Anyone who earned their high school diploma abroad and would like to begin vocational training in Germany must first determine whether the diploma needs to be formally recognized at all. The key factor is whether it is a dual or on-the-job training or a formal education deals with.
Quick Answer: Under German law, no specific high school diploma is generally required for a dual vocational training program. The training company decides what qualification it expects. If the company explicitly requires a Hauptschulabschluss, Mittlerer Bildungsabschluss, or another German school qualification, formal recognition of the foreign diploma may be necessary. In contrast, for school-based training programs, there are specific admission requirements under school law; in such cases, recognition of a foreign school diploma is often required.
Does a foreign high school diploma have to be recognized for vocational training?
Not in every case.
Whether formal recognition is necessary depends, in particular, on the following:
- what type of training you would like to begin,
- what high school diploma the training company or school requires,
- in which federal state the training takes place, and
- for what specific purpose gender equality is needed.
For this reason, an application for recognition should not be submitted automatically before the requirements of the training company or vocational school have been reviewed.
Dual Training: Do I Need a Recognized High School Diploma?
For a dual vocational training Under German law, there is generally no universally required high school diploma.
This means, for example, that a German Hauptschulabschluss, Realschulabschluss, or Abitur is not legally required for every recognized apprenticeship occupation.
Instead, the training company generally decides for itself what academic requirements applicants must meet.
For example, a company may require:
- Junior High School Diploma,
- Secondary School Diploma,
- University of Applied Sciences Entrance Qualification,
- High school diploma or
- specific grades in individual school subjects.
If an employer explicitly requires a specific German high school diploma, it may be advisable or necessary to have the foreign high school diploma officially recognized as equivalent.
Why do many companies offering apprenticeships still require a high school diploma?
Although there is generally no legal requirement for a specific high school diploma for dual training programs, companies may select their applicants based on their own criteria.
In practice, the following factors often play a role:
- High school diploma,
- School grades,
- Knowledge of German,
- Internships,
- personal motivation and
- subject-specific knowledge.
The Federal Employment Agency notes that many companies expect applicants to have at least a secondary school diploma or a middle school diploma.
You should check directly with the respective training company to find out what requirements actually apply.
School Education: Is Recognition of the High School Diploma Required?
In the case of a school-based vocational training The situation is different.
Admission requirements under school law apply here. Therefore, proof of a specific general education diploma is often required for admission.
Depending on the training program, the following may be required, for example:
- Junior High School Diploma,
- Intermediate school diploma or secondary school diploma,
- A university of applied sciences entrance qualification or
- another specified educational qualification.
Those who have earned this degree abroad often need to have it evaluated or recognized as equivalent by the appropriate credential evaluation agency in order to pursue a school-based vocational training program.
What is a credential evaluation agency?
Certificate recognition offices are the competent authorities in the federal states responsible for evaluating certain foreign school diplomas.
They determine whether a degree earned abroad can be considered equivalent to a German high school diploma.
For example, it can be determined whether the foreign degree is equivalent to:
- Junior High School Diploma,
- Secondary School Diploma,
- a general high school diploma or
- a subject-specific high school diploma
corresponds to.
The competent authority generally depends on the federal state or the specific purpose of the recognition.
How do I find the appropriate credential evaluation agency?
The relevant recognition and counseling offices can be found in the database anabin be researched.
There, you can search for:
- State,
- Recognition Goal and
- competent authority
search.
Recognition authorities often apply the so-called “place of residence” principle. Depending on the procedure, however, the location of the planned training or a specific offer of training may also be relevant.
What does "equivalency of a high school diploma" mean?
In the equivalency process, the competent authority determines which German school-leaving certificate the foreign educational credential corresponds to.
The result might be, for example:
- equivalent to a secondary school diploma,
- equivalent to a secondary school diploma,
- equivalent to a specific high school diploma or
- no equivalent treatment.
However, being deemed equivalent does not automatically mean that you will be admitted to any training program you wish to enroll in.
The training company or school may also require additional prerequisites.
Having a Foreign Diploma Recognized as a Secondary School Diploma
Under certain conditions, a foreign high school diploma may be recognized as equivalent to a German Hauptschule diploma.
The Conference of Ministers of Education cites, among other things, attendance for at least nine consecutive school years.
In addition, students must demonstrate sufficient academic performance or coursework in, among other things, key general education subjects.
According to the KMK principles, these include, in particular:
- Native language,
- a foreign language,
- Mathematics,
- a science course and
- a social studies course.
Other required or elective courses are also taken into account.
Whether a specific foreign degree is in fact recognized as equivalent is determined solely by the competent credential evaluation agency.
