Approximately half of the courses, regardless of their nature, are being offered
In a significant move for the upcoming winter semester 2025/26, half of the study programs at Baden-Württemberg universities will be open to first-year students regardless of their Abitur grade. However, it's essential to note that certain programs, particularly those in law, economics, social, and cultural sciences, will remain restricted due to limited seat capacity and selective admission.
The University of Freiburg, for instance, has a high percentage of restricted programs, with subjects like Dentistry, Master of Education, and several others requiring selective admission. The application deadline for these restricted programs at the University of Freiburg is tentatively set for January 15, 2026, indicating a highly competitive process.
In contrast, technical universities like TU Darmstadt, and some other technical universities, offer programs without admission restrictions, relying on open admission or aptitude test-based selection. This trend is also observed in universities like HfG Karlsruhe, which have unique admission requirements such as a portfolio, motivation letter, and artistic/technical aptitude tests, but do not mention classical numerical admission restrictions.
The highest restriction rates are primarily found in traditional fields like Dentistry, Education, and some restricted Bachelor/Master programs at universities such as the University of Freiburg. Technical and engineering programs in the region generally have fewer or no admission restrictions.
It's worth mentioning that compared to the previous year, the share of restricted study programs has decreased, while the share in language and cultural studies remains relatively low. The Center for Higher Education Development (CHE), a joint subsidiary of the Bertelsmann Foundation and the Conference of University Chancellors of the Federal States, is monitoring these trends closely.
If a study program has an admission restriction, the university has set a maximum number of students, and an application for a place is necessary. For unrestricted offers, an Abitur, Bachelor's degree, or other requirements such as an internship are sufficient for registration.
For precise NC values or acceptance rates, it's recommended to check specific university portals or the Hochschulstart platform closer to the application period. Prospective students are advised to research their desired programs thoroughly to ensure they meet the admission requirements and deadlines.
The education-and-self-development aspect of the University of Freiburg requires careful consideration, as several programs, such as Dentistry, Master of Education, and others, fall under the education-and-self-development category and have selective admission. Consequently, the application deadline for these restricted programs at the University of Freiburg is tentatively set for January 15, 2026.
