For many students, deregistration from university is a significant event. It marks the official end of their membership and can be either voluntary or compulsory. While voluntary deregistration usually occurs after successful completion of studies or when planning a change of major, compulsory deregistration can be triggered by failed exams or other reasons.
The consequences of being deregistered from university are far-reaching and affect more than just your student status. Health insurance, eligibility for BAföG (federal student loan), and child benefits are directly impacted. Health insurance is particularly critical: you only have 14 days to take out a follow-up policy. Missing this deadline risks substantial back payments and legal repercussions.
However, being deregistered from university doesn't automatically mean the end of your academic career. In many cases, re-enrollment is possible – the options depend heavily on the reason for deregistration. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the reasons, consequences, and your options after being deregistered.
The most important points in brief
- Exmatriculation can be voluntary or compulsory (most common reason: failure of the third attempt)
- Most critical consequence: Health insurance ends within 2 weeks – act immediately!
- BAföG entitlement and child benefit end with deregistration from university.
- Re-entry is often possible, depending on the reason for deregistration.
What is deregistration? A simple explanation of the definition.
Exmatriculation refers to the official termination of your membership at a university. Simply put: from this point on, you are no longer a student at that university. The word comes from Latin and literally means "to strike from the register" – the register being the official directory of all enrolled students.
What does deregistration mean for you specifically? With the end of your student status, you lose all associated rights and benefits. At the same time, obligations such as paying semester fees or re-registering also cease.
Deregistration vs. Leave of Absence
During a leave of absence , your student status remains intact – you are only temporarily inactive. Deregistration , on the other hand, completely terminates your studies at this university. This distinction is important for health insurance, student loans (BAföG), and re-enrollment.
Reasons for deregistration: Voluntary or compulsory
You can be deregistered from university in two fundamentally different ways. While voluntary deregistration usually proceeds without problems, compulsory deregistration can significantly impact your academic future.
Voluntary deregistration
Most students withdraw from university voluntarily and in positive situations. The most common reason is, of course, successfully completing their studies. However, changing their course of study, the desire for vocational training, or an attractive job offer can also lead to voluntary withdrawal. Financial reasons or personal circumstances such as illness and family obligations also often play a role.
Forced deregistration: The critical cases
Forced deregistration occurs against your will and is considerably more problematic. By far the most common reason is failing exams for the third time – if you fail on your third attempt, this automatically leads to deregistration in most degree programs.
Common reasons for compulsory deregistration
- Failed third attempt: Final exam failure in compulsory module
- Missing coursework: Deadlines for mandatory modules repeatedly exceeded
- Unpaid semester fees: Despite multiple reminders
- Lack of health insurance: Proof not provided on time.
- Serious attempt at deception: Cheating in exams
Please note the objection period: You only have 4 weeks to file an objection from the date you receive the notification!
20-hour rule: Part-time job and student status
An often overlooked reason for problems with student status is the so-called 20-hour rule. If you want to work more than 20 hours a week as a student , this has far-reaching consequences – even if it doesn't directly lead to expulsion.
If you work more than 20 hours per week, you lose your student health insurance status. The health insurance company will then classify you as an employee, which means that instead of the affordable student insurance of around €110, you will suddenly be paying employee contributions of €200 or more. Your BAföG (student loan) is also at risk, as the BAföG office will assume that you are no longer studying full-time.
Exceptions to the 20-hour rule
You are allowed to work without time limits:
- During the semester break
- Only on weekends or at night
- For evening/distance learning programs (different regulations apply)
If in doubt, consult your health insurance provider!
The critical consequences: What happens upon deregistration?
Being expelled from university triggers a chain of consequences that you absolutely need to be aware of. Two areas are particularly time-sensitive and can become costly if ignored.
Deregistration from health insurance: The 2-week deadline
The most critical issue after deregistering from university is your health insurance. Your student health insurance automatically ends on the day you deregister.
2-week deadline for new health insurance!
You have exactly 14 days to take out new insurance. If you miss this deadline:
- Back payments for uninsured periods (several thousand euros!)
- Legal consequences (compulsory insurance in Germany)
- No insurance coverage in case of accident or illness
Your options after deregistration depend on your personal situation:
Expulsion from BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act): Immediate cessation of payments
The clock is ticking for BAföG (German student financial aid). Your BAföG entitlement ends on the day you deregister from university; no further payments will be made from the following month. The obligation to repay any BAföG already received remains in effect – deregistration does not change that.
BAföG reporting obligation!
