Unhappy With Your Degree? - How To Switch Courses in Germany

Are you feeling unsure about your current study program in Germany? Maybe the course isn't what you expected, or you're struggling to stay motivated. If you're an international student thinking about making a change, you're not alone. Many students are re-evaluating their academic path, and the good news is that you have options.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to switch courses at your current German university, transfer to a new one, and help you figure out which path might be right for you.

Signs Your Current Program Might Not Be Right for You

Feeling uncertain is normal. But here are some common signs that it might be time for a change:

• You’ve lost interest or motivation in your studies

• The study program content doesn’t match your expectations

• It’s too theoretical or not hands-on enough (or vice versa)

• You’re unsure about your future career with this degree programme

• You’re feeling isolated, unsupported, or overwhelmed

• Mental health or burnout is impacting your academic life

Ask yourself:

• Do I still enjoy the subject I'm studying?

• Can I picture myself working in this field long-term?

• Would a different course or environment help me thrive?

If you're not happy with your study program in Germany, it's okay to take a step back and consider your next move. There are structured ways to change your study program in Germany without jeopardizing your visa or academic future.

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What Are Your Options If You’re Unhappy?

Depending on your situation, you can either switch courses in Germany at the same university or change universities entirely in Germany.

Switching Courses at the Same University

• Usually simpler than a full university transfer in Germany

• You stay in the same city and keep your current student status

• Speak with your university’s Studienberatung or examinations office

• You may need to apply for a new course and submit all required documents again

• Not all credits may carry over, so you might need to repeat some modules

• Some courses have admission restrictions or are subject-specific and only accept new students during the winter semester or the summer semester

• If switching into a teaching degree with a subject combination, additional qualifications may apply

Transferring to a New University

• A better option if you want a completely fresh start or a new environment

• Requires applying to a new German university, often through uni-assist or directly

• You’ll need to provide your university entrance qualification and records of your previous study (e.g., transcripts)

• May involve moving cities and adjusting to a new higher education system

• Some programs may allow you to apply for a higher semester, depending on credit recognition

• Check whether your new program has restricted admission and what the application deadlines are

Need help with this process? Read our full guide: How to Transfer from One University to Another in Germany

This kind of university transfer in Germany is common, especially among international students looking for a better academic fit or a more supportive environment.

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When and How to Make the Change

Changing your course or university is a big decision, so it's important to plan ahead:

• Start early in the semester if possible

• Collect your Transcript of Records and required documents like module descriptions

• Contact the admissions office at your target program or university

• Check the application deadlines — some courses only admit students in the winter or summer semester

• Speak with your examinations office or study advisors for guidance

Knowing how to change course in Germany is key. Each university has its own process, so starting early gives you time to gather everything you need.

Don’t Forget: Visa, Finances, and Blocked Account

If you're an international student:

• You must inform the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Office) if you switch programs in Germany or change your university

• You may need to show new proof of financial stability (such as a Blocked Account)

• Semester contributions vary and you may need to pay again

• Health insurance providers should be informed of your change

Use the StudyBuddy Checklist to track your steps and avoid missing anything important.

Managing Your Blocked Account During a Program or University Change

If you're changing your university or study program, your Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) may need to be updated, especially if you're applying for a visa extension or a new residence permit.

• Renewal for Visa Purposes: When switching universities, the Foreigners' Office may require updated proof of financial stability. This often means showing a current Blocked Account with sufficient funds.

• Top Up or Open a New Account: If your current account balance is low, you might need to top it up or open a new account to meet the financial requirements.

• Plan for Extra Expenses: A university change might involve new semester contributions, housing deposits, or relocation costs. Your Blocked Account helps ensure you're prepared.

Need a reliable Blocked Account provider? Expatrio offers a fast, secure, and visa-approved solution trusted by thousands of international students in Germany. With transparent pricing and excellent support, it’s a smart choice if you're updating your finances during a transfer.

Learn more about Expatrio’s Blocked Account →

What If You Can’t Switch Programs or Transfer?

Sometimes, the program you want might be full, or your current credits won’t be recognized. If that happens:

• Consider starting a new program from scratch if it better matches your goals

• Submit your previous study records anyway because partial credit recognition is better than none

• Talk to your student advisor about bridging courses or alternative entry paths

Changing your study program in Germany is more common than you might think. Whether you're looking to switch programs in Germany due to personal reasons, academic interests, or better opportunities, the system allows flexibility, especially for international students.

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