No Idea? No Problem!
Find out which engineering program is really right for you.
Are you interested in engineering or Informatik, but aren’t quite sure yet which degree program you’d enjoy? With startING, an introductory semester eligible for BAföG funding, you can take one semester to explore different degree programs. You’ll earn your first credit points, conduct experiments in our labs, visit companies, and discover which field is really your thing.
Why startING Is Your Perfect Start
Right in the thick of it:
You’re enrolled directly at Hochschule Offenburg (HSO), experience campus life, and can take your time deciding what to do next after the orientation phase.
Real insights:
Thanks to the diverse offerings in the study modules, you’ll quickly discover what really clicks for you.
Get a head start:
Credits earned through startING can be applied toward your chosen degree program. This gives you more flexibility and helps you pace your studies.
Discover your strengths:
In startING, you’ll try out innovative learning formats and acquire key competencies. You’ll find out what you’re truly capable of.
Future-focused topics included:
You’ll dive right into artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability—two megatrends that play a role in virtually every job.
Personal support:
Adjusting to campus life can be quite overwhelming. The startING team is there to support you and answer any questions you may have.
Check: Is startING right for you?
You're in the right orientation semester if you...
... want to know what it’s like to study.
... are torn between different fields of study.
... want to get a real sense of what it’s like before you commit.
Here's How Your Orientation Program Works
For one semester, you’ll have the freedom to explore your options, find your path, and prepare yourself as best as possible for a degree in engineering or computer science.
Easy to get started: Whether you’re coming straight out of high school or have completed vocational training, startING has no admission requirements (no enrollment cap). Simply enroll through our applicant portal.
Your personalized schedule: You choose the courses that suit you best from a range of interdisciplinary basic subjects. Your schedule is supplemented by a variety of orientation programs and seminars on key competencies.
Doing, not just thinking: In an interdisciplinary project, you’ll work with others to develop real-world solutions. Interactive workshops ensure you can apply your skills in practice.
Seamless transition: By the end of the semester, you’ll know where you’re headed. You’ll transition directly into your preferred degree program and simply carry over your earned credits. Or you can choose a completely different path.
What happens after startING?
Choose your major: Upon successful completion of startING, you’re guaranteed a spot in any of our engineering or computer science degree programs—no matter which semester you begin your orientation program.
startING in the summer semester: You can continue directly into your chosen degree program in the following winter semester.
startING in the winter semester: If your desired degree program begins as scheduled in the summer semester, you can jump right in, or you can choose to transfer into your desired program. A more relaxed start to the following winter semester is also an option. You decide when to redeem your ticket.
Questions & Answers
What makes the startING orientation program special?
startING is a well-established, practice-oriented program that, in addition to lectures in basic subjects, offers comprehensive academic guidance and supports the development of skills relevant for the future.
Do I need a specific GPA to enroll in startING?
No, the introductory semester has no admission requirements. The only requirement is that you have a university entrance qualification.
How does startING fit into my academic plan?
You can take startING before any engineering or computer science degree programs at HSO.
Am I eligible for BAföG?
Yes, since you’re enrolled as a regular student, you can apply for BAföG.
What happens if I realize that engineering isn’t for me after all?
That’s exactly what startING is for! It’s better to figure that out during an orientation semester than to drop out of a specialized degree program later on. We’ll be happy to advise you on alternatives.
Highlights from startING
