How can I have my diploma recognised?
The recognition of foreign diplomas is nowadays an important issue for many people living together in Germany from diverse backgrounds. Having a diploma recognised can in some cases be a difficult task. In general, regardless of where one has acquired one’s qualifications, one has a right to have one’s knowledge, experiences and competencies recognised for further professional activity in Germany.
Having a foreign qualification recognised
Diploma recognition — this question does not apply to everyone. For example, certificates of school qualifications or academic achievements can also be assessed. In each federal state in Germany, different bodies are responsible for recognition. In most federal states there are educational portals where further state-specific information can be found.
- North Rhine-Westphalia: Education Portal of the State of NRW
- Brandenburg: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport
- Saxony: Education Portal Saxony
- Saxony-Anhalt: Education Server Saxony-Anhalt
- Bavaria: Education Portal Bavaria
- Baden-Württemberg: Education and Knowledge Portal BW
It is also possible that different recognition bodies are responsible for each area.
Recognition of foreign university degrees – not mandatory
Certain foreign diplomas do not require formal official recognition in order to take up employment in Germany. However, recognition increases the chances in an application or further education. Some employers cover the costs of recognition. A German-language certificate evaluation is often decisive in an application. In some cases recognition is required, for example in healthcare, engineering professions or educational professions.
Which qualifications to have recognised?
Depending on the certificate and qualification, there are various procedures – each foreign certificate is reviewed and compared with a German qualification. The following qualifications can be recognised:
School qualifications: If you wish to apply for a place at a university, uni-assist will carry out the recognition.
University degrees and academic titles: If your university degree belongs to a regulated profession, recognition is necessary. For a non-regulated profession it is not required but recommended in order to increase the chances in an application.
Social education and teaching qualifications: If you wish to work as a teacher in Germany, your qualification should be reviewed and equivalency established. Additional examinations, state examinations and internships are often required as a prerequisite.
Professional qualifications: At the competent professional chambers you can find out whether your learnt profession belongs to a regulated or non-regulated profession. Then you can decide whether a formal recognition procedure is necessary.