You are required to report your deregistration from university to the BAföG office immediately. If you continue to receive payments, you must repay them in full and immediately – not after graduation as with regular BAföG.
Your parents' child benefit is also affected. Upon deregistration from university, your parents lose their entitlement to child benefit for you (if you are under 25), unless you immediately begin vocational training or register as unemployed.
There is a way
Even in critical exam situations, you don't have to give up – discreet support can make all the difference.
Learn moreRe-enrolling after deregistration: Your options
The good news: Being deregistered from university doesn't mean the end of your academic career. Whether you can re-enroll in the same degree program after deregistration depends largely on the reason for your deregistration.
In case of voluntary deregistration
If you voluntarily deregistered, the doors are wide open. You can easily reapply to the same university and the same degree program for the next semester. Your completed coursework remains valid and will be fully credited. Your semesters of study also continue to count – you pick up right where you left off.
In the case of forced deregistration due to exam failure
After being expelled from university, things get more complicated. In most German states, this results in a waiting period of one to three years for the same or related degree programs – and this applies nationwide! This waiting period is valid at all German universities. Most importantly: your failed attempts remain on record and will be counted at other universities as well.
Alternative ways back to university studies
Even after forced deregistration, you still have options:
- Different degree program at the same university: Unrelated subjects are usually not a problem (e.g., switching from computer science to history).
- Other universities: Application possible, but failed attempts are often counted towards the final grade.
- After the waiting period has expired: A new application is possible, provided the application was not ultimately rejected.
- Studying abroad: Many countries do not recognize failed attempts by German students.
Avoiding deregistration: Preventive measures
If you're facing forced deregistration from university, there are often still ways to save yourself – provided you act in time. The most important principle: Don't wait until the third attempt, but take action after the second failed attempt.
Use your university's student advisory service as soon as you notice you're having difficulties. In cases of personal crises such as serious illness, mental health problems, or deaths in the family, you can submit a hardship application. This can grant you additional exam attempts or extend deadlines.
Acting in time pays off.
Important options:
- Changing your course of study: Ideally before the end of the second semester, as failed attempts are often not counted then.
- Semester off: Time to relax and better prepare
- Hardship application: In cases of illness, mental health problems, or death.
- Exam withdrawal: With a medical certificate BEFORE the exam – then the attempt does not count
If you're stuck in a difficult exam situation and are looking for professional support, technical aids can be an option. Learn more in our guide to online exams .
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Alternative paths after deregistration
Leaving university is not a failure, but often the starting point for a new beginning. Many people only discover which path truly suits them after leaving university.
Training: Practical experience instead of theory
Unlike university studies, vocational training offers you practical experience and your own income from the very beginning. You learn directly on the job and don't have to worry about student loans or other financing options. Depending on your academic performance, your training period can even be shortened.
Dual studies: The best of both worlds
A dual study program combines theory and practice and pays you a salary from day one. You gain valuable professional experience while you study and usually have a job guarantee with your training company after graduation.
Distance learning: Flexible study alongside your job
Distance learning allows you to work and earn money at the same time. The Open University of Hagen, as a state-run distance learning university, is particularly affordable. Private distance learning universities like IU, FOM, or AKAD cost more, but often offer better support and more modern online platforms.
Direct entry into the workforce
In many industries, practical skills count for more than a university degree. Especially in the IT sector, hardly anyone cares about your degree if you can present a strong portfolio. Career changers with excellent communication skills are also highly sought after in sales.
Your studies – your future
Don't let individual exams stop you. There are ways that work.
Learn moreBeing deregistered from university often feels like a catastrophe at first. But experience shows that many people only find the path that truly suits them after deregistering. The most important thing is to sort out the administrative and financial aspects immediately.
Key points at a glance
- 2-week deadline: Clarify health insurance within 14 days (absolute priority!)
- Inform the BAföG office: Report immediately, otherwise repayments will be required.
- Appeal possible: In case of forced deregistration, you have 4 weeks to appeal.
- Re-entry is often possible: After voluntary deregistration, it's straightforward; after compulsory deregistration, it's possible to re-enter other degree programs.
- Alternative pathways: vocational training, dual studies, distance learning, career entry
It's also important to understand that dropping out of university is nothing to be ashamed of. Many successful people have dropped out or been expelled from their studies. What matters is that you find a path that suits your strengths and goals. Sometimes, dropping out is exactly the course correction you need.
"Being expelled from university is not a failure, but a course correction. Often it leads you to a path that suits you much better than your original course of study. The important thing is that you take action and don't just sit the situation out."
