Studying With Child(ren)
Osnabrück University would like to support students with children in balancing their studies with their educational and caring responsibilities. On this page, you will find all the information you need about pregnancy, funding, childcare and family-friendly services at the university.
The Family Service staff will be happy to support and advise you on all questions relating to studying with children.
Pregnancy and Maternity Protection During Studies
Pregnant and breastfeeding people are under special protection. The Maternity Protection Act (MuSchG) protects the health of the pregnant person and the (expectant) child at the place of work, training and study during pregnancy, after childbirth and during the breastfeeding period. Irrespective of the term "maternity protection", the law applies to every person who is pregnant, has given birth or is breastfeeding. The MuSchG is intended to enable the pregnant person to continue their studies, training, or employment as far as is reasonable. Additionally, it aims to prevent disadvantages during pregnancy, after childbirth, and during the breastfeeding period. Furthermore, it regulates the protection periods before (six weeks) and after childbirth (eight weeks), during which work is not permitted. In the event of premature delivery, the protection period after delivery is extended by the period of the shortened protection period before delivery. In addition, the protection period after childbirth is automatically extended to twelve weeks in the case of premature births, multiple births and, on request, if the child is diagnosed with a disability within eight weeks of birth.
According to the MuSchG, employers, training facilities and universities are obliged to conduct risk assessments and take the necessary protective measures.
Osnabrück University is also committed to providing every pregnant or breastfeeding person with a safe and healthy university education.
In order for the university to fulfill its duty of care and take appropriate protective measures, such as exempting you from laboratory practicals, it is important to notify the university of your pregnancy. You can do this during a consultation with us at the Family Service or you can fill out and send the notification of pregnancy to Family Service. For the notification of pregnancy, proof of pregnancy (an extract from the maternity pass or a medical certificate of the expected delivery date) is required. The data will only be used as part of the notification procedure in accordance with the MuSchG and will be deleted after the retention period specified in the MuSchG has expired.
In general, your participation in courses and exams can continue during pregnancy. However, this depends on whether your participation involves any risks for the pregnant person and the unborn child. Following the notification of pregnancy, a risk assessment is conducted by the people responsible in the respective departments and discussed with the pregnant person. If risks are identified, appropriate protective measures are taken. Pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding should not cause any disadvantages. If pregnant students are unable or only partially able to participate in exams, study-related internships or lab activities, a restructuring or adaptation of academic requirements and, if necessary, alternative arrangements should be offered.
During the maternity protection period, which is generally six weeks before and eight weeks after giving birth, pregnant students may only take part in examinations and classes, excursions or internships if they explicitly request this and there are no health reasons preventing them. To request it, a declaration of readiness must be submitted. The necessary forms for such a declaration are handed to pregnant students by their schools in the course of their individual risk assessments. The declaration of readiness can be revoked at any time in full or for individual courses or examinations if the pregnant person no longer wishes or is no longer able to participate.
For already registered final theses, it is possible to extend the submission period by the duration of the maternity protection periods. To do so, submit a written, informal request to your responsible examination office, along with proof of the expected delivery date. You will then receive a new submission deadline.
To avoid misunderstandings or conflicts, it is always advisable to approach your instructors and inform them of the pregnancy at an early stage.
The UOS Family Service provides confidential support and advice on all issues relating to pregnancy and maternity leave during your studies. There are also other contact points in the Osnabrück area that can help you with conflicts and questions:
ProFamilia (pregnancy conflict counseling, partnership and family planning)
Psychological counseling center of Diakonie Osnabrück (pregnancy conflict, family therapy and parenting)
Social Service of Catholic Women (pregnancy counseling, regular meetings for expectant and young parents)
Catholic Family Education Center in Osnabrück (courses for young and expectant parents, e.g. for (young) fathers, children and baby movement courses, pregnancy yoga and parent meetings)
"Fit für den Start" (family course offered by the catholic Family Education Center for parents-to-be, starting from the fourth month of pregnancy; topics: Starting out with the baby, family changes, interpreting children's signals, care techniques, legal aspects and parental leave)
Organization of Studies
Students can take leaves of absence during pregnancy, maternity protection periods or to care for a child during periods in which they would be entitled to statutory parental leave if they were employed. A total of up to six semesters of leave per child are possible due to parental leave until the child reaches the age of eight.
The application must be submitted to the Admissions Office together with the relevant evidence (copy of the maternity passport or birth certificate). Please note the application and re-registration deadlines. In exceptional cases, a leave of absence is also possible two months after the start of the semester. In general, a leave of absence is only possible for the entire semester and must be applied for each semester. A semester of leave of absence during the first semester is not possible.