Having a Foreign High School Diploma Recognized as a Realschulabschluss
The official term commonly used today for the Realschulabschluss is Secondary School Diploma.
To ensure equality in this regard, the Conference of Ministers of Education cites, among other things, at least the following as a general benchmark: ten consecutive school years and adequate instruction in certain general education subjects.
These include, in particular:
- Native language,
- a foreign language,
- Mathematics,
- a natural science and
- a social studies course.
Here, too, the competent state agency decides on equivalence on a case-by-case basis.
Getting a Foreign High School Diploma Recognized
When using the term „recognize the Abitur,“ it is important to pay close attention to the intended purpose.
High School Diploma or College Entrance Qualification for Vocational Purposes
For example, if the goal is to provide proof of a general or subject-specific high school diploma for professional purposes, the state-level certificate recognition offices may be responsible.
This may be relevant, for example, for certain educational pathways.
High School Diploma for College Admission
On the other hand, anyone who wishes to study at a German university with a foreign high school diploma must follow a different process.
As a general rule, universities or the offices involved in the application process determine eligibility for admission to a degree program.
Therefore, recognition for professional purposes should not be confused with admission to a college or university.
Is the recognition of a high school diploma the same as admission to college?
No.
The Office for the Recognition of Foreign Educational Credentials may, for example, recognize a foreign high school diploma as equivalent to a German “Mittlerer Bildungsabschluss” or a “Hochschulreife” for professional purposes.
However, the rules governing admission to higher education apply to the question of whether a foreign degree qualifies a student to study at a German university.
The following may be relevant here, for example:
- Type of foreign high school diploma,
- Country of origin,
- College entrance exam,
- periods of study already completed,
- Preparatory College or Placement Exam and
- Additional requirements set by the university.
What documents does the certificate recognition office need?
The requirements vary by federal state and by the relevant authorities.
Depending on the procedure, the following may be required, for example:
- High school diploma,
- Subject and Grade Overview,
- Report cards from previous school years,
- Proof of identity,
- if applicable, a certificate of registration,
- proof of an apprenticeship position, if applicable,
- Originals or specific copies,
- German translations and
- additional country-specific documentation, if applicable.
You should always check directly with the relevant credential evaluation office to determine exactly which documents are required.
Does my foreign school transcript need to be translated into German?
That depends on the relevant credential evaluation agency.
Since the procedures are organized by the federal states, there is no single set of document requirements that is identical nationwide for all recognition procedures.
Depending on the agency, foreign-language educational credentials may, for example, be required to be submitted along with a German translation.
Before placing an order, you should therefore check the following:
- whether a translation is required,
- which language is accepted,
- who is authorized to do the translation,
- whether a certified or notarized translation is required, and
- whether originals, simple copies, or certified copies must be submitted.
What is a certified translation of a school transcript?
In common usage, a certified translation is defined as a translation whose accuracy and completeness have been verified by a translator who is duly authorized, sworn, or certified.
It must not be used with a certified copy be confused with.
Certified or authenticated translation
The foreign-language content of the certificate is translated into the target language, and the accuracy and completeness of the translation are certified accordingly.
Certified copy
This certifies that this copy matches the original document.
The content is not translated.
Depending on the procedure, a government agency may require both a specific copy and a translation.
Which parts of the school report card should be translated?
If a complete translation of the transcript is required, all relevant content in the document should be included.
These may include:
- Name of the school,
- Name of the student,
- Type of degree,
- School years,
- Subjects,
- Grades,
- Staff,
- Completion date,
- Stamp texts,
- Signature notes,
- Notes and
- relevant reverse sides.
Therefore, please provide complete and clearly legible scans for the translation request.
Are foreign currency amounts converted during translation?
No. Translation and academic evaluation are different processes.
A translation reflects the grades contained in the original transcript and the grading system documented therein.
However, it does not independently determine which German grade corresponds to a foreign grade.
The academic evaluation is conducted by the relevant credential evaluation agency or another competent institution.
Can the translator determine whether my diploma is equivalent to a Hauptschule or a Realschule?
No.
The purpose of the translation is to accurately and completely convey the content of the foreign educational document.
The decision as to whether the degree, for example, is a:
- Junior High School Diploma,
- Intermediate School Certificate or
- a high school diploma
The competent authority shall determine whether it is treated as equivalent.
What happens if my high school diploma isn't recognized as equivalent?
A lack of equal treatment does not automatically mean that all vocational training in Germany is off the table.
In the case of dual vocational training in particular, there is generally no legally required school-leaving certificate.
An apprenticeship-training company may therefore also consider applicants whose foreign high school diploma has not been formally recognized as equivalent to a specific German diploma.
The training company decides whether a specific application is successful.
