Numerus clausus explained

In short: The numerus clausus (NC) is an admission restriction for degree programmes with more applications than places. It is not a fixed value but is determined anew each semester from supply and demand.

In more detail: The NC arises retrospectively from the average school-leaving grade of the last admitted person, not from a predetermined limit.

In detail

• Local NC: Set by individual universities for their own programmes.
• Nationwide NC: For subjects such as medicine and psychology, via the Foundation for University Admission.
• Waiting semesters: Time between finishing school and starting studies can partly be credited.
• Selection process: Besides grades, tests, selection interviews or work experience often count.
• Fluctuations: The NC can rise or fall from year to year depending on the number of applicants.
• Alternatives: Waiting lists, swapping study places or studying abroad are possible paths.
• Misconception: A high NC does not automatically mean a particularly difficult course of study (hochschularten-im-vergleich).