Are you not sure whether your degree program is (still) right for you? You might even be thinking whether you want to continue studying at all. Thoughts like as these can be caused by many factors. The Student Advice Center is the first port of call, regardless of which decision you take. We are only too happy to discuss the various options available and help you to get yourself back on track.
Events, online resources
Online events for those with doubts about studying
- No upcoming dates
External events
- May 7, 2026 at 3.30pm, online Zukunft bewegen: Zukunft bewegen: Mit einer Ausbildung die Mobilität von morgen mitgestalten – information about vocational training (in German)
- June 11, 2026, 3.30pm, online: Digitale Zukunft ohne Studium – deine IT-Karriere – information about careers in IT without the need for a degree (in German)
Online tools
- Online tool to help you reflect on the current situation regarding your degree: moveo
- Career guidance test on the website of the Federal Employment Agency: Check-U
- Info portal of the Federal Employment Agency: BerufeNet BerufeNet
Continue studying: Advice and support
Sometimes, it’s not immediately clear why you’re not happy with your degree program. Anxiety about exams, disappointment, difficulty with motivation or other challenges in your life can disrupt your studies and make you have doubts. Specific advice can help you overcome many hurdles so that you can continue with your degree.
The Student Advice Center (ZSB) can help you identify the stumbling blocks and help you work out what you can do to continue studying successfully. The advisory services at the faculties can help you sort out subject-related and specific organizational matters related to studying.
The counseling service of Student Services has drop-in consultation sessions and scheduled appointments as well as counseling at the Faculties.
Changing subjects or university
It often becomes clear early on in your degree that a particular subject isn’t what you expected, but you’re not sure which subject would be a better fit for you? Is a degree program at a university perhaps too theoretical for you? The Student Advice Center can help you choose a new degree program or with the decision to change university. Here you will find information about changing subjects or university, about accreditation of achievements when changing subjects within FAU and about BAföG, if you receive BAfÖG.
The Hochschulkompass (Higher Education Compass) provides an overview and resources for finding information about all degree programs at German universities and tips about choosing your degree.
Stop studying – Alternatives outside university
If you’re sure that you do not want to continue studying, you can find information about alternatives to studying below. You may already have an undergraduate degree and can apply directly for jobs, or you would like to complete vocational training. FAU’s Career Service provides advice on all issues related to careers and can support you with finding your feet again after dropping out of university. The Federal Employment Agency is your port of call for information about vocational and other types of training as well as any benefits you may be entitled to. Switch zur Ausbildung is a project organized by all Bavarian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHK) that can help you to find a suitable apprenticeship and provides information about shortening training periods and accreditation of achievements from your degree. The Nuremberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Middle Franconia (IHK Nürnberg für Mittelfranken) is your local point of contact for vocational training in the region surrounding Nuremberg.
Taking a break – leave of absence and semester of leave
Can’t decide what’s right for you at the moment and you need time to think about your goals and options? Perhaps there are other reasons like illness or family commitments that have priority at the moment. In such cases, it might be wise to apply for a semester of leave to give you some breathing space, make new plans or deal with and improve certain situations. You don’t necessarily need to take a leave of absence for a semester (“Urlaubssemester”) as you can also take a break by making use of a “Leersemester” (“empty” semester) during which you are not required to complete any achievements. If you’re not sure which option is right for you, please get in touch with the team at the Student Advice Center.