Student advisory service for students

The University Contact Compass guides you step by step to the right person to contact regarding your enquiry. It can be found on the HFT Wiki and is accessible only to members of the university. Alternatively, you are of course welcome to contact us.

We advisestudents on questions regarding the requirements of their degree programme, the organisation of studies and examinations, learning strategies, studying in particular life circumstances, as well as personal crises, motivation and career guidance. For specific enquiries regarding course content, the course structure or applications for hardship relief, please contact the relevant team for your degree programme or your Dean of Studies.

We adviseprospective students on choosing a degree programme, orientation and decision-making. Our events also offer the opportunity to get to know the university, our lecturers and our students in person.

You are welcome to contact us without an appointment during our open consultation hours throughout the lecture term.

Alternatively, please feel free to book an appointment by email. When requesting an appointment, please state which degree programme you are studying and briefly describe the nature of your enquiry.

Make a conscious decision!
Changing your degree programme is not a failure. First, think about why you want to switch and what you expect from a new degree programme. Honest self-reflection will help you make an informed decision.

Find out about alternatives!
Check which degree programmes might be a better fit for your interests, skills and career goals. Information sessions, module handbooks and discussions with students or lecturers can help with this.

Find out about deadlines and formalities!
Different application, admission and enrolment deadlines apply depending on the degree programme. Find out well in advance about the necessary steps and required documents.

Check whether your previous academic achievements canbe recognised!
Academicachievements you have already completed may be recognised towards your new degree programme. You can clarify this with the relevant programme director or the Examinations Office.

Consider the impact on your study plan!
Changing programmes can affect the duration of your studies as well as your BAföG, scholarships or other financial support. You should therefore find out about any possible consequences in good time.

Seek advice!
If you need help with your decision or have any questions about the switching process, the Central Student Advisory Service will be happy to assist you. Together, we can discuss your options and find the right path for you.

Applications for BAföG can be made via the Studierendenwerk Stuttgart or online. The university acts solely as an intermediary and does not offer comprehensive advice on BAföG.

From the 5th academic semester onwards, Form 5 – Certificate pursuant to Section 48(1) of the BAföG – must be submitted, confirming that the student has successfully met the requirements by the end of the 4th academic semester. Late submission of the form to the Studierendenwerk or a negative confirmation due to unmet or insufficient academic performance will generally result in the loss of financial support for studies.

The Examinations Office at HFT Stuttgart is responsible for Form 5 (Section 48(1) of the BAföG):
+49 711 8926 2695

The exact course structure varies from degree programme to degree programme and is governed by the Study and Examination Regulations (SPO). The SPO sets out the course structure for the standard period of study. The standard period of study corresponds to the number of semesters required to complete a full-time degree programme. The actual duration of study may correspond to the standard period of study or exceed it by a maximum of 3 semesters. If, after this period, not all module examinations have been successfully completed, the student loses the right to sit examinations and, consequently, their admission to the degree programme. (Example: For a standard duration of study of 7 semesters, the maximum duration of study is 7+3 = 10 semesters)

Important! Please note that all module examinations in the foundation stage must be passed after 4 semesters (or after 5 semesters if participating in the ‘Semester 1+’ support programme).

Exceptions:

• In the event of a proven medical condition or the need to care for a child or a relative, the actual duration of study may be extended by a further number of semesters. Please feel free to contact us!
• If you are taking part in the ‘Semester 1+’ support programme, the standard duration of study may be extended by a maximum of 4 semesters. (Example: standard duration of study 7 semesters => maximum duration of study 7+3+1= 11 semesters)

As a general rule, a failed examination must be retaken in the following semester. (Exceptions apply to degree programmes that start only once a year and in specific individual cases.)

As a rule, it is not a problem to sit a failed exam in addition to the exams for the current semester. However, if you have failed several exams, it may be difficult to sit them in addition to the exams for the current semester. In this case, it is advisable to draw up a personalised study plan. We’d be happy to advise you on this!

