If you are searching for a study programme in Germany, you will quickly come across the abbreviation NC. But what does NC actually mean?
NC stands for Numerus Clausus which is Latin for “limited number”. It is a selection system that German universities use when there are more applicants than available study places. The NC ensures that scarce places go to applicants who are, ideally, the best suited for the programme.
People often talk about the NC as if it were a fixed grade, such as “1.4”. This does not mean you need exactly a 1.4 to get in. It means the last admitted student had an Abitur (school leaving certificate) grade of 1.4. If admission was decided by lottery, students with 1.4 might still be rejected while someone with 1.3 was admitted.
Because of this, the NC can seem confusing and mysterious. This article clears things up and shows you how to avoid the NC system altogether.
Your Four Options When Applying to a German University
If you want to start studying in Germany, you usually have four choices:
- Degree programmes with a nationwide NC such as medicine or pharmacy
- Degree programmes with a local (university specific) NC
- Degree programmes without any NC which is the case for most programmes
- NC free private universities such as CBS University of Applied Sciences, where all programmes are guaranteed NC free. Even competitive subjects like psychology or business informatics have no grade restrictions because CBS uses its own admissions process that looks beyond grades.
NC Meaning: What Does NC Mean?
- NC (Numerus Clausus) literally means “limited number”
- It refers to the maximum number of students a university admits per programme
- The NC value shown is the grade of the last admitted student
- It changes every semester based on popularity and applicant grades
Why Does NC Exist
It is simple. Too many applications and too few places.
In theory, anyone with a university entrance qualification can study anything anywhere. In reality, highly sought after programmes like medicine or psychology get flooded with applications.
Universities need fair selection rules. Ideally, places go to people who are most likely to succeed in the programme, which is especially important in fields like medicine where future healthcare depends on it.
Random lotteries would be unfair, so most universities use a combination of factors such as Abitur grade, entrance test scores, relevant work experience, and motivation.
Is NC Just the Abitur Grade
Yes and no.
The NC shows the lowest grade of those admitted, but many programmes use additional criteria:
- Required grades in specific subjects
- Entrance or aptitude tests
- Relevant work experience or internships
- Voluntary work or special achievements
So just looking at your GPA is not enough.
How Does NC Admission Work
{{call-to-action}}
NC vs NC-Free: Key Differences
How Is the NC Calculated
NC is not fixed in advance. It is calculated after all applications are in:
- In the Abitur best quota, around 20 to 30 percent of places go to the top ranked Abitur grades nationwide. Grades are standardised across federal states first.
- In the ZEQ, the Abitur grade does not count at all. Instead, universities score things like entrance test results, interviews, or professional training.
- In the AdH process, each university uses its own scoring system, combining grades, test results, interviews, relevant school subject grades, professional experience, and more.
Important: NC Changes Every Semester
A programme can be open one year and restricted the next.
Example: Business Administration may suddenly require a 3.0 after years of being open admission.
How to Apply for NC Restricted Programmes
There are two types of application processes:
- Central allocation (DoSV) via hochschulstart.de used for subjects like medicine or pharmacy
- Local NC where you apply directly to the university
For central allocation, you can prioritise up to 12 choices, which requires a smart strategy.
If you get rejected in the first round, there is sometimes a waiting list (Nachrückverfahren) where leftover places are redistributed. These are very limited.
What About Waiting Semesters
In the past, applicants could collect waiting semesters to improve their chances. Every semester waited boosted your grade slightly. This system is mostly abolished now as waiting does not improve your skills.
Some universities may still consider waiting time as one factor, but most do not. Instead, practical experience such as an apprenticeship in the field is far more useful and gives you points in the AdH process.
In Which Subjects Is the NC Highest
The most competitive programmes include:
- Medicine often between 1.0 and 1.2
- Psychology often between 1.0 and 1.5 but it can vary widely
However, there are no reliable NC lists because the values change constantly and differ by university. Always check the university’s own website for the latest information.
What If You Do Not Meet the NC
Not meeting the NC is not the end of the world. You have options:
- Apply to programmes with lower demand
- Try smaller student cities where competition is lower
- Gain relevant qualifications or training beforehand
- Or skip the NC system entirely and apply to a private university like CBS, where no NC applies and your whole profile is considered not just grades
Can You Study Without NC or Without Abitur
Absolutely.
- Many public universities offer programmes with no NC at all
- At CBS University of Applied Sciences all bachelor's and master’s programmes are NC free
And if you do not have an Abitur, you can still study in North Rhine Westphalia with:
- A completed apprenticeship plus three years of work experience
- Or a master craftsman qualification
Even changing your field is possible although you may need to pass an assessment.
{{call-to-action}}
Conclusion: NC Is a Complex System but Optional
The Numerus Clausus is a patchwork of rules, quotas, and formulas that differ from university to university. The grade threshold is never predictable.
If you want to avoid the stress, go for:
- NC free degree programmes at public universities
- Or apply directly to CBS University of Applied Sciences, where all programmes are NC free and admissions are based on your personal strengths rather than grades
You can apply year round and receive personal guidance from our admissions team.
Start your NC free bachelor’s or master’s programme at CBS now.
Study without NC in Germany– Your opportunities at CBS
Discover our NC-free bachelor’s and master’s programmes and start your studies right away without waiting times or admission stress.
Study without NC in Germany– Your opportunities at CBS
Discover our NC-free bachelor’s and master’s programmes and start your studies right away without waiting times or admission stress.
