Studying as a parent or during pregnancy

Are you pregnant?

Since 1 January 2018, the amended version of the Maternity Protection Act (MuSchG) has been in force, according to which female students also fall within the scope of this law, provided that the respective educational institution (in this case: Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt) specifies the location, time and schedule of training events or if the students are completing a compulsory internship as part of their academic education. However, the basic requirement is that the higher education institution is notified of the pregnancy and the expected date of birth in order for pregnant students to be able to invoke the protective provisions of the Maternity Protection Act.

The following steps must be taken:

  1. To report a pregnancy, please complete the form reporting a pregnancy with the Department of Student Affairs (HSST) up to section 2 (note: please enter the administrator at HSST as the contact person at THWS in section 1) and submit it to HSST together with a certificate confirming your pregnancy (Mutterpass, maternity log).
  2. For leave of absence within the framework of maternity protection (6 weeks before and 8 weeks after the birth, in special cases up to 12 weeks after the birth) and parental leave, the application for leave of absence must be submitted to the Department of Student Affairs (HSST). The period of leave of absence is not included in the calculation of deadlines for first and repeat examinations. 
  3. If you continue your studies during pregnancy without taking a leave of absence, you can apply for a deadline extension with the Department of Student Affairs (HSST).
  4. If no leave of absence or extension has been requested, it is possible to take examinations during the protection periods before and after childbirth. Breastfeeding mothers also have the option of applying for a deadline extension with the Department of Student Affairs (HSST) during the first twelve months after childbirth.
  5. In order to plan and personally coordinate the compatibility of studies and family life, a consultation with the faculty's student advisory service is recommended. Within this framework, a risk assessment will also be carried out and, if necessary, appropriate protective measures will be taken. For a list of programme advisors, please see https://www.thws.de/en/services-and-support/application-enrolment-exams-internship/contact-persons/. 
  6. If you have any questions regarding financial support, childcare, and other assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

For more information, please see the Guide to Maternity Protection by the Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.

Student parents

The dual burden of studying and raising children often presents a difficult situation for student parents. They must meet the demands of their studies while also organising childcare and education. This is often accompanied by additional financial strain.

The women's representatives at THWS would like to provide support in dealing with these challenges, provide useful information and refer you to the relevant institutions and contact persons.

On the following pages, you will find information