If you need to take a short break from your studies at htw saar, you may be eligible to take a leave of absence under certain conditions. You will retain your student status. The requirements and conditions are set forth in the currently valid Enrollment Regulations. 

Important reasons for applying for a leave of absence include, in particular:

1. Illness, provided that it prevents you from pursuing your studies properly,
2. Military or alternative service, a voluntary social year, a voluntary ecological year, and other comparable services,
3. Activities in student self-government,
4. pregnancy (a medical certificate or proof of maternity must be submitted),
5. Periods of maternity leave or parental leave,
6. fulfillment of family obligations (in particular, raising a minor child and caring for relatives in need of care),
7. Proven involvement in elite sports

All reasons must be supported by appropriate documentation. This must be attached to the application.

The application, including supporting documentation, must generally be submitted within the re-registration period; in individual cases, immediately upon the occurrence of the reason for the leave of absence, and no later than the last day of lectures of the semester. 

How do I apply for a leave of absence?

The application for a leave of absence is not yet available on the SIM portal.

First, you must submit a re-registration application via the SIM portal and pay the semester fee displayed there.

Once re-enrollment is complete, the application for a leave of absence, including the relevant supporting documentation, must be sent by email to studierendenservicenoSpam@noSpamhtwsaarnoSpam.de.

The requested leave of absence will be approved or denied via a formal notice. You will receive the notice via email.

Which partial fees will be refunded?

The administrative fee of €50 will be refunded to you after the leave of absence is approved. No separate refund request is required.
If you wish to request a refund of other partial fees, please contact the following responsible offices:

• Refund of the semester ticket: AStA of htw saar
• Refund of the social contribution: Studierendenwerk Saarland

What should you keep in mind?

• A leave of absence for the first semester is only possible in the following cases:
  • Illness, provided that it prevents you from pursuing your studies properly,
  • pregnancy,
  • maternity leave or parental leave. 
• BAföG recipients should consult with the relevant Office for Educational Assistance regarding a leave of absence before submitting an application.
• International students who hold a study-related residence permit should consult with the relevant immigration office regarding a leave of absence before submitting an application.
• During the leave of absence, the student’s rights and obligations are suspended.
• During the leave of absence, the completion of coursework and examinations is generally not permitted. Upon request, the relevant examination board may permit the retaking of failed examinations from the previous semester and the completion of coursework and examinations that were already started in the previous semester.