Appeals

If you disagree with decisions made by the examination committee (for example, regarding the binding study advice) or an examiner from your faculty, decisions concerning admission to or evaluation of exams or tests, decisions regarding colloquium doctum, or the determination of the total number of credits in relation to the study progress standard or admission to a master’s program, you can appeal to the Examination Appeals Board (CBE).

You can also appeal a refusal to make a decision. A refusal occurs when the decision is not made within the legally prescribed time frame, or when such a time frame is absent. The authority of the CBE and the grounds for appeal are laid down in Articles 7.60 to 7.63 of the Higher Education and Research Act (see also Chapter 7 of the Student Statute).

Make sure to file your appeal within six weeks of the date of the decision. If you file it later, there is a high chance that your appeal will not be processed and may be declared inadmissible. The Complaints and Disputes Facility will ensure that your appeal is forwarded to the CBE.

After receiving your appeal, but before it is substantively addressed by the CBE, a settlement discussion will take place between you and the examination committee to explore possible solutions.

If a settlement is reached, the appeal is resolved, and you will be asked to withdraw the appeal. If no settlement is reached, the examination committee will submit a defense to the CBE, and the case will be heard in a public session. The CBE will issue a written ruling.
It is also possible to request a provisional measure from the chair of the CBE in cases of urgent necessity.

If you disagree with the ruling issued after the appeal, you can appeal to the Council of State.
The same six-week period applies after the ruling of the CBE has been sent. There are additional costs associated with this procedure in the form of court fees (€51). If you are ruled in favor by the Council of State, the university will reimburse this fee.