School-leaving exam and upper secondary: choosing advanced courses

In short: In upper secondary school, pupils choose advanced and basic courses that significantly influence the final grade. The choice should take into account interests, strengths and later study or career plans.

In more detail: The exact rules on subject choice and compulsory enrolment differ by federal state.

In detail

• Advanced courses: Taught more intensively and usually count more heavily towards the final grade.
• Compulsory combinations: Certain subject combinations such as German, maths and a foreign language often have to be taken.
• Interest vs. strategy: A mix of interest and a realistic assessment of one’s own strengths often leads to better results.
• Admission requirements: Some degree programmes require certain subject combinations or grades.
• Advice: Upper secondary advisors and parents can support the decision.
• Later correction: Switching courses is usually only possible in the first weeks of a half-year.
• Long-term planning: Thinking about possible focuses already in lower secondary makes the later choice easier (hochschularten-im-vergleich).