Pakistanis planning to study or work in Germany can check if their university and degree are accepted under the German education system.
They can use Germany’s official ANABIN database for this purpose. The portal provides information about foreign universities and academic qualifications.
ANABIN can help students and workers find out if their university is recognised in Germany. It can also show whether a degree is equal or similar to a German qualification.
What applicants need to check?
Applicants should first search for their Pakistani university on the ANABIN portal.
They should then check their specific degree, such as a bachelor’s or master’s qualification.
The database mainly shows three types of university results:
- H+ means the university is recognised in Germany.
- H- means the university is not recognised.
- H+/- means only some qualifications from the university may be recognised. Further checks may be needed.
Applicants should check both their university and degree status before starting the recognition process.
What if the university is not listed?
A university or degree not appearing in ANABIN does not always mean it is not recognised.
The database does not include every foreign university or qualification.
In such cases, applicants may apply for a Statement of Comparability from Germany’s Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).
The ZAB checks foreign university qualifications and provides an assessment of how they compare with German qualifications.
Applicants may need to provide documents such as their degree certificate and academic transcripts.
People planning to work in regulated professions may need additional recognition.
This can apply to professions such as doctors, lawyers and engineers.
Applicants from Pakistan are also advised to have their degrees and transcripts attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) before using them for the relevant process.