During the leave of absence, students retain their rights as members, but may not attend any courses, complete any coursework or examinations or make use of the university's support services. If students wish to continue using the semester ticket and Studierendenwerk facilities (canteens) during their semester of leave, they must pay a reduced semester fee. If the fee is completely waived, no validity imprint will be printed on the Campuscard for the semester in question.
It is important to note that you are not entitled to BAföG or student loans during your leave of absence.
Long-term tuition fees are fees charged by universities when students continue their studies beyond their study credit (the standard period of study plus an additional six "tolerance semesters"). The cost per semester is 500 euros. Students who are on a leave of absence, care for a child under the age of 14, or looking after a close relative in need of care (as defined in § 7 paragraph 3 of the Care Leave Act) are exempt from paying long-term tuition fees and can apply for an exemption at the Studierendenwerk. The application can be submitted no later than one month after the end of lectures of the respective semester.
Further Information
Offers at the Writing Center
The Writing Center (Schreibwerkstatt) offers a wide range of documents that explain the most important issues relating to academic writing, such as information on citation rules, the structure of academic papers and how to avoid plagiarism.
It also offers workshops and seminars. The "Long Night of Procrastinated Term Papers" (Lange Nacht der aufgeschobenen Hausarbeiten) allows you to get to know effective techniques for structuring your work.
Another offer is individual writing advice. From topics such as time management and writer's block to finding a thesis topic and designing academic papers, students receive free advice here.
Further Information
Offers of the Studierendenwerk
Mastering exams successfully: Studierendenwerk Osnabrück offers workshops for students with exam anxiety, focusing on relaxation techniques, exam preparation, motivation gaps and difficult exam situations. The workshops take place in small groups with a maximum of ten people. Participation is free of charge.
Now I'm talking! - Fear or public speaking: Students with a fear of public speaking, discussions in seminars and presentations can take part in the two-day workshop organized by the Studierendenwerk Osnabrück. The workshop is free of charge and takes place over two days in groups of at least six to a maximum of ten participants.
Cool Down - Relaxed through the semester: In this course offered by Studierendenwerk Osnabrück, students learn several relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety: Progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, body scan and breathing relaxation. Participation is free of charge for students.
Individual counseling: Psychological counseling is available to all students.
Further Information
The Studierendenwerk Osnabrück offers several housing options for families and single parents with children in three residential complexes. The family apartments are equipped with a bathroom and kitchen and are located close to the city center, yet in a quiet area.
In addition to the student dormitories, a private search via the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung and an advertisement on the university notice board or the Stud.IP platform could also be a way of finding accommodation. Under certain conditions, the housing allowance office of the city of Osnabrück can also be contacted as an intermediary for social housing offers.
Family-Friendly Campus
The canteens and cafeterias of the responsible Studierendenwerk offer changing tables, child-friendly chairs and a play corner for children as well as a protected area for breastfeeding for the children of students, staff and other visitors.
There are family rooms in both the "Alte Münze" library on the city center campus and in the departmental library on the Westerberg campus. In addition to a workstation and a breastfeeding corner, these also offer an area with toys and picture books for your child. Baby changing facilities are also available in the buildings.
The family service recommends booking a family room in advance. Please contact the relevant library service desk.
Financing
BAföG is state financial support for students in Germany, depending on income and need. BAföG offers special regulations for pregnant students and students with children. These include the childcare allowance, the extension of the maximum funding period, flexible proof of academic achievance, increased allowances for own income and the possibility of exemption from loan repayments in cases of low income.
Important: There is no BAföG during a semester of leave and payment is suspended. During the interruption of BAföG, there may be an entitlement to secure subsistence in accordance with SGB II.
The Family Service recommends the social counseling service of the Studierendenwerk.
General information
Parental allowance supports parents of infants and young children. It provides compensation if the parents have less income because they work less or not at all after the birth of the child. Parental allowance is also available for parents who have no income. Parental allowance can also be paid to parents who are studying or training.
You do not have to interrupt your studies or training in order to receive parental allowance. It is irrelevant how many hours per week are spent studying.
If students had no income before the birth of their child, they will receive parental allowance amounting to the minimum amount. This amounts to 300 euros per month for basic parental allowance and 150 euros per month for Parental Allowance Plus. If you had an income before the birth of your child, this can lead to higher parental allowance. Students can work up to 32 hours per week alongside their studies, as can those in employment.
The basic parental allowance can generally be drawn for 12 months. In the case of single parents or if the partner receives parental allowance for at least two months, the entitlement can be extended to 14 months. Parental Allowance Plus is available for up to 24 months, up to the 32nd month of the child's life at the longest.
Parental allowance and scholarship
Scholarship holders receive 300 euros per month in basic parental allowance if they did not work before the birth. While receiving parental allowance, a scholarship is not offset against the parental allowance, i.e. scholarship holders can receive their scholarship in full in addition to their parental allowance.
