Studying often poses particular challenges for students with a disability or chronic illness. However, HSB helps you to overcome barriers. Here you will find support options and counselling services.
The Advisory Service for Inclusive Studying of the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) supports and advises you on questions about studying with a health impairment. Starting with the application for a place at university, through the course of studies up to graduation.
We advise you on the following topics, among others:
Consultation appointments are possible by telephone, e-mail or in person at the university by individual arrangement. Please contact us by e-mail at inklusivstudieren(at)hs-bremen.de.
Consultation hours:
Mondays from 8:00 to 16:00
On the other days, please contact my colleague, Mrs Müller.
Please use the appointment planner to arrange personal counselling appointments with me.
Consultation times:
Please use the appointment planner to arrange personal consultation appointments with me.
If you cannot find a suitable appointment, please contact us at inklusivstudieren@hs-bremen.de.
Link to the video “Studying with autism spectrum disorder”(Video is in German)
Students on the autism spectrum are said to have many positive abilities.
Persistent concentration and endurance, even with repetitive tasks
Conscientiousness, loyalty and honesty
as well as a strong sense for details and spotting mistakes, for accuracy and logical thinking. These are just a few of the many strengths they can offer.
However, various students on the autism spectrum also report some challenges that they have to face from time to time. In this video, which was created in collaboration with HSB students, we would like to inform you about these challenges.
Would you like to apply to HSB and have a chronic physical or mental illness or disability? In this section you can find out under which circumstances you may be able to increase your chances of being accepted to study by submitting a hardship application. We also provide an overview of what you can do and organize before you start your studies so that you can get off to a good start.
© HSB - Sabrina Peters
Studying poses many challenges - so it is all the more important that all students receive the most suitable support possible. On this pages you will find information on academic adjustments, technical aids, digital accessibility and accessible housing, among other things.
© HSB - Sven Stolzenwald
There are various ways to organize your studies in order to help you combine your studies with an impairment, chronic illness and/or disability in the best possible way. Students have the option to apply for a semester off or to complete their studies part-time. In certain cases - for students on the autism spectrum, for example - study assistance can also be approved via the integration assistance service (Eingliederungshilfe) to make everyday study life easier.
In addition, the Psychological Counseling Center offers support with study-related and personal challenges. The Center for Teaching and Learning (ZLL) helps to ensure academic success with individual learning opportunities and advice. With appropriate planning and support, it is also possible to spend time abroad to gain international experience.
Eine Gruppe Studierender mit Unterlagen in der Hand unterhält sich.
© HSB - Sabrina Peters
Academic Adjustments s in examinations are an instrument to compensate for individual disadvantages and to achieve equal opportunities. They are regulated in Section 31 of the Bremen Higher Education Act (§ 31 des Bremischen Hochschulegesetzes) and in Section 11 of the General Parts of the Bachelor's and Master's Examination Regulations. Students with disabilities or chronic illnesses are entitled to adjustments in examinations and coursework..
Are you considering applying for academic adjustmentss?
Then we have compiled all important information for you on the “Things to know and forms” page.
© Hochschule Bremen - Sven Stolzenwald
Are you familiar with the long wait for a therapy placement? The fear of not being able to complete your studies? The exhaustion resulting from the double burden of studying and health impairments? The many questions about how your health disadvantages can be compensated for during your studies? The feeling of increasing loss of self-efficacy and of not belonging with your fellow students?
You are not alone! According to the 22nd Social Survey (2023), conducted by the German National Association for Student Affairs (DSW), 16% of students have one or more health impairments that make studying difficult – and the number is increasing.
At the Advisory Service for Inclusive Studying, we are committed to providing you with the best possible support throughout your studies. Under the motto “helping people to help themselves,” we currently offer a discussion group for students on the autism spectrum. There, you have the opportunity to exchange ideas with other students in a safe environment and support each other.
The Psychological Counseling Center of the Studierendenwerks Bremen also offers support groups and workshops for students.
If you have any questions about self-help groups, please contact us at inklusivstudieren@hs-bremen.de.
For the moment the groups are only offered in German.
© Marcus Meyer
For students with disabilities and chronic illnesses, additional questions often arise during the transition to work: Which companies offer me an inclusive working environment? Do I have to or should I disclose my impairment at the job interview, even if it is not visible? What should I mention in my CV and how? What is the best way to address my impairment-related concerns? Here you will find important initial information and advice - both within HSB and externally.
Help system for people with mental health problems and their relatives in Bremen
Good advice can be a great help in crisis situations. The HSB Equal Opportunities Office has compiled a list of central contact points in the city of Bremen (including here at the university).
The ADE is a specialist and advice center that provides advice on dealing with discrimination, conflict and violence. Among other things, it is responsible for all students at universities in the state of Bremen.
Counseling is free of charge and confidential.
What does it mean to study with a disability or chronic illness? How can you support students? What are academic adjustments?
We have provided information for university lecturers and staff that will give you initial ideas on how to recognize the special challenges of students with chronic illnesses or disabilities and thus offer them needs-based and targeted support.
The contents of this page will be continuously updated and we will be happy to receive your constructive suggestions and proposals for further information.
Short answers to some important questions. If your question has not been answered, please contact inklusivstudieren@hs-bremen.de
