whether you can meet them. Ultimately, the choice of degree program should also depend on things such as job intent, the location of study, the university, whether a degree from abroad is recognized, etc. In itself, however, such a degree is just as good as a degree in programs with NC.
In Munich, there are a variety of study programs without Numerus Clausus (NC) offered at different universities. In addition to universities of applied sciences, state universities in Munich also offer NC-free degree programs in various disciplines, including social sciences, engineering, humanities and health sciences.
Munich Business School, for example, is a renowned institution that specializes in business degree programs. Numerous programs are available at this private university in Munich, including bachelor's and master's degrees in international business, marketing, entrepreneurship, and more. In addition, one can study the non-consecutive Master of Business Administration (MBA) at MBS. Since Munich Business School is a private institution, it often uses other admission criteria such as personal interviews, instead of the NC.
Munich Business School offers a Bachelor International Business program that will lay the foundation for your professional future. This compact study program offers a broad foundation of business knowledge in six semesters. While you learn the basics of business administration in the first semesters, you have the opportunity to choose different specializations in the second half of your studies. This choice not only allows you to adapt the content to your personal strengths and interests, but also makes you an expert in your chosen field. There are a total of six different concentrations to choose from, of which you select two.
Product Lifecycle Management
International Governance and Business Development
International Financial Management
Supply Chain Management
Customer Relationship Management
International Human Resources Management and Leadership
The following Master's programs can be studied at Munich Business School:
This degree program not only deepens your business knowledge, but also gives you the opportunity to further your education in various focus areas. These include Innovation and Digital Business, Sustainable Business, International Marketing, Luxury Management, Corporate Finance Global Family Business and Wealth Management and International Entrepreneurship.
If you dream of creating your own start-up or already have a promising idea, this master's offers the perfect foundation to develop your entrepreneurial skills. You will acquire advanced business skills and learn to manage, identify and implement innovations in order to operate successfully in an international environment.
This program provides you with expertise in behavioral psychology, innovation, consumer behavior and brand communication. You will also gain tools and skills to analyze market structures and competitive environments.
If you love sports and at the same time have an interest in the background of the sports sector, this master's offers the perfect combination. The course content includes sports communication and media, sports sponsorship and marketing, licensing and rights exploitation, as well as digital sports management and sports event management. After graduation, you can work as a specialist in companies in the sports industry, sports clubs and associations.
This degree program focuses on the world of business and finance. Strategic management and finance are the focus. Upon completion of the program, you will have extensive knowledge in financial management, financial statement analysis, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, capital markets and much more.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Munich Business School also offers many advantages, which are explained below:
The MBA program at Munich Business School offers high-quality management education tailored to the needs of executives and entrepreneurs. The advantages of this degree program include practical teaching content, networking opportunities, an international focus, and its location in Munich, a city with a high quality of life. Graduates benefit from enhanced career opportunities in management positions and business start-ups, as well as the chance to build a global professional network.
There are numerous degree programs in Germany that can be studied without a Numerus Clausus (NC). These include programs at universities of applied sciences and universities of applied sciences, especially in the fields of social sciences, humanities, economics, engineering, health and nursing sciences, and sports sciences. The exact courses of study without NC vary from university to university, and some have alternative admission criteria such as aptitude tests or personal interviews. It is worth researching the specific offerings and requirements of the universities to find the right study program.
Studying without NC means that no Numerus Clausus (NC) or grade point average is used as a selection criterion for admission to a particular degree program. In such degree programs, students are usually not selected on the basis of their high school diploma grades, but alternative criteria such as aptitude tests, personal letters of motivation, interviews or professional experience may be used. Such programs often offer more equal opportunities and allow people who do not have an outstanding grade point average to gain access to higher education. The focus here is more on the individual qualifications and skills of the applicants.
Yes, even for degree programs without Numerus Clausus (NC), there is a possibility that applicants will be rejected. The admission criteria vary depending on the university and the degree program. Although the NC is not used, other factors such as aptitude tests, personal motivation letters, interviews or the limited number of study places can influence the selection. Competition can be high in certain cases, and universities select the best applicants. It is therefore important to pay attention to the specific requirements and selection procedures of the respective university and to prepare carefully for the application.
The application for a study program without Numerus Clausus (NC) in Germany usually takes place directly at the respective university. The steps are similar to those for NC degree programs: You should select the courses that interest you, observe the application deadlines, and submit your application with the required documents such as certificates of higher education entrance qualification (e.g. high school diploma), curriculum vitae, and, if applicable, a letter of motivation. Applications are usually submitted electronically via the university's website, and the exact requirements may vary from university to university. After your application has been reviewed, you will be notified of your admission or rejection, and if you are successfully admitted, you can accept the study place. Note that it is important to check the specific requirements of each university and complete the application process in a timely manner. In addition, at some universities you still have to cope with exams or interviews before admission.
