‘NC’ is the abbreviation for “Numerus clausus”, which means “closed number” in English. The NC is used in selection procedures when the number of applications exceeds the number of available study places. The average A-level grade has a major influence here. At the end of the selection process, a selection threshold is formed. This is known as the NC value.
Foto: Martin Rehm
The NC actually refers to the selection limit, marked by the average Abitur grade of the last admitted applicant for the previous semester. This selection threshold varies depending on the degree programme and university and is only determined at the end of the admission procedure - for each semester and for each new admission procedure. It is never set by the universities before the start of the application process! Only the number of available study places is determined in advance.
An example: An NC of 2.2 means that applicants with an average grade of 2.1 or better - but also some with 2.2 - have been admitted. Often, not all applicants with the same average grade can be admitted because there are not enough places available. In this case, so-called ‘lower-ranking criteria’ (including waiting times, aptitude tests or professional qualifications) are used to decide on admission.
And what is the waiting time?
The waiting time is the time that has elapsed since obtaining the higher education entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur). This is measured in half-years. The accumulation of the waiting period is only interrupted by taking up a course of study at a state-recognised higher education institution in Germany (including part-time or distance learning courses). The waiting period does not usually have to be applied for separately, as the universities automatically take it into account as part of the admission procedure.
If you find the information ‘2.2 (3)’ in NC overviews, for example, this means that all applicants with an average grade of 2.1 or better could be admitted, as the last available admission offer was given to a person who had accumulated a total of three waiting semesters with an average grade of 2.2.
Important:
Although threshold values from previous semesters can provide an indication of your own admission chances, they are not a reliable indicator of future admission chances due to changing application and place numbers.
Hint
Under no circumstances should you refrain from applying for a study place just because your average grade does not reach the NC value of the previous allocation procedure for the respective degree programme.
However, if the difference between your NC score and your Abitur grade is large, you must be prepared to be unsuccessful in your application. To have a plan B is then particularly important.
When applying via hochschulstart.de, places on degree programmes with nationwide and local admission restrictions are allocated in a linked…read more »
