Numerus Clausus in Germany: How it works
NC values, waiting semesters and the admission process explained
The Numerus Clausus (NC) is the first hurdle for many prospective students on the way to their desired degree program in Germany. It applies whenever a subject attracts more applicants than there are study places available – so-called local or nationwide admission restrictions (Zulassungsbeschränkungen). For programs such as medicine, psychology, pharmacy or law, a very good NC is the norm; in technical or humanities subjects there is often no formal NC at all.
Contrary to popular belief, the NC is not a fixed threshold but a retrospective value: it states how good the average grade of the last admitted applicant was in the previous admission round. In other words, an NC of 2.4 this year says nothing about the NC next year. Fluctuations of 0.1–0.5 grade points between semesters are common.
Waiting semesters (Wartesemester) offer a second chance. Anyone not admitted right after finishing school can accumulate semesters and reapply in a later admission round with an improved effective grade. Internships, voluntary service, vocational training or time spent abroad typically count as waiting semesters. The conversion used in our calculator (0.1 grade points per semester) is a simplified model – exact rules vary by university and should be confirmed directly with the admissions office.
Since the 2020 reform of German university admission law, universities award their places through their own selection procedures – criteria besides the Abitur grade can include motivation letters, aptitude tests, vocational training or interviews. Applicants should therefore not focus on the NC alone but also keep an eye on university-specific selection criteria.