Semester Break and Internship
Please note: an official semester break must be applied for by filling out the necessary form and by sending it to kristin.schoeps@hs-anhalt.de
Find the form here: service.asa.hs-anhalt.de/qisserver/asa-info/formulare/dessau/Formular_Antrag%20auf%20Beurlaubung_Application%20for%20suspension%20from%20studies_Dessau.pdf
The application can only be granted if you yourself are unfortunately sick for a longer period of time or if you are pregnant or are on maternal leave. Other reasons such as illness of a family member at home must be discussed with the office first. Also issues with obtaining a visa to come to Germany might be considered an exception since this situation is not in violation with already granted student visas. The rules are based on the federal visa laws stating that you are only entitled to a valid student visa if you are a fully registered, meaning fully paying student at the university. The DIA or the university does not make the rules.
Internships are no reason to apply for a semester off. You must remain a fully registered and hence fully paying student for the duration of your internship by re-registering for each semester paying the total fee of the program. Also note that internships are no mandatory part of your studies hence the DIA cannot issue letters to potential employers saying that it is.
Keep in mind that one semester of not attending classes might pose a problem since our program is based on 2 semesters per study year forming a unit. Meaning 1st year 2nd semester classes are only offered in the summer and 2nd year 1st semester classes are only offered in the Wintersemester. This means that taking an internship for two semesters is advisable.