Pregnancy and maternity protection while at university

Maternity protection for pregnant students

Are you pregnant and studying at FAU? You almost certainly have many questions about maternity protection and how to organize your studies. Together with FAU’s Family Service, we are here to help.

In the same way as for employees who are pregnant, FAU is required to check for your own personal protection if you are exposed to any relevant risks during your studies. FAU is required to report your pregnancy and the results of this risk assessment to the Supervisory Authority for Occupational Safety. The risk assessment not only refers to your pregnancy, but also to the period for breastfeeding after the birth (if applicable). We therefore require you to inform us of your pregnancy as soon as you find out. This ensures that you are covered by maternity protection regulations, like members of staff employed at FAU who are pregnant.

We are happy to advise you on what action needs to be taken, can help you to complete the form and provide support if you have any questions about organizing your studies. Our advice, of course, is provided confidentially and your pregnancy will only be reported to the Supervisory Authority for Occupational Safety and Occupational Safety at FAU, but not to any other departments at FAU.

Please include your degree program and current semester as well as your estimated due date with your notification.

The most important information about what you need to consider and where you can find support is available in our information sheet on Maternity protection for students.

Until the end of the year, the Hildegardis-Verein is granting interest-free loans for students who are mothers

All applicants who are granted a loan benefit from an intergenerational network and the various services offered by the Hildegardis-Verein. The loan is either paid as a lump sum or in monthly installments of 500 euros. Further information on the regular application procedure for funding of up to 10,000 euros and the application deadline of December 31, 2024 is available on the society’s website.

Links for further information and advice:

  • The FAU’s Family Service offers confidential and comprehensive advice about balancing pregnancy, family commitments and studying for a degree.
  • Information about maternity protection is available on the website of Occupational Safety at FAU.
  • Act on the Protection of Mothers at Work, in Training and at University (Maternity Protection Act – MuSchG): https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/muschg_2018/
  • The Student Advice Center can answer any questions you may have about your studies and can provide comprehensive advice about how you can continue your degree.
  • The Tagescafé for students who are parents: The Tagescafé is run jointly by Student Services Erlangen and the FAU Family Service. Based at the Regensburger Straße in Nuremberg, it offers students who are or who are soon to be parents a place to meet others and share their ideas and experiences.