If Group 2 is applicable, there are:

7 points if the scientific reasons are weighty and supported by the scientific career;

9 points if the scientific reasons are of particular weight and supported by the previous achievements;

11 points if the reasons are of paramount scientific importance, supported by outstanding achievements, and of particular general interest.  

The following criteria will be taken into account in the distribution of points using strict standards:

• Previous career
  In particular, previous scientific and practical activities should be taken into account.  

• Seriousness of the interdisciplinary career/study plan
  Here, scientific activities (e.g. participation in national competitions such as "Jugend forscht") should be taken into account as well as, for example, cooperation in research projects during the period of study.  

• Scientific significance of the planned interdisciplinary activity
  Here it is important that the desired activity is objectively of scientific importance.

Group 3 - special professional reasons 

The professional circumstances are significantly improved by the fact that the second degree complements the first degree in a meaningful way. It depends on the type of professional activity and the way in which both degrees support the professional practice. The concrete and individual career planning is decisive. It must be possible to establish a factual connection between the content of the completed first degree and the intended second degree. In the case of a dual subject teacher education program, it is sufficient if this is possible for only one subject.  

The meaningful supplementation of the first degree by the second degree must be demonstrated, in particular, according to the following aspects  

• What prerequisites for the intended career goal were acquired in the previous career (e.g. in the first degree program)?
• What prerequisites for the desired career goal are provided by the second program?  

If the only purpose of the second degree is to change careers, it is not possible to affirm specific occupational reasons. However, it does not matter which field of study is the focus of the later professional practice and in which order the first and the second degree are taken.  

If Group 3 applies, 7 points will be awarded.

Although the second course of study does not reflect a useful complement to the first, the professional situation is significantly improved by the second course of study for other reasons. In this case, a detailed individual explanation is required. 

Group 5 - other reasons  

Students who wish to return to or re-enter the labor market after a period of family leave may receive an extra credit of up to 2 points when applying for a second degree. The increase is available if the student, for family reasons (e.g., marriage, raising children), had to give up his or her previous job after completion of his or her first degree or was unable to find a suitable job due to family reasons. The amount of the credit adjustment will depend on the degree to which the student is affected. The extent of the burden (e.g. number of children, duration of the family phase) will be taken into account in an appropriate manner.