University entrance qualification – International | OSA der Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

In German: Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB)

To study at a German university, you need what is known as a ‘university entrance qualification’ (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung, HZB). This is a school leaving certificate that qualifies you to study at university.
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Direct admission at university

International applicants whose secondary school-leaving certificate is recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur may apply directly for a degree programme in Germany. This also generally applies to applicants who have already earned an initial degree (e.g., bachelor’s degree) from an accredited higher education institution abroad.

Direct subject-oriented admission at university

International applicants whose secondary school-leaving certificate is recognised, but only for specific subjects or vocational areas (rather than general university studies), may generally only select subjects from those areas (e.g., only humanities or only natural sciences). They may also apply directly, but only for degree programmes in the recognised subject area. The subject restriction can be lifted