Student Orientation

Are you trying to figure out what you want to study? The HTWG Konstanz helps prospective students answer this question by offering numerous events, both on-campus and digital, as well as individual advising sessions. This page gives you an overview of our extensive offerings.

Student Orientation Events
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Tips for Choosing a Major

It’s not always easy to decide what to study. We often have a lot of questions when it comes to choosing a major. What field really suits me? What do I find interesting and exciting? What’s important to me? What kind of work do I want to do in the future? You have many options: You could study or pursue occupational training. If you choose to study, there are a dizzying array of degree programs, not to mention many different types of universities.

To help you in this process, we have put together a series of questions and tips on this page. If you take the time to think through these questions, you will be able to make a more informed decision. There is of course no one-size-fits-all recommendation. The point is more to give you some things to think about as you’re making this decision – that we hope will help you find the right major.

Remember: you can also participate in our

workshops

and set up a one-on-one advising session with us!

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A Map for your Studies

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1. Do I really want to study?
It’s important to decide if you want to study or start an occupational training program. The following websites can help with your decision:
Studies: www.hochschulkompass.de and www.studieren-in-bw.de
Occupational training: www.arbeitsagentur.de/bildung

These websites can help you discover your interests and abilities:
Orientation Test (state of BW): www.was-studiere-ich.de
Decision training BEST professional and student orientation (Land BW): www.bw-best.de
Test to determine your level of interest in different fields (HRK): www.hochschulkompass.de/studium-interessentest
Portal for online self assessments: www.osa-portal.de/
Teacher orientation test (state of BW): www.bw-cct.de
Self exploration tool (Agentur für Arbeit): set.arbeitsagentur.de

You can also take part in our events and the “Accompany a HTWG Student” (MitStudieren) program to experience what studying is really like.
2. Is a University of Applied Sciences right for me?
Once you decide that you do want to study, the next question is what major and at what university. Here are some key questions and useful resources:
What kind of university? There are the Universities of Applied Sciences (like the HTWG Konstanz) and Universities (like the University of Konstanz)
What programs and degrees do they offer?

Click here for a list of majors offered at the HTWG Konstanz or look for additional professional occupation and degree programs in Baden-Württemberg.
Take part in one of our orientation events to find out what major might suit you best:
Accompany a HTWG Student (MitStudieren)
Taster program
Student info day
If you’re still not sure what you want to study, we have put together a list of tips to help you make a decision.
3. Requirements
Before you apply to the HTWG Konstanz, it is important that you inform yourself about general requirements. Please keep in mind that all degree programs require advanced German language skills. It is possible to get the language and study skills you need to study here by participating in our Studienkolleg program.
You can find out more about the admissions process and the various degree programs by contacting the staff at the Advising Center, the International Students Office or the Intercultural Center (IKZ).
Each department also offers its own academic advising. Please contact them directly for more information about specific majors.
4. Information about Applications
Apply to the HTWG Konstanz!
If you already have advanced German language skills and know what you want to study, you can find information about the application process and
application deadlines
on our website.
If you need to first get the German language skills, please contact the International Office /Intercultural Center (IKZ) or the Studienkolleg for more information.
5. Did you get in? (If not, see point 6 below.)
Congratulations on getting accepted!
If you have questions, please see our FAQ or get in touch with our staff.
6. Didn’t get in?
If you didn’t get accepted to the program of your choice, take a look at the applications link to see if there still might be a way for you to get in.
Otherwise, think of some of these other options:
    Volunteer service year
    Do an occupational training first
    Study at another university
    Try a different major

You can search for free degree spots through the Studienplatzbörse (website in german)

Step 1: What are your skills?

What are you good at? Are some subjects or tasks easy for you? Make a list of the skills you think you have.

The following online tests can also help you in your decision-making process:

Orientation test (state of BW): www.was-studiere-ich.de
Decision-making training: www.bw-best.de
Test to determine interests: www.hochschulkompass.de/studium-interessentest
Portal for online self assessments: www.osa-portal.de
Teacher orientation test: www.bw-cct.de
Self exploration tool (Agentur für Arbeit): set.arbeitsagentur.de

Step 2: What are your interests?

What topics really interest you? Which questions catch your attention? What activities would you like to take part in? Make a list of what you really enjoy and what topics and questions you’d like to know more about.

Step 3: What is important to you?

Are you more interested in a secure future? Or are you more someone who wants to find themselves? Do you want to help other people? Do you want to have a career? Find out what’s important in your life and what you’re looking for in your professional life. Make a list of your values, the things that are important to you (freedom, money, family, etc.) and use that list to think about different majors.

Step 4: Talk to others about your ideas!

When trying to make an important decision, like what to study, it often helps to bounce your ideas, wishes and expectations off of friends and family members. Tell them what you think and listen to what they have to say. See if you can pick up some useful advice or ideas. It also often helps to have a little chat by yourself, by taking the time to write out your thoughts in a diary or journal.

And you can also get in touch with our staff at the Student Advising Center. That’s why we’re here. Drop us an email or give us a call. Our advising sessions are neutral and confidential.

Step 5: Inform yourself!

Once you’ve gotten a better idea of your interests and wishes, take the time to really get the information you need to make your decision. Where can you study a specific subject? What universities and universities of applied sciences offer that major? The internet is a great source of information. But try not to get overwhelmed: it can be a lot of information. Take your time. And remember that you have many options. Try to find inspiration and listen to your heart. What is it telling you?

Additional Information for Prospective Students

List of HTWG Konstanz Degree Programs

What makes the HTWG Konstanz stand out?

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