If you plan to apply to a German university after finishing school or studying at a university abroad, one of the most important steps is to verify the accreditation of your institution and degree. German universities have strict requirements for applicants’ documents, and a lack of recognition may lead to rejection — even with excellent grades and strong language skills.
Why check the accreditation of your foreign university?
Germany welcomes students from all over the world, but not every school or university abroad is officially recognized. Problems arise if:
- your university or school is not state-accredited in the country of study;
- the curriculum differs significantly from the German education system;
- the degree was obtained at a private institution not listed in official registers;
- the name or status of the university raises doubts during the admission review.
In such cases, German universities may reject your application or require you to attend a Studienkolleg (foundation course).
How does Germany check accreditation of foreign institutions?
The main official resource is Anabin — a database created by the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK). It contains recognition information about schools and universities worldwide.
In Anabin you can check:
- Institution status (H+ — recognized, H- — not recognized, H+/- — partially recognized);
- Degree type and equivalence to the German system;
- Academic level (Bachelor, Master, etc.) and eligibility for further studies in Germany.
Step-by-step accreditation check
- Go to Anabin.
- Select Institutionen (universities) or Schulabschlüsse (school diplomas).
- Enter the name of your institution and check its accreditation status.
- Compare the status with the requirements of your target German university.
- If needed, apply for an Anerkennungsbescheid (official recognition statement).
What if your university is not accredited?
If your institution has H- or H+/- status, this does not mean your path to Germany is closed. Possible solutions include:
- attending a Studienkolleg to validate your qualifications;
- studying at a local university first, then transferring to Germany;
- applying for individual recognition via ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education);
- continuing with a Master’s degree in Germany after obtaining a Bachelor’s from a recognized university.
How StudyInFocus helps with accreditation checks
It is not always easy to understand Anabin and the German recognition rules. Our team at StudyInFocus has over 20 years of experience helping students worldwide prepare for admission. We:
- audit your academic documents;
- assess the equivalence of your diploma or school certificate;
- recommend strategies to maximize admission chances;
- support the recognition process and application submission in Germany.
Conclusion
Checking your university’s accreditation is the first step to a successful application in Germany. Don’t risk your future — trust the experts. With StudyInFocus, you will receive a personalized admission strategy, a clear plan, and reliable guidance until enrollment.
Book a consultation today to verify your diploma recognition and find the best path to a German university!
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Where can I officially check if a university is recognized?
In the Anabin database, which is used by German universities and Uni-Assist.
-
How long does diploma recognition take in Germany?
The official ZAB process may take 2–6 months. We recommend starting early.
-
Can StudyInFocus check my diploma for me?
Yes, we provide full document checks, Anabin research, and admission strategy support.
-
Can I study in Germany if my university is not accredited?
Yes, but you may need extra steps such as Studienkolleg or an individual recognition procedure. We will help you find the best solution.
-
Is it necessary to check the accreditation of a university when applying to Germany?
Yes, if you want to use your education to enter Germany (transfer or Master's degree).
-
Do German universities always use Anabin?
Yes, it is the official reference database used for academic recognition in Germany.
Rate this article:
(23)