As of the second joint application procedure of spring 2025, initial vocational qualifications obtained with partially or fully adjusted grades will not be taken into account in the certificate-based selection of universities of applied sciences based on vocational qualifications. This decision is based on the obligation of universities of applied sciences to carry out the selection of students in a fair manner, with consideration to the equal treatment of applicants. The same grade in the adapted assessment scale and in the vocational education and training (VET) qualification assessment scale does not reflect equal competence, and therefore the grades cannot be scored in a commensurate manner in the certificate-based selection based on initial vocational qualifications.
In the certificate-based selection of universities of applied sciences, higher education readiness is assessed and student selection is made on the basis of the grades on the vocational qualification certificate. Adaptation of the assessment of competences means that personalised, adapted assessment criteria are drafted for students with special needs. The criteria for adapted assessment are established in five levels, so that level five (5) of the adapted assessment scale means lower competence than the level 1 of satisfactory competence described in the VET qualification assessment scale.
Applicants with initial vocational qualifications obtained with partially or fully adjusted grades may still apply to study in universities of applied sciences through the UAS entrance examination or other selection methods.