Pakistanis planning to study or work in Germany can check how their university and academic qualifications are recognized under the German education system through the country’s official ANABIN portal.
ANABIN is a German government information portal that helps authorities, employers and individuals assess foreign educational institutions and qualifications.
The portal provides information on: whether a university or educational institution is recognized in Germany, whether a degree is equivalent or comparable to a German qualification, whether formal professional recognition is required for a particular occupation, and which German authority is responsible for recognizing a qualification or professional credential.
What applicants need to check:
Applicants should check whether their Pakistani university is recognized in ANABIN.
Applicants should search for their particular qualification, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
The guide advises applicants to obtain confirmation of both their university’s recognition and the status of their degree.
ANABIN status:
The guide highlights three types of results: H plus, the institution is fully recognized. H minus means that the institution is not recognized, and H plus/ minus only certain degrees from the institution are recognized, meaning further verification may be required.
Statement of Comparability:
If a university or qualification is not listed on Anabin, this does not necessarily mean it is unrecognized. The database does not claim to contain a complete record of all foreign institutions and qualifications.
In such cases, applicants may be able to obtain a statement of comparability from Germany’s Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB), which assesses foreign higher-education qualifications.
Applicants should prepare documents including: academic transcripts and a degree certificate.
It also notes that people entering regulated professions, including doctors, lawyers and engineers, may require separate formal recognition of their professional qualifications.
Applicants are also advised to have their degrees and transcripts attested by HEC before using them for the relevant process.
