How To Study Without Numerus Clausus

The numerus clausus has proven a successful method for universities to restrict admissions in highly competitive courses. It may constitute a major barrier between prospective students and their desired field of study. The good news is that there are numerous universities which offer admission-free courses. Consider, though, that admission-free courses are not necessarily easier; they may even be more difficult. It is not for nothing that dropout rates for courses such as chemistry and mathematics are comparatively high. On the other hand, without any admission restrictions, the doors to enrolling at university are virtually open. This article provides a general overview of admission-free study opportunities in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

Numerus clausus, or “closed number”, is a method used at universities to limit the number of people who are applying to study. In order to educate people properly, higher education institutions have adequate capacity of their staff, facility, students and financial resources. Numerus clausus is used in countries and universities where the number of applicants greatly exceeds the number of available places, which in general happens with the most competitive and attractive areas of studies. Some examples are medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biology, law and psychology.

The numerus clausus is a number which represents the lowest grade with which a student has been admitted to a university or specific course. It is calculated and published each semester, and generally the lower the grade is, the more selective the program. For example, dentistry in Baden-Württemberg has a NC of 1.2 for 2018, which means that the student with the lowest accepted grade had 1.2. The grade is usually taken from the average grade of the applicant’s Abitur (German equivalent of the High School diploma). The number does not fluctuate much from year to year, so the outcomes are generally predictable and they are based on your high school performance.

However, some universities do not take only the Abitur grade into account, but also the grade in certain subjects, as well as motivational letters, interviews and tests. Sometimes they can even be more determining.

As expected, there are people in favor of the numerus clausus and people who oppose it. It is true that the method is fast and reliable. It shows determination throughout one’s high school studies and motivation to achieve the best results. However, it is hard to select the best candidates through numerus clausus alone. One grade does not show personal qualities or the full extent of a person’s knowledge and abilities. Furthermore, there should be more focus on motivation to study and develop, rather than having the best grades. That is why about half of all Bachelor programs in Germany are admission-free, where high school grades play a significantly smaller role and motivation is the leading factor.

University programs in Germany generally follow one of three admissions procedures:

1. Local restrictions where the numerus clausus differs from university to university and program to program. There can also be different NCs for different courses at the same university. For example, psychology at RWTH Aachen University has a numerus clausus of 1.3 for 2018/2019, while for architecture it is

2. The most common indicator is the Abitur grade, but interviews, entrance exams, grades in specific subjects, essays and practical experience can also be used to increase your chances by a small percentage. However, these criteria are not universal.

3. National restrictions are the same for one subject across the whole country. This applies to subjects that are nationally oversubscribed, such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, law, psychology, pharmacy and biology (the most competitive sectors). Quotas are used in this procedure:

• 20 percent of the available slots are granted by the grade of the university entrance qualification.
• Another 20 percent are admitted after the so-called “waiting period”. In a waiting period, the grade does not count, but rather the number of semesters you have waited. For example, someone who has waited for six semesters has a higher chance of being accepted to study than someone who has waited for one. Completed apprenticeships or semesters abroad also count as waiting semesters.
• 60 percent of the slots are given to students by criteria of the universities. They include the final grade of the Abitur, as well as entrance exams, motivational letters and interviews.
• In some exceptional cases, there are additional spots reserved for applicants which the previous quotas are not applied to. For example, there are “hardship” cases when due to certain circumstances (such as a disease) an applicant cannot wait any semesters.
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3. Free admissions – anyone who fulfills the university’s entrance requirements is admitted.

The numerus clausus in Germany is a selection limit only in some courses and universities. There are many programs where the admission is free, i.e. NC-frei.

There are many admission-free programs in Germany where it is sufficient to have passed the Abitur regardless of the grade. Applicants can enroll in these courses without having to worry about the numerus clausus. Another advantage is that prospective students can usually apply shortly before the beginning of studies. Such courses are by no means easier or not as prestigious as those limited by the numerus clausus. Admission-free simply indicates that there are enough study places available at the university.

Many examples of admission-free programs, i.e. programs that are not subject to national restriction, can be mentioned: mathematics, computer science, philosophy, management, chemistry, physics, music, art, architecture, history, finance, media and communications, engineering, language studies, geography, logistics – and those are just the beginning of the list. There are now over 5,000 different courses that offer free admissions in Germany alone.

As already mentioned, it is possible, though, that even for admission-free courses applicants have to meet certain criteria, such as language skills or work experience, but the requirements are still significantly lower.

The numerus clausus is used in Switzerland to restrict the admission to medical studies. The admission capacities at universities throughout Switzerland are reevaluated annually. When the number of applications exceeds 120% of the available slots the numerus clausus is applied. In addition, depending on the university, applicants may be required to pass an aptitude test.

Similar methods are used to select sports science candidates. If the admissions limit at the University of Basel is exceeded, applicants must complete a practical sports examination. At the University of Bern, the entrance test consists of a cognitive part, as well as a practical one. The University of Freiburg requires a doctor’s certificate of health in addition to a physical test. Likewise, the universities of Geneva, Lausanne and Neuchatel carry out aptitude tests.

The numerus clausus is used in Switzerland to limit the number of students in the medical field. However, in the western part of the country first-year admission to medicine courses is unlimited. After the first year, only the best students are allowed to further their studies. In other fields of study, such as art, health and sport or social fields, there are mandatory aptitude tests that are individual to each university.

There are courses which do not use the numerus clausus or entrance exams. They differ from one university to the other, so it is best to check in advance. Examination-free access is usually offered to applicants with a good educational background. Many universities offer direct admission to all fields of study, excluding the medical. Sometimes only professional experience is needed, similarly to the system in Germany.

Foreigners are advised to check if their qualifications are recognized and also provide a language certificate.

The advantages of studying in Switzerland include low tuition fees, scenic locations, the German language and internationally recognized diplomas.

Austria is the top destination for German prospective students trying to escape the highly selective numerus clausus. It is a neighboring country, courses are taught in German and admissions are free. So, how are candidates chosen? There are entry tests for the more competitive courses, and quotas, especially for medicine – two thirds of study places are reserved for Austrian citizens, 20% are given to EU citizens and 5% to non-EU citizens. In addition, exams on specific subjects, such as biology, are carried out and candidates’ language skills are also tested. However, the Abitur grade still plays no role and that is exactly why many choose Austria.

Other fields of studies are not as limited and many do not have an “Austrian quota”. For example, in 2015, 50 percent of all places in psychology went to Germans. Furthermore, there are no tuition fees at state universities, making Austria a particularly attractive destination.

Are there any disadvantages? The wave of German students has caused natives to develop a slightly negative attitude. Some say that the way Germans choose to complete their studies in Austria and move back to their homeland immediately after is unfair and they are essentially taking seats from Austrians. There is also a rumor that exams after the first year are very difficult and used to filter “weaker” students.  Nevertheless, Austria still remains a particularly appealing destination with high standards of education and a considerably simpler application process.