Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)

Thank you for coming here. Our study advisors are your contacts for orientation and decision-making questions before and during your studies. For example, if you have questions about the range of courses on offer, the choice of subject, study requirements, the structure of your studies, financing your studies, changing courses or universities or alternatives to studying. Whether pupil, prospective student, applicant or studentthey both have an open ear for you. They will provide you with individual support based on your personality and interests.

You can find our counseling services here.

Our understanding of consulting

We see counseling as a low-threshold service. You as the person seeking advice are the focus of our work. We communicate respectfully, "at eye level", confidentially and in a friendly and transparent manner. Our work is professionally sound, open-ended and networked, and we also respect the limits of our scope for action. We offer help for self-help and respect you as a person seeking advice.

We prefer to receive appointment requests for counseling by e-mail. Please briefly describe your concerns in your message so that we can arrange an appointment with the right contact person for you. Thank you very much!

zsb(at)hs-pforzheim(dot)de

If we are not in a consultation, you can also reach us by phone: 07231/286132 or 07231/286757

Our consulting services

Your school days are coming to an end and you don't know exactly what to do next? No need to worry! We support pupils and prospective students with orientation and help them find answers to the following questions:

  • Are you wondering whether studying is right for you?
  • Are you wondering whether your school grades are good enough for your desired degree program?
  • Would you like to know how you can finance your studies?
  • Are you interested in studying at Pforzheim University and wondering which degree program suits you best?
  • Would you like to know the specific requirements of studying at Pforzheim University?
  • Do you have one or more degree programs on your shortlist that you would like to apply for and need more information about the structure of the degree program?
  • Would you like to study at Pforzheim University and need information and advice on the various options for financing your studies?
  • Do you have a master craftsman's certificate or equivalent further training or at least two years of training including at least three years of professional experience and would like to find out more about the requirements for studying without a high school diploma?

As part of an individual one-to-one consultation, we take enough time and space for your personal concerns. Individual consultations can take place online or on site at the university in room W1.1.11.

We advise students on orientation and decision-making issues during their studies, for example in the case of

  • Uncertainties in your studies - if you are wondering whether your subject or your path really suits you.
  • Change of degree course - we support you in finding the right alternative and organizing the change well.
  • Orientation after your Bachelor's degree - if you are unsure whether you should do a Master's or go straight into a career.
  • Financing your studies - we advise you on BAföG, scholarships and other financing options.

Sometimes studying doesn't go the way you thought it would - and that's perfectly fine. If you are thinking about ending your studies or taking a new path, we can help you make good and sustainable decisions.

For example, we can advise you on

  • Dropping out of university - if you are considering ending your studies, we will discuss opportunities and next steps together.
  • Loss of examination entitlement - we will inform you about your options and how you can still continue.
  • Change of university - we support you in planning a transfer to another university.
  • Alternatives to studying - we will show you professional and educational options outside the university.

Group counseling aka BEST trainings
Students can register for a two-day decision training course on career and study choices. More information on the process and dates can be found at: www.bw-best.de

Pforzheim University offers you numerous exciting opportunities to get a taste of university life without any obligation and to get an impression of our diverse range of courses. You can talk directly to students and professors on site. The Central Student Advisory Service is also present at fairs and study information days . All offers for pupils can be found here: For pupils.

The Central Student Advisory Service is also happy to visit schools and individual classes to provide information about the courses on offer at Pforzheim University. As an alternative to a school visit , school classes are also welcome to get to know the university as part of an individual campus tour .

Important information at a glance

Financing options - How to cleverly finance your studies.
StudiCenter - Your first point of contact for organizational questions about your studies & your application.
Application compass - All the information you need for a successful application.
Study & examination regulations (SPO) - Here you will find the official regulations for your degree program.
Living in Pforzheim - Tips and contact points for rooms, shared flats and apartments.