If you have previously completed a degree at the same level to which you have applied, this new enrolment is considered an enrolment to a second degree.
Pursuant to Section 70 (3) of the Higher Education Act Rhineland-Palatinate, fees are to be charged for, among other things, secondary studies. According to current state ordinance no. 3.6, on fees in the fields of science, further education and research (special schedule of fees), the fee for a second degree, which is completed after earning a first university degree, is 700€ per semester.
For example: if you have been awarded a master's degree in Applied Mathematics and then wish to undertake a master's degree in Computer Science, this would be considered a secondary degree. However, undertaking a Master’s degree programme following a Bachelor’s degree is not considered a second degree as the Bachelor is the undergraduate level and the Master degree the graduate level.
The process for determining degree equivalency, is one that requires an assessment of the initial degree, usually in consultation with the responsible central office of the Kulturministerkonferenz (KMK - see also Anabin). As such, during the compressed application phase, we are not always able to directly answer the question regarding an application being considered a „Zweitstudium“ or second degree and whether fees apply. The information may only be communicated once a decision has been received from the KMK.
The fee of 700€ per semester of study for a second degree, is in addition to the semester fee.
Degrees obtained abroad may also lead to you having to pay tuition fees for a second degree programme with the same level of qualification if they are recognised in Germany!
You should therefore clarify in advance with the Admissions Office (Stusek) whether your application is considered as a second degree or not.
For degree programmes with restricted admission, the same application conditions apply as for a first degree course. Only the selection procedure is subject to special regulations.
Further information is available from the Admissions Office (Stusek).