Recognition of Degrees for Study Purposes

The question of admission to universities and research institutions in Germany is not usually as relevant for academics as it is for students.  Enrolment at a German university is only necessary if you are intending to pursue a university degree in Germany. Enrolment is only possible if the original school leaving certificate you present is equivalent to the German "Abitur". Additionally, for postgraduate studies or for doctoral research, your previous degrees must also be recogised as equivalent to similar Germn degrees. 

As a rule, universities and their administrative and examination offices etc. are responsible for the recognition and crediting of academic qualifications for admission purposes. Please ask the university you are planning to enrol in whether there are any additional agreements regarding the mutual recognition of degrees that might apply to your individual case. Existing agreements can be accessed on the anabin database under "Akademische Anerkennung".

With reference to courses regulated by the state, the responsibility for recognising qualifications lies with the relevant state examination offices. Visit the website of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs and see Anerkennung im Hochschulbereich (Recognition of university qualifications) for more detailed information.

Recoognition of Degrees for Employment Purposes

Research activity can also be part of practical professional work. Especially in cases where visas for employment purposes are required or when working in the public service, you may need to apply for your foreign degree or degrees to be recognised. Make sure to check with your employer and, if applicable, also check the requirements for the type of visa you will be applying for and make sure to apply for your degree recognition early. Degrees for non-regulated positions are generally recognised by the Central Office for Foreign Education. 

Additionally, some professions in Germany are subject to special legal regulations that must be fulfilled in order to practice your profession in the country. This type of recognition is generally completed at state-level. On the anabin database, you will find a list of contact points for regulated professions in Germany under "Informationen über Anerkennungs- und Beratungsstellen in Deutschland" (Responsible authorities in Germany) who can help you further to learn the specifics of how to work in a regulated field.

Applications to have permission granted should be made as early as possible before entering Germany. Visit the website of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs and see Anerkennung im beruflichen Bereich (Recognition of professional qualifications) for more detailed information. It is important to note that the recognition of academic or professional qualifications is often a prerequisite for visas allowing employment to be issued.