Corona-News

While face-to-face courses were the norm at universities in North Rhine-Westphalia at the start of the winter semester – and numerous courses can still currently be held in person – many universities have increasingly had to switch to online or hybrid formats during the current semester due to the current pandemic developments. To ensure that students do not suffer any disadvantages as a result of this situation, the state government has decided, after a thorough review, to again increase the individualized standard period of study for students by one semester for the winter semester 2021/22.

Due to the pandemic, this regulation had already come into effect in the three previous semesters. The corresponding regulation for the current winter semester will come into force via an amendment to the Coronavirus Epidemic University Ordinance in the coming days. With the increase of the individualized standard period of study, the NRW Ministry of Culture and Science is creating the conditions on the part of the state for the maximum BAföG period of eligibility to be extended by one semester as well. The increase of the individualized standard period of study by one semester also eases time pressure for students – for example, when it comes to taking exams tied to specific deadlines – and is thus intended to provide additional support.

Further information is available on the website of the state government.