Tips, advice and support services for (your) studies
Do your thing - especially with an impairment
On this page, the contents of the print flyer "Do your thing - especially with a disability" on the subject of studying with a disability and/or chronic illness at RUB are reproduced digitally barrier-free. For the German version, please switch to "German" at the top right.
Take advantage of counseling and support services as early as possible and, if necessary, even before enrolling!
In order to get to know the various options for studying with an impairment that makes it difficult to study, to avoid barriers and to be able to use support options effectively, we recommend that you make an appointment for a basic consultation at the AKAFÖ Inclusion Advice Center ("BZI") as soon as possible:
Link: www.akafoe.de/inklusion
Mail: bzi@akafoe.de
Phone: +49 (0)234 32-11530
Network with others!
You are not alone - 15.9% of students at German universities report that they are studying with an impairment that makes it difficult to study. For the majority of these students, the impairment is not visible (see student survey best3).
You can find contact with other people affected, for example, via the peer-to-peer mentoring program "P2P-inklusiv", student interest groups or the various topic-related exchange formats.
Find out whether an application for compensation for disadvantages ("NTA") makes sense based on your individual needs!
The design of teaching and examinations may prevent you from showing your own potential due to the effects of a disability or chronic illness. To counteract this and ensure equal treatment, the Higher Education Act ("Hochschulgesetz") provides for the use of "NTA".
"NTA" are regulated in the university examination regulations and are therefore a documented legal entitlement and a particularly effective instrument for creating equal opportunities. A decision on the "NTA" is made upon your application.
Bear in mind that preparing the "NTA" application, submitting the application and the subsequent decision take time!
Therefore, seek advice from the AKAFÖ Inclusion Advice Center (BZI) as soon as possible and submit an application early if necessary!
The following services are available during your studies at RUB:
- Get specific advice (even before you start studying!) from the AKAFÖ's Inclusion Advice Center (BZI) on studying with disabilities!
- The peer-to-peer mentoring program "P2P-inklusiv" supports the transition in the first months of your studies.
- Compensation for disadvantages ("NTA") in accordance with the Higher Education Act ("Hochschulgesetz") ensures equal participation. This individual modification of your examination or participation requirement will be decided upon application on the basis of personal needs. The RUB representative for the interests of students with disabilities and chronic illnesses will advise you on this!
- PC workstations specially equipped for various needs are available to you during your studies at IT.SERVICES, the University Library (UB) and the BZI.
- Let IT.SERVICES advise and support you on technical aids for your studies!
- There is a specially equipped inclusion area in the E-Assessment Center for electronic examinations at RUB.
- Take part in wheelchair sports at the University Sports Center.
- Take advantage of the support offered by the Psychological Counseling Service
- Ask the International Office for advice on special funding opportunities for your study abroad with a disability!
- Your lecturers can get support with the organizational and technical implementation of compensation for disadvantages ("NTA") from the Contact Point for Barrier-free Examinations (KoBaP) .
- In addition to the Autonomous Student-Representation for People with Disabilities (AR-MBSB), your official student interest group at RUB, there are also a number of student initiatives, e.g. on the topics of neurodiversity/autism or visual impairment. Here you can find more information or get involved yourself!
- Currently, a variety of exchange offers (such as the "Erzählcafé", the Community-Meeting, the Networking, Exchange and Resonance Meeting and the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Regulars' Table) invite you to regular meetings.
You can find more information and links to the various offers at: https://einrichtungen.rub.de/de/spezifische-beratungs-und-informationsangebote
The diversity and variety of the people who work, study, research and teach here characterize Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB) and are one of our great strengths. Inclusion is not only a legal obligation for RUB, but also an essential part of our self-image.
Contact us
- Department 2- Student Services and International Office
Inclusive University
www.rub.de/de/inklusive-hochschule
E-mail: inklusion@ruhr-uni-bochum.de
(Status: July 2025)