German visa: How to check your degree before application

ISLAMABAD: It is wise to verify the status of both your university and your degree before applying for studies or employment in Germany.

Anyone can check their institution and degree status on Anabin, an official German government information portal. The portal assists German authorities, employers, and individuals in evaluating foreign qualifications against German educational standards.

What You Can Check on Anabin:

Whether your university or educational institution is officially recognized at the government level.

Whether your degree is equivalent or comparable to a German qualification.

Whether formal recognition is required for your specific occupation.

Which official authority is responsible for approving your degree or profession.

Understanding University Statuses:

H(+): The university is fully recognized in its home country and in Germany.

H(+/-): Conditional recognition; additional requirements or degree-specific verification may apply.

H(-): The university or institution is not recognized in Germany.

Note: An H(+) university status alone is not always sufficient—you must also check the separate evaluation status of your specific degree.

If your university or degree is not listed on Anabin, it does not mean it cannot be recognized, as the database is not exhaustive. In such cases, obtaining an official Statement of Comparability from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) in Germany is recommended and often required.

Important Advice:

Always check the records for both your university and your degree before applying for a study visa, employment visa, or EU Blue Card.

Formal professional recognition is strictly mandatory for regulated occupations, such as doctors, nurses, teachers, and engineers.