Have a foreign high school diploma recognized
Determination of the equivalence of a foreign high school diploma to a German high school diploma.
Wo wohnen Sie?
Damit wir Have a foreign high school diploma recognized mit dem zuständigen Schulamt in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.
Oder Großstadt wählen:
Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Have a foreign high school diploma recognized.
Quick answer
- 1
Documents you need
Certified translation of the certificate · Identification card or passport
- 2
Responsible authority
The authority of your main residence
- 3
How to do it
In person or by post at the office
- 4
Costs
Varies by case
How to proceed
- 1
Submit an application to the appropriate school district office
Along with certified copies and translations of the school transcript.
- 2
Assessment of Equivalence
Comparison with the anabin database and curriculum data.
- 3
Received a notice of approval
Full credit, partial credit, or a recommendation to take a make-up exam.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
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
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.
Questions & Answers
How much does it cost to have a foreign high school diploma recognized?▼
Free up to a €50 processing fee.
How long does it take to have a foreign high school diploma recognized?▼
Typically about 45 business days—depending on the agency and its workload.
Freshness & source
- Maintenance
- Continuously reviewed & updated
- Source
- Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
- Data quality
- 100 %