In the case of school-based vocational training, however, there may be formal academic prerequisites, which could make it necessary to pursue other educational paths or to obtain a German high school diploma.
Can I start a dual training program without a recognized high school diploma?
In principle, that could be possible.
Since there is no legal requirement for a specific general education diploma for dual vocational training programs, the training company can decide whom to hire.
In practice, however, a business may still impose certain requirements.
Therefore, you should check directly with the company in question:
- what high school diploma is required,
- whether formal legal equality under German law is necessary and
- whether a translation of the foreign school transcript is sufficient.
Can I start a vocational training program without having my qualifications recognized?
That depends on the specific program and school.
For school-based training programs, there are legal and/or school-specific admission requirements.
For example, if a secondary school diploma is required, a person with a foreign high school diploma may need to provide proof that their diploma is equivalent to this German level.
For this reason, when pursuing a school-based apprenticeship, you should ask the relevant school as early as possible which certificate of recognition is required.
Foreign High School Diploma and Training in Nursing or Health Care Professions
Specific admission requirements may apply to school-based or legally regulated training programs.
In addition to a high school diploma, the following may also be relevant:
- Knowledge of German,
- medical fitness,
- other personal requirements or
- Additional documents.
The requirements should therefore always be reviewed for the specific trade in which the training is taking place.
General recognition of a high school diploma alone does not guarantee admission to a specific vocational training program.
Foreign High School Diploma for a Dual Degree Program
A dual degree program should not be confused with a dual vocational training program.
Since the dual study program involves a college degree, a corresponding college entrance qualification is generally required.
In the case of a foreign high school diploma, it is therefore necessary to determine whether it grants direct admission to a university or whether, for example, additional educational credentials or a preparatory course are required.
Can Anabin recognize my high school diploma?
No.
anabin is an information database maintained by the Central Office for Foreign Education.
There, you can find information on foreign educational credentials and the relevant recognition agencies, among other things.
However, the actual recognition of a foreign high school diploma is carried out by the relevant state-level diploma recognition office.
How do I find the appropriate office in anabin?
Anabin features a section titled „Accreditation and Counseling Centers in Germany.“.
There, you can search by the specific recognition goal and federal state.
For a foreign high school diploma—which is required, for example, for vocational training—you should contact the appropriate authority responsible for academic equivalency or high school graduation requirements for vocational purposes.
Do I need a ZAB report card evaluation for my school report card?
One ZAB Report Card Evaluation This is the procedure for foreign college degrees, not the standard procedure for recognizing a foreign high school diploma as equivalent to a Hauptschulabschluss or Mittlerer Bildungsabschluss.
In general, the state-level certificate recognition offices are responsible for school diplomas.
For this reason, the recognition of high school diplomas and the evaluation of ZAB certificates should be clearly separated from one another.
High School Diploma and Vocational Certificate—What's the Difference?
These two recognition procedures should not be confused with one another either.
High School Diploma
A school diploma is awarded by a general education school and may correspond, for example, to a Hauptschulabschluss, a Mittlerer Bildungsabschluss, or a Hochschulreife.
Vocational Certificate
A vocational qualification, on the other hand, was obtained through vocational training.
Different procedures and different competent authorities apply to the recognition of foreign professional qualifications.
Anyone who holds both a foreign high school diploma and a foreign vocational degree may therefore have two different sets of questions, depending on their goals.
Have a foreign school transcript translated for a vocational training application
Even if formal recognition isn't required, a German translation can be helpful when applying to a company that offers apprenticeships.
It enables the company to more easily understand information such as the following:
- Type of high school diploma,
- School subjects,
- Grades,
- Length of school attendance and
- Additional information about education.
The respective training company decides whether a certified translation is required for a simple job application.
Therefore, you should not automatically request a certified translation if a regular translation is sufficient for the application.
Have school transcripts translated into Arabic, Persian, or Cyrillic
For educational documents written in non-Latin writing systems, it is also important to use a consistent spelling for names.
This applies, for example, to certificates in:
- Arabic script,
- Persian script,
- Cyrillic script,
- Greek script,
- Chinese characters or
- other writing systems.
If the name is already written in Latin script in the passport or residence permit, this spelling should be specified when requesting a translation, if possible.
What types of school transcripts can StartDE translate?
StartDE can arrange for professional translations—and, if required by the relevant authority, certified translations—of various educational documents.
These include, for example:
- High school diplomas,
- Secondary school transcripts,
- High school diplomas or college entrance certificates,
- Subject and Grade Summaries,
- Annual report cards,
- Certificates of school attendance and
- Other school-related educational credentials.
You can submit your request directly through our website Interpreting & Translation Services at StartDE place.
Express Translation of School Transcripts for Vocational Training
When an application or registration deadline is approaching, you may need a translation done quickly.