If you have failed one or more exams for the second time, or if you were unable to complete the module exams within the specified time, you will lose your right to sit the exams. This means, for the time being, that you will not be able to continue your studies on the programme at the HFT.

You will then have the opportunity to submit an application for further admission or an extension of the deadline (‘hardship application’) within a specified period. The Examination Board will decide on this application.

If your application is approved, you will be given the opportunity to sit the examination a third time or your deadline will be extended. If your application is rejected, you will have permanently lost your right to sit the examination.

Be curious! Choose a subject that interests you, examine the material critically and remain open to new perspectives.

Make decisions! Regularly reflect on your path and have the courage to make the necessary decisions.

Show initiative! Make the most of the opportunities your degree offers, gain experience and think outside the box.

Work independently! Independent learning, research and problem-solving are key skills for both your studies and your career.

Take responsibility! Academic freedom goes hand in hand with responsibility. Reliability, respect and commitment all contribute to a successful degree.

Work as part of a team! Interacting with others helps you to deepen your knowledge, discover new perspectives and develop important social skills.

Make use of the services offered by the Central Student Advisory Service! If you have any questions, uncertainties or challenges, you don’t have to look for solutions on your own. We’re happy to support you and guide you on your academic journey.

These recommendations may sound obvious, but they form an important foundation for a successful degree programme. Curiosity, personal responsibility, decision-making skills and team spirit will help you make the most of your studies and achieve your personal goals.

Choose a suitable place to study!
Find a quiet place where you can work with as few distractions as possible. Ideally, you should study in the same place regularly and set up your workspace so that you can get started straight away.

Minimise distractions!
Mobile phones, social media, the telly or constant notifications can significantly affect your concentration. Switch off sources of distraction wherever possible and let those around you know when you want to study without being disturbed.

Find the best time for you to study!
Many people are particularly receptive in the morning, whilst others learn better in the evening. Observe yourself and find out when you can work with the greatest concentration.

Establish routines!
Fixed study times and regular study sessions help to make learning a habit. A realistic study plan will help you keep track of things.

Set realistic goals!
Avoid setting your expectations too high and break larger tasks down into smaller, achievable steps.

Identify your time-wasters!
If you often find yourself getting distracted or putting off tasks, take a look at your own behaviour: what’s stopping you from studying? Once you know what distracts you, you can take targeted action to counteract them.

Get started!
If you find it hardto get going, start with just ten minutes of focused work. Often, getting started is the biggest hurdle, and once you’ve begun, it’s easier to keep at it.

Make use of the support on offer!
If you have any questions about studying, time management or organising your studies, please feel free to contact the Central Student Advisory Service. We’ll help you develop strategies that work for your everyday student life.

Set yourself clear goals!
Specific short-term and long-term goals give your learning a sense of direction. Break large tasks down into smaller steps and celebrate your milestones.

Make your progress visible!
Record your progress in a study plan or calendar and tick off completed tasks. Even small successes can motivate you and help you stay on track.

Create a good learning environment!
A tidy workspace, with the materials you need within easy reach and as few distractions as possible, makes it easier to get started with your studies.

Find out what works for you!
Some people learn best in complete silence, others with soft music in the background. Experiment to see under which conditions you can concentrate best.

Just get started!
Don’t wait for the ‘perfect moment’. Motivation often only comes once you’ve started. Begin with a small task and work your way through step by step.

Develop routines!
Regular study times help to make learning a habit. This makes it easier to keep at it, even on days when you’re feeling less motivated.

Create a positive atmosphere!
A pleasant study environment, plenty of breaks and activities that do you good can boost your motivation and concentration.

Reward yourself!
Plan small rewards for daily goals and bigger rewards for important milestones. This creates extra incentives and makes your successes tangible.

Make use of support services!
If you’re finding it hard to stay motivated or would like to structure your studying more effectively, the Central Student Advisory Service is happy to help.

Motivation isn’t a constant trait; it fluctuates from time to time. This makes clear goals, good habits and the courage to simply get started all the more important. Often, motivation comes naturally once you get started.