International: healthcare professionals who have started but not completed a degree program abroad can continue their studies in Germany through the recognition of academic credits from abroad. This recognition procedure examines which already completed study and examination achievements can be credited at a German university. Recognition enables entry into a higher semester and avoids repetition of already completed study content.
Content and scope
In the recognition of academic credits, the German university at which international professionals apply or have already been admitted examines whether the study and examination achievements completed abroad are comparable to the requirements of the intended degree program. The respective university is responsible for the recognition decision. Universities must recognize foreign achievements unless substantial differences can be demonstrated. This also means that the respective university must justify why an achievement is not recognized, not the other way around.
Can be recognized:
- Individual modules or courses from a started degree program
- Study achievements from discontinued degree programs
- Passed examination credits
Opportunities and advantages
Recognition of academic credits offers several advantages:
- Seamless study continuation: Studies started abroad can be continued in Germany without major interruption.
- Possible placement in higher semesters: Recognized achievements can enable direct entry into an advanced semester, depending on the availability of study places, admission system, and university guidelines of the respective institution.
- Financial relief: Shorter study times mean lower study costs and living expenses.
Requirements
For the recognition of academic credits, the following requirements must be met:
- Started degree program at a state-recognized or accredited university abroad.
- completed study- or examination-achievements with proof of performance.
Additionally required for university admission:
- Higher education entrance qualification that permits studies in Germany as well as sufficient German language skills for German-language degree programs.
Application submission
Different offices are responsible for the recognition of academic credits depending on the degree program:
For most degree programs: The examination office or examination board of the German university at which studies are to be continued decides on recognition. The International Office (also called International Student Services or Academic Foreign Office) can serve as a first point of contact for consultation but does not make the recognition decision.
For degree programs for regulated healthcare professions: In degree programs that lead to regulated professions, e.g., healthcare professions, the state examination offices of the federal states are responsible for recognition.
Application procedure
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Application and admission: Application to the desired German university. After successful admission, the recognition procedure can be initiated.
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Obtain information: Information on the recognition procedure, required documents, and deadlines is obtained from the competent office of the university – examination office, examination board, or International Office.
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Submit application: The application is submitted to the competent examination office or examination board. Most universities provide forms.
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Submit documents: All required documents on study achievements completed at the foreign university are submitted with the application.
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Review and decision: The university or state examination office examines the equivalence of achievements. In case of uncertainties, follow-up questions may occur.
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Receive recognition decision: The university confirms the recognized achievements in writing. On this basis, classification into the corresponding semester takes place.
Required Documents
The following documents must be submitted for the application:
- University application form (if available)
- Valid passport
- Higher education entrance qualification (school graduation certificate)
- Transcript of records
- Detailed course descriptions
- Proof of state recognition of the university
- Study certificate or enrollment certificates
Additionally required depending on the university:
- Proof of German language skills
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum vitae
Important notes, practical tips, and time frame for application
Direct contact with the examination office or International Office of the desired university is recommended to clarify specific requirements and deadlines. Each university has its own procedures and forms. Early contact prevents unnecessary delays.
A so-called Learning Agreement can significantly facilitate recognition of academic credits. This is a written agreement between the foreign university, the German university, and the students themselves, determining in advance, which courses and modules will be recognized. Through this pre-agreed arrangement, it is bindingly assured that the agreed study achievements will be credited after successful completion. This creates planning security and avoids later discussions about the recognizability of individual courses.
Even with renowned foreign universities, there is no automatic recognition. Each German university individually examines whether the foreign achievements are comparable to the requirements of its own degree program. It is equally important to know that even with successful recognition of completed courses, obtaining a place at the university is not guaranteed. Often, an additional university application procedure must be completed. The recognition process should be initiated as early as possible – ideally already before applying to the German university or in parallel with the admission process.
Processing time and fees
Processing typically takes two to three months after submission of all complete documents. For degree programs with state examinations, such as medicine or pharmacy, processing time may be extended. Many universities do not charge separate fees for the recognition procedure; however, in some cases administrative fees may apply. Additional costs may arise for certified translations of documents, certifications of documents, and if applicable for application fees at the German university. The exact costs should be inquired in advance from the competent office.
