Studying in Old Age: From Senior Study Programmes to Guest Students

Many older people use part of their time after the end of their working life to devote more time to their own further education.Some universities in Bremen are responding to the desire for targeted further education in the third stage of life by providing study opportunities for older people.

Senior Study Programme

Guest Auditor

Study as a Regular Student

Senior Citizen Study Programme

The senior student programme is a further development of the guest student programme. In contrast to the guest student programme, the senior student programme is a specially tailored format that allows students to focus on specific areas of study. Students have the opportunity to have their participation in the programme certified. In line with the growing interest of older people in studying or similar further education, some universities have developed study programmes specifically for senior citizens. These study programmes for senior citizens also conclude with a certificate. The universities regulate whether a general or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification is required for participation.

In Bremen, you can study a degree programme for senior citizens at the University of Bremen. You can find all information under the following link:

• Universität Bremen

Guest Lectureship

In principle, guest lectureships are open to all interested parties. It primarily serves the purpose of further education. A high school diploma is not a prerequisite for attending courses as a guest student. As a guest auditor does not aim to obtain a degree. If you decide to become a guest student, you must submit an application to the desired institution.

Some universities in Bremen provide information on guest lectureships under the following links:

• University of Bremen
• Bremen University of Applied Sciences
• Bremen University of the Arts

Further information on attending university courses as a guest student can be obtained from the advice centres of the teaching institutions.

Studying as a Regular Student

As a rule, there is no age limit for studying as a regular student and it is therefore still possible to study at an older age. However, regardless of age, applicants need a university entrance qualification in order to be admitted. If you choose the path of a regular degree programme, you can also obtain a degree. For this, it is necessary to provide the required proof of performance. Please note that some universities impose age limits for certain degree programmes. You can find out more from the university counselling centres.