At Trier University, almost 16% of students have a disability that can mak studying difficult. They usually acquired these disabilities before starting their studies. The proportion of neurodiverse students and students with mental illnesses is 65%. For almost 17% of students, the disabiliy that makes studying difficult has existed since birth, and for around 63% it occurred before starting their studies. For 56% of students with a disability that makes studying difficult, the disability is not visible for other people (source: best3-Studie). There is no obligation to tell anyone at Trier University about ones illness or disability. Many students with disabilities do not have any difficulties in their studies. If you are considering to study at Trier University, the following information can help you. Our counseling service might also be helpful.

Information about applying and starting your studies with a disability at Trier University

Get to know Trier University's programmes

In order to get to know a programme you might attend events from the regular course offerings and thus get to know the content of the programme at Trier Universiy. Further information at schnupperstudium.uni-trier.de

Create conditions to make studying possible

Especially Students with a severe disability or illness that makes studying difficult should take some time to create good conditions in order for their studies to be successful. This can include:

Finding a doctor/ psychotherapist in Trier since Trier University does not offer any medical aid. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange all services for their personal medical care. Students are responsible for all costs related to medical services required (through insurance or personal finances). Here is a list: https://www.gelbeseiten.de/aerzte-psychiatrie-und-psychotherapie/trier or https://www.gelbeseiten.de/suche/aerzte-psychiatrie-und-psychotherapie/trier

  • Call and ask for the next available appointment. Tell them you are new in town and that it’s about medication for your illness
  • It might be best to ask a native German speaker for help as not all providers may be able to speak English
  • Finding a Pasychotheraist, there are several in Trier who  offer services in English. The link below will provide contact information based on your criteria entered  https://www.kv-rlp.de/patienten/arztfinder/erweiterte-suche/  
  • Your search will provide several results with phone numbers. Call and ask for the next available appointment.
  • Please check with your health insurance provider regarding coverage for these costs. You are responsible for any costs related for appointments made or medication required.

Counselling services at Trier University

We are available to students and teachers to answer questions about studying with a disability, chronic illness or mental illness.

  • Advice on applying for compensation for disadvantages in examinations
  • Support with semester planning
  • Information on the possibility of taking a break for one or two semesters, e.g. if you are due to be hospitalized.
  • Help with organizing your studies

Nathalie Beßler, M.A.,
Beauftragte für die Belange Studierender mit Behinderung
Tel. 0651 201 3149,
bessler@uni-trier.de

Dr. Frank Meyer, 
Tel. 0651 201 4205, meyerf@uni-trier.de

More help and support at Trier Unviversity