Not every school leaving certificate entitles you to study in Germany. Whether direct admission or preparatory college depends on your country of origin, your degree and sometimes the state. This is the first step - before you choose a university, book a course or submit an application.
Step 01 Β· Most important resource
The Conference of Ministers of Education maintains the Anabin database - the central directory for the recognition of foreign educational qualifications in Germany. The status entered there determines whether you can study directly at a university.
The three status levels and what they mean
Anabin evaluates foreign school qualifications in three categories. The category applies to the qualification from a specific country β not across the board for all degrees worldwide.
Status H+ Β Direct university entrance qualification
Your degree will be directly recognized as a university entrance qualification in Germany. You can apply directly to universities without a preparatory college. The university can still impose additional requirements β for example a certain language level or an entrance exam for subjects with restricted admission.
Status HΒ± Β Conditional recognition
Your degree will be recognized under certain conditions. This can mean: Additional examination, proof of certain grades, application only for certain subjects, or recognition only in certain federal states. What exactly applies is stated in Anabin's individual description of the degree.
Status Hβ Β No direct recognition
Your degree does not directly entitle you to university admission. The next step is the preparatory college β a one-year preparatory facility that ends with the assessment test and then entitles you to apply.
Select your country of origin under βInstitutionsβ on the Anabin website (anabin.kmk.org), then the school type. The result shows the status and β at HΒ± β the exact conditions. Some countries have multiple degree types with different statuses. Choose the right degree in the menu, not the first one that comes along.
Overview by country of origin
The following overview shows the status of the most common degrees in the most common countries of origin. It does not replace checking the Anabin database - but it is an initial point of reference.
Most common degrees and their status
| country | Graduation | Typical status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| TΓΌrkiye | Lise Diploma (Abitur) | H+ | Direct admission, proof of language skills required |
| Morocco | Baccalaureate | HΒ± | Depending on grades, preparatory college depends on the university |
| India | Higher Secondary Certificate (12th) | Hβ | preparatory course necessary; Bachelor's degree = H+ |
| China | Gaokao / GΔozhΕng BΓ¬yΓ¨ ZhΓ¨ngshΕ« | HΒ± | Minimum Gaokao score required (depending on the university) |
| Iran | Diplom-e Motevaseteh | Hβ | preparatory course necessary; University degree = H+ |
| Egypt | Thanaweya Amma | HΒ± | Certain minimum points required; Preparatory college is generally recommended |
| Syria | Baccalaureate Syria | HΒ± | Grade dependent; Direct admission possible with good grades |
| Pakistan | Higher Secondary School Certificate | Hβ | preparatory course necessary; Bachelor's degree = H+ |
| Nigeria | West African Senior School Certificate | Hβ | Preparatory college required |
| Russia | Attestation o srednem obschem obrazovanii | H+ | Direct Admission; Proof of language skills required |
| Ukraine | Atestat per Povnu Zagalnu Serednju Osvitu | H+ | Direct admission |
| Serbia / Bosnia / Kosovo | Matura / SvjedodΕΎba o maturi | H+ | Direct admission as a rule |
What then applies
Status Hβ does not mean that studying in Germany is impossible. It means that an intermediate step is necessary - and that this step must be planned for from the beginning.
Three paths to university admission without direct H+ status
Complete preparatory college
The Studienkolleg is a one-year preparatory program at German universities or state institutions. It ends with the assessment test (FSP). If you have passed the FSP, you can apply regularly. For the preparatory college itself, proof of language skills (at least B2) and an entrance exam are required.
Studienkolleg in detail βSupplementary examination (external assessment test)
In some federal states, applicants can take the assessment test without previously attending a preparatory college. This option is not available everywhere and requires independent preparation. Inquire directly at the preparatory college at the desired university.
Bring a university degree from your home country
Anyone who already has a recognized university degree from their home country can be admitted directly to a masterβs program in Germany β regardless of school qualifications. Bachelor's degrees from countries with Hβ school leaving certificates usually have H+ status themselves.
documents
For checking recognition β whether by the university or an official recognition body β The same basic documents are always required. Certified translations must come from a translator sworn in Germany.
Checklist for the recognition check
You can find sworn translators in Germany in the directory of state judicial administrations. In the country of origin, the German embassy can carry out the authentication or refer you. The embassy can usually also certify copies - ask them directly.
Next steps
You now know how recognition works.
Let us clarify which status applies to your degree.
Free Β· No obligation Β· 30-45 minutes
As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.