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Education

Have a foreign high school diploma recognized

Determination of the equivalence of a foreign high school diploma to a German high school diploma.

Processing: approx. 2 months
Success rate: 75.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Submit an application to the appropriate school district office

    Along with certified copies and translations of the school transcript.

  2. 2

    Assessment of Equivalence

    Comparison with the anabin database and curriculum data.

  3. 3

    Received a notice of approval

    Full credit, partial credit, or a recommendation to take a make-up exam.

Required documents

  • Certified translation of the certificateMandatoryOften forgotten

    Translation prepared by a certified translator.

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 2 months

Official: max. approx. 2 months

Online application

In person or by post

Common mistakes

  • • Documents submitted without a certified translation
  • • Application without an apostille or legalization for non-EU documents

Common reasons for rejection

  • • The education system in the country of origin is not comparable
  • • Documents are not available in certified translation

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

People with foreign high school diplomas who would like to study, work, or begin vocational training in Germany.

Income limit

The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 2 months

Success rate

approx. 75.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •Documents submitted without a certified translation
  • •Application without an apostille or legalization for non-EU documents

Common reasons for rejection

  • •The education system in the country of origin is not comparable
  • •Documents are not available in certified translation

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.

Read more