Eligibility and application
People who are resident or ordinarily reside in Germany, live with the child in the household and raise and care for the child themselves can apply for parental allowance. The application can only be made after the birth. Retroactive payments are granted for the last three months of life before the application is received. To apply, please use the relevant application form of the federal state.
Please contact the relevant parental allowance office for advice.
Child Benefit
Child benefits aim to ensure the basic provision for children from birth until they turn 18 and are paid regardless of income. If the child is unemployed and registered as seeking employment, child benefit can be received until the child turns 21. If the child is in vocational training, engaged in a recognized voluntary service, or in a transitional period of up to four months, child benefit can be extended until the child's 25th birthday. As of January 1, 2023, child benefit is 250 euros per month per child.
Child benefit must be applied for in writing at the Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse) of the relevant Employment Agency.
Important: If a student is pregnant and their parents still receive child benefits for them, the Family Benefits Office should be promptly informed of the pregnancy and the start of maternity leave.
Child Supplement
The child supplement (KiZ) is an additional allowance for families with low income. It is not granted automatically but must also be applied for at the Family Benefits Office of the relevant Employment Agency. As of January 1, 2023, the child supplement amounts to up to 250 euros per month per child, depending on the family's financial situation. This includes the 20-euro monthly immediate surcharge per child introduced in 2022. Families receiving the child supplement can also apply for an exemption from daycare fees.
Before submitting the application for child supplement, we recommend that students make use of the social counseling service of the Studierendenwerk Osnabrück.
Further Information
The maintenance advance is a state benefit for children of single parents. Among other things, this requires that the single parent and their child live in Germany and the other parent either pays no maintenance, only irregular maintenance, or maintenance that is less than the amount of the maintenance advance. The amount of the advance is based on the minimum maintenance rate throughout Germany.
The maintenance advancements can be paid until the child reaches the age of 12 (12th birthday). For children aged 12 to 17, children are also entitled to these advancements if the child is not dependent on SGB II benefits, or if the single parent receiving SGB II benefits earns at least 600 euros gross per month. The application for maintenance advancements must be submitted in writing to the relevant youth welfare office. If the maintenance advancements do not fully cover the child's necessary living expenses, you can also apply for social benefits or social assistance, child supplement, and housing benefit. If you have any questions, please contact the Department for Children, Young People and Families of the City of Osnabrück.
Further Information
Generally, students whose education can fundamentally be supported by BAföG are not entitled to citizen's benefit (Bürgergeld). However, there are exceptions, particularly if the education is not eligible for funding under BAföG or for certain groups of students. Exceptions may also apply in cases of interruptions due to illness, pregnancy, or child-rearing, as well as in special hardship cases.
Further Information
The Federal Foundation "Mother and Child" provides unbureaucratic assistance to expectant mothers in personal and financial emergencies. The foundation provides financial resources for the initial equipment of the child, furnishing the nursery, and childcare.
The application for financial support from the federal foundation must be submitted via a pregnancy advice center and before the birth.
Further Information
The Osnabrück Pass offers its holders a wide range of benefits and discounts. Students who have a limited income or are dependent on housing benefit and child supplement can benefit from this offer.
Holders of the Osnabrück Pass enjoy a wide range of benefits. These include discounts on swimming pool and zoo visits, discounted bus tickets form Stadtwerke Osnabrück, and a free Ferienpass (holiday pass), which provides numerous leisure activities. Among other benefits, exemption from childcare costs in holiday kindergartens, holiday daycares, and holiday programs is possible.
To receive the Osnabrück Pass, an application must be submitted to the City of Osnabrück.
Further Information
Families in Lower Saxony can receive financial support for a vacation together. The aim is to assist low-income families, single parents, large families, and families with relatives in need of care. The primary residence must be in Lower Saxony, and the family income must not exceed a certain limit. Individuals receiving social benefits can also apply for subsidies. The subsidy amounts to up to 15 euros per person per night for stays of at least seven and up to fourteen consecutive nights in Germany.
- For family members with disabilities up to 10.00 euros
- Up to 10.00 euros per single parent family
- In a non-profit family holiday home or youth hostel up to 15.00 euros
In justified cases, grandparents can also be included in the funding.
Important: There is no legal entitlement to the funding.
Students can receive a free children's plate in the canteen for their children (up to the age of 10) in conjunction with a student lunch. The free children's plate is offered by the Osnabrück Student Services. To take advantage of this offer, please apply in advance for an ID card at the university catering department. You will need your matriculation card and your child's birth certificate or a comparable document as proof of parenthood.
Further Information
Contact Us
University Gastronomy
Ritterstraße 10
49074 Osnabrück
hochschulgastronomie@sw-os.de
Office hours: Mon - Fri: 8.00 - 12.00 a.m.
