At Trier University, almost 16% of students have a disability that can make studying difficult. Most acquired their disabilities before starting their studies. Of the students with a disability, the proportion of neurodiverse students and students with mental illnesses is 65%. Approximately 17% of students have a congenital disability while for 63% of students 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 bout one’s illness or disability. Many students with disabilities do not have any difficulties in their studies. If you are considering studying at Trier University, the following information can help you. Our counselling 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 University. Further information at schnupperstudium.uni-trier.de

Create conditions to make studying possible

It is important for all students to prepare in advance to ensure successful study programme. This is especially true for students with a severe disability or illness that makes studying difficult. Students 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/health services on site. 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 Pasychotherapist, 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 lecturers/staff to answer questions about studying with a disability, chronic illness or mental illness.

  • Advice on applying for accommodation 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 organising 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 University