Depending on the specific order, StartDE may consider expedited processing.
Depending on the document, language pair, length, and availability, a The certified translation will be completed the same day.
To ensure a prompt review, please submit the following as soon as possible:
- Complete scans of all transcripts,
- all relevant front and back pages,
- Source language,
- Desired target language,
- Payment description: „Education / Recognition of Academic Credentials,“,
- any requirements of the credential evaluation agency or school, and
- Desired completion date.
Get the translation as a PDF
Once the translation is complete, a PDF version or a scan of the finished translation can be provided initially.
This can be useful for online applications or a preliminary digital review.
However, it is up to the relevant authority or school to decide whether a PDF file is sufficient for the official recognition process.
Physical copy via DHL
Upon request, a hard copy can also be sent via DHL be shipped.
In urgent cases, express delivery may also be an option, depending on the appropriate DHL service.
The actual delivery time depends on the shipping service and the destination address.
Step by Step: Getting a Foreign High School Diploma Recognized for Vocational Training
- Clarify the type of training: Dual training or vocational school?
- Check the specific requirements: What high school diploma does the company or school require?
- Determine whether formal recognition is required: In the case of a dual apprenticeship, this is not automatic.
- Find the appropriate credential evaluation agency: About Anabin and the relevant federal state.
- Check the list of documents: First, find out which documents, copies, and translations are required.
- Have the required documents translated: in accordance with the guidelines of the relevant authority.
- Submit an application for recognition: along with the specific documents requested.
- Use this certificate for your training application: if formal equivalence is required.
Checklist Before Accreditation
- Do I want to start a dual or school-based apprenticeship?
- What high school diploma does my training company or school require?
- Is formal recognition even necessary?
- Which state has jurisdiction?
- Which credential evaluation agency will process my application?
- What school transcripts must be submitted?
- Are previous annual performance reviews required?
- Do the documents need to be translated?
- What are the requirements for the translation?
- Are originals or certified copies required?
- Is there a deadline?
- Do I really need this certification for my apprenticeship application?
Conclusion: Recognition is not automatically required for a dual apprenticeship program
A foreign high school diploma is not automatically recognized for every vocational training program in Germany.
In principle, there is no specific required school-leaving certificate for dual vocational training. The training company decides what educational qualification it expects. Formal recognition may therefore be particularly relevant when a specific German school-leaving certificate is explicitly required.
For school-based vocational training programs, however, specific academic admission requirements apply. In such cases, official recognition of the foreign high school diploma may be necessary.
The state certificate recognition offices are responsible for recognizing certificates as equivalent to a secondary school diploma, an intermediate school leaving certificate, or a university entrance qualification for professional purposes. You should check directly with the relevant office to determine which documents and translations are required before submitting your application.
Do you need a professional or certified translation of your foreign school transcript? Please submit the complete documents to StartDE via our website, along with the source language, target language, and intended use. Professional and Certified Translations at StartDE.
Official Information
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recognition of Foreign High School Diplomas for Vocational Training
Do I have to have my foreign high school diploma recognized for every vocational training program?
No. In general, the law does not require a specific high school diploma for a dual training program. For school-based training programs, however, there are formal academic admission requirements. Make It in Germany
Do I need a Realschulabschluss to enroll in a dual training program?
Not because of a general legal requirement. The training company decides for itself which school-leaving certificate it requires. In practice, companies may require, for example, a Hauptschulabschluss or a Mittlerer Bildungsabschluss. Employment Agency
Who will recognize my foreign high school diploma?
The state-level certificate recognition offices are responsible for determining equivalence with German school diplomas. You can find the appropriate office through anabin. Recognition Portal
Can my secondary school diploma be recognized?
This is possible under certain conditions. Among other things, the KMK specifies at least nine consecutive school years and the corresponding general education subjects as a benchmark. The decision is made by the relevant state office. Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs
Can my Realschulabschluss be recognized?
Under certain conditions, it is possible to grant equivalence to the Intermediate School Leaving Certificate. As a general benchmark, the KMK specifies, among other things, a minimum of ten consecutive school years. Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs
Is recognition as an Abitur the same as admission to college?
No. Agencies that evaluate academic credentials can decide whether a high school diploma is valid for vocational purposes. However, admission to a degree program is governed by the universities’ own admission procedures. Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs
Does my school transcript need to be translated into German?
That depends on the relevant state agency and the specific procedure. Before proceeding with the translation, you should therefore verify which language version and which type of translation are required.
Can I start a dual training program if my high school diploma hasn't been recognized?
This may be possible because, under the law, no specific high school diploma is generally required for a dual training program. However, the training company sets its own application requirements. Employment Agency
