Most German universities rely on digital platforms like Moodle, Stud.IP, ILIAS, and HISinOne for course materials, assignments, exam registration, and grades. Knowing how to navigate these systems can save time, prevent mistakes, and help you stay organized throughout the semester. This guide explains how these platforms work and how to use them correctly.
Why University Portals Matter
German universities have a decentralized structure—professors, tutors, and exam offices all use different systems. This means you may interact with several platforms at once.
University portals are used for:
• downloading lecture slides
• accessing reading materials
• submitting assignments
• registering for exams
• communicating with professors
• checking grades
• joining tutorials or labs
Common Platforms Used in German Universities
1) Moodle
The most widely used learning platform.
Features:
• weekly lecture folders
• assignment submissions
• quizzes
• forums
• announcements
2) Stud.IP
Common in northern Germany (e.g., Hanover, Göttingen).
Used for:
• course registration
• messages from teachers
• upload of class resources
• tutorials and seminar organization
3) ILIAS
Used by many universities alongside Moodle.
Strong for:
• interactive learning modules
• uploading research materials
• group workspaces
4) HISinOne / QIS / LSF
Administrative systems for:
• exam registration
• course enrollment
• grade reports
• personal data and documents
5) FlexNow
Used primarily in engineering and sciences for exam registration and grades.
How to Navigate Moodle Efficiently
Course Dashboard
After logging in, you’ll see a list of courses you’re enrolled in.
Weekly Structure
Most professors organize materials weekly:
• lecture slides
• recordings
• readings
• homework sheets
Assignment Submission
Follow instructions carefully:
• submit in PDF format unless stated otherwise
• double-check deadlines (Moodle auto-locks!)
• use correct file naming conventions
Forums
Used for:
• course announcements
• student questions
• discussion of assignments
Many students miss important updates by ignoring forums.
Course Registration on University Portals
Depending on your university:
• Stud.IP → register for seminars/tutorials
• LSF → register for lectures
• HISinOne/FlexNow → register for exams
Important:
At many universities, registering for the course does not mean you’re registered for the exam.
You must register separately through the examination portal.
Exam Registration (Critical Step!)
Many international students fail courses because they:
• forget to register for exams
• miss deadlines
• assume registration happens automatically
Typical exam registration periods:
• mid-semester to late semester
• 2–4 weeks window
• strict deadlines with no exceptions
After registering, always check for confirmation.
How to Submit Assignments Correctly
Formats
Professors often require:
• PDF for essays
• ZIP for code or projects
• specific templates for lab reports
Technical Tips
• convert files to PDF early
• check preview before uploading
• avoid password-protected files
• ensure your name and matriculation number appear where required
Common Mistake
Uploading the wrong file version.
Always double-check before clicking “Submit.”
Staying Organized Throughout the Semester
Use a Single Calendar for All Deadlines
Germany has many deadlines:
• tutorials
• presentations
• lab submissions
• exam registration
• assignment uploads
Put everything in Google Calendar or Notion.
Download Materials Weekly
Don’t wait until the exam phase.
Create Folders by Course
Example structure:
• Course Name
- Slides
- Tutorials
- Assignments
- Notes
Check Portals Daily
Announcements are often last-minute.
Common Technical Issues & How to Avoid Them
• Login Expired: use university VPN if needed
• File Too Big: compress PDF before upload
• Missing Course Materials: email the tutor, not the professor
• Portal Downtime: don’t wait until the last minute to submit
• Mixed Platforms: keep a bookmark folder for all portals you use
Summary
German university portals—like Moodle, Stud.IP, ILIAS, and HISinOne—are essential tools for managing coursework and staying organized. To succeed:
• check platforms regularly
• download materials weekly
• register for exams on time
• submit assignments correctly
• stay organized across multiple systems
Mastering these tools will make your academic life in Germany much easier.