Jurisprudence, Staatsexamen

Admission Requirements for Studying Law at Bucerius Law School

Access to studying law at Bucerius Law School is regulated by a demanding, multi-stage selection process. The aim is to select applicants who have both high academic qualifications and well-developed personal skills. The process ensures that motivated and performance-oriented prospective students - regardless of their social background - have fair opportunities for a study place.

Formal Requirements

In order to apply for the program, you must demonstrate a university entrance qualification, usually the Abitur or an equivalent qualification. Alternatively, it is also possible to apply for professionally qualified individuals without an Abitur, provided that certain requirements are met.

• University Entrance Qualification: Abitur or equivalent degree (e.g. Fachhochschulreife or international school leaving certificate, if recognized)
• Pre-law studies: At the time of starting your studies, you must not have studied more than two semesters of law at a German university. A transfer is possible under certain conditions.
• German language skills: You must have a secure command of the German language in speech and writing, as the studies and the selection process predominantly take place in German.
• English language skills: Proof of English language skills is required during the selection process. Common language certificates are accepted.

Application without Abitur: Access for Professionally Qualified Individuals

Even without an Abitur, studying at Bucerius Law School is possible if you can demonstrate a completed vocational training and at least three years of professional experience (according to § 38 paragraph 1 of the Hamburg Higher Education Act). In this case, you also undergo a special entrance examination, consisting of a written and an oral examination.

• Completed vocational training (in a recognized training occupation)
• At least three years of relevant professional experience after training
• Successful participation in the entrance examination (written and oral examination)

This option offers professionally qualified individuals the opportunity to flexibly shape their academic careers.

Multi-stage Selection Process

Admission to the program is not based solely on grades, but on a multi-part selection process, which includes the following steps:

1. Online application: Submitting all required documents in the application portal of Bucerius Law School (usually from December to mid-May).
2. Written selection process: Completing an aptitude test, which tests logical thinking, reading comprehension, and basic legal skills, among others.
3. Additional entrance examination: For applicants without an Abitur - a written and an oral examination as an additional requirement.
4. Proof of English language skills: Submitting an accepted language certificate no later than the oral selection process.
5. Oral selection process: Participation in personal selection interviews, presentations, and group exercises, where motivation, communication skills, and reflective abilities are assessed.

Special Considerations for People with Disabilities or Health Limitations

Applicants with disabilities or chronic illnesses can apply for individual compensation for disadvantages in order to ensure equal opportunities. Possible measures include:

• Extension of examination time
• Additional breaks during the selection process
• Use of technical aids
• Individual support from the university's disability officer

A medical expert opinion is usually required for the application. Implementation is carried out in close coordination with the university management.

Support and Financing in the Application Process

In order to further promote equal opportunities, Bucerius Alumni e. V. covers the costs for the selection process and obtaining the required English language certificate upon request. In addition, numerous scholarship programs are available to support first-time academic students or applicants with limited access.

If you have any questions, the study advisory service offers individual support throughout the application process.

Course Description: Jura Plus at Bucerius Law School

The study of law at Bucerius Law School is characterized by a special study concept called "Jura Plus." This concept combines classic legal education with practical elements, interdisciplinary perspectives, individual support, and international orientation. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and future-oriented education for lawyers who are prepared for the challenges of a globalized working world.

Structure and Progression of the Course: Structure and Degrees

The study at Bucerius Law School follows a clear structure organized in trimesters, enabling a fast and transparent study planning. The law program comprises a total of twelve to thirteen trimesters and is significantly more compact than at state universities. After ten trimesters, students obtain the academic degree Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.). In the twelfth trimester, they take the First State Examination, a requirement for legal professions.

• Basic Studies: Six trimesters with mandatory subjects, general studies, personal development, and two mandatory internships.
• International Trimester: In the seventh trimester, all students complete a mandatory trimester at one of over 90 partner universities worldwide.
• Specialized Studies: From the eighth to the tenth trimester, students focus on a legal specialization, write their bachelor's thesis, and graduate with the LL.B.
• Exam Preparation: From the eleventh to the thirteenth trimester, intensive preparation for the State Examination, including the university's own exam preparation course (EVP).

Contents and Special Features of the Jura Plus Concept

The Jura Plus program offers more than just legal knowledge. It emphasizes a close connection between theory and practice, interdisciplinarity, and personal development. General studies cover economic, philosophical, and socio-political issues. Personal development studies focus on key skills such as self-reflection, time management, and resilience.

• General Studies: Providing orientation and contextual knowledge that goes beyond legal methodology.
• Personal Development Studies: Opportunities for developing self-competence, learning strategies, and social engagement.
• Additional Certificates: Possibility to obtain certificates in economics, philosophy, Legal Tech, or IP/Media/Technology Law.

Internationality and Languages

A key element of Jura Plus is the mandatory international trimester. This takes place in the seventh trimester and allows students to study at one of over 90 partner universities, including renowned institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Sciences Po, and Stanford. Students gain international experience, enhance intercultural skills, and acquire legal language proficiency.

• Mandatory language training (English required, other languages like French, Spanish, Chinese, or Arabic optional)
• Possibility to obtain a "Interculturality" competence pass

Practical Orientation and Exam Preparation

Practical relevance is an integral part of the program. Two mandatory internships are to be completed during the basic studies. The Career Service specifically assists in finding internships in courts, law firms, companies, and associations. In the Law Clinic, students can practice legal activities early on and work on real mandates.

• Introductory Internship: After the third trimester (at least 5 weeks)
• Advanced Internship: After the sixth or seventh trimester (at least 8 weeks, domestic or international)
• Law Clinic: Legal practice cases with mandates under the guidance of practitioners
• Exam Preparation (EVP): Systematic review of exam material, weekly practice exams, mock exams, and individual guidance from the Centre for Legal Learning (ZJL)

Study Centres and Services: Personal Support

The study centres and service facilities at Bucerius Law School are central contact points for organizing and accompanying studies. These include:

• Library and study rooms (open 24/7)
• Centre for General Studies and Personal Development (ZSP)
• Centre for Legal Learning (ZJL)
• International Office (advice and organization of study abroad)
• Career Service (career planning and internship placement)
• Language Program (coordination of language courses and certificates)
• Learning Innovation Lab (support for modern teaching methods)
• Student representation, trust professors

Financing, Scholarships, and Social Support

Bucerius Law School aims to make education accessible regardless of parental income. Thanks to the model of the Reverse Generation Contract, there are no tuition fees during the studies. Repayment begins only after starting a career and is income-dependent.

• Various scholarships (e.g. Jura Scholarship, Dr. Willy Rebelein Scholarship, Germany Scholarship, Study Abroad Scholarships)
• Consultation on Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) and KfW loans
• Financial Aid Fund for short-term financial difficulties
• Opportunities for student employment at the university

Studying with Disabilities or Health Challenges

The university offers extensive compensatory measures in the application process and during studies. The campus is largely accessible, and solutions are found together for individual limitations. The Dr. Willy Rebelein Foundation specifically supports students with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

Career Opportunities after Graduation

Studying law at Bucerius Law School provides access to all traditional legal professions such as lawyer, prosecutor, judge, and notary – provided both state examinations are successfully completed. The Bachelor of Laws also enables a variety of roles both domestically and internationally, such as in companies, organizations, associations, and international institutions.

The comprehensive education, international focus, and individual support make graduates of Bucerius Law School sought-after professionals with excellent career opportunities in traditional and new legal fields.