The habilitation is the recognition of the ability to conduct independent research and teaching in an academic subject or subject area (habilitation area).

The habilitation is based on a written scientific treatise (habilitation thesis), a trial lecture and a scientific colloquium. The habilitation thesis can also be cumulative and consist of scientific, usually already published articles.

Upon application, the academic may be granted authorisation to teach (venia legendi) for a specific subject by the Academic Senate. The authorisation to teach entitles the habilitated person to independently offer courses in their subject at the university.

• Habilitation at the University of Rostock - central information page