Care Options
General
Registration for daycare centers in Osnabrück is mainly done digitally via the online portal for Osnabrück daycare centers. The registration period for the following daycare year, which always begins in August, starts in November and ends in December (e.g. the registration period for the 2023/2024 daycare year was between 01.11.2022-31.12.2022). Places are only allocated after the application deadline and can take until April. The date of receipt of the application has no influence on the allocation of places.
Childminders: Childminders (Kindertagespflege) is an alternative care option to nursery. It includes upbringing, education and care in smaller groups. There is also flexibility when it comes to coordinating care times. In large-scale day care, the children are looked after by several caregivers in larger groups. The costs are similar to those of the day nursery. Registration should be made approx. six months before the desired start date at the relevant child and family service office.
The child and family service office of the city of Osnabrück or the family service offices of the home municipality in the district of Osnabrück are available to answer your questions and provide further information on the subject of childcare in an advisory, supportive and mediating capacity.
For Members of UOS
The following daycare centers take university and college affiliation into account when admitting children.
Important: this is no guarantee of a childcare place!
- The CampusKita offers space for the care of 80 children in the Wüste district. 70 percent of the places are allocated to members of the university; the remaining 30 percent are filled freely.
- The Kinderbungalow is a large daycare center run by Osnabrück University on Campus Westerberg (Building 39), where up to 8 children aged 12 months to three years are looked after by three childminders.
- The Daycare Center "Die kleinen Strolche" of the parents' association "UNI-KITA" e. V. offers care for 38 children aged one to six years.
- The Daycare Center "Kindervilla" of the parents' association Kindervilla e. V. offers 41 childcare places for children aged three months to six years.
- Kita "Fingerhut" e. V. is a facility run by Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences with 35 places for children aged one to six.
This platform of the university's Family Service enables childcare providers and childcare seekers to come into contact with each other. This gives students and employees who have children and are looking for support the opportunity to find suitable childcare.
Registration and activation: Interested parties register for the "Childcare exchange" event in Stud.IP and apply for activation at the Family Service.
For those looking for childcare: After activation in Stud.IP, caregivers are listed by district. Personal folders with contact details and certificates can be viewed. If you are interested, you can contact the relevant person.
For care providers: After activation by e-mail to the Family Service, you will receive access to the "Childcare Exchange". A completed questionnaire from the Family Service and supporting documents are required. A personal folder will be created to which all members of the event have access. In order to keep the data up to date, we ask you to inform the Family Service of any changes as soon as possible.
Personal responsibility: The childcare exchange is intended to make it easier to make contact. Getting to know each other and the negotiation processes take place independently and on your own responsibility. The Family Service assumes no responsibility or liability.
The emergency childcare is a free service offered to working and/or studying parents who require immediate and professional childcare due to unforeseen and unplanned circumstances, childcare shortages, or the unexpected unavailability of their regular childcare arrangements. A qualified professional will come to your home to care for your child/children in their familiar environment.
This service is available to both employees and students of the university. Student parents can utilize the emergency childcare service in situations such as:
- Your child falls ill, and you have a class or seminar to attend.
- You have a weekend block seminar, and the daycare center is closed.
The emergency childcare service is an initiative of companies and institutions within the Family Alliance of the Osnabrück region and the Evangelical Family Education Center Osnabrück.
Registration
To use the emergency childcare service, you must register with the Family Service. For registration, you will need your employee ID number/matriculation number, address, and phone number. After successful registration, you will receive a registration number.
You can then contact the placement hotline (0800-5886927) Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Requests can be made no earlier than two days before the desired date, specifying the expected duration of care. Availability of a childcare professional will be confirmed promptly.
Holiday Offers for Elementary School Children
There are various holiday programs available for elementary school children, such as those offered by the Catholic Family Education Center (FABI). During the spring, summer, and fall breaks, FABI provides holiday camps with diverse programs for children aged 6 to 11. Care hours are flexible, starting between 8:00 and 9:00 AM and ending by 4:00 PM. Registration is completed through an online form. Detailed information about the programs and how to book them can be found on the Catholic Family Education Center's website.
An overview of additional offerings can be found on the City of Osnabrück's "Holiday Programs for Elementary School Children" website, as well as on the site of the "Und Tschüss" program which features vacation trips, adventure weekends, and day excursions for children, teens, and families.
Further Information and Offerings
Lena Lorenz, M.A. (she/her)
Phone: +49 541 969-4686
familienservice@uos.de
Room: 52/509
Equal Opportunity Office
Neuer Graben 7/9
49074 Osnabrück
Short Bio: Lena Lorenz
Annkatrin Kalas, M.A. (she/her)
Phone: +49 541 969-4686
familienservice@uos.de
Room: 52/505
Equal Opportunity Office
Neuer Graben 7/9
49074 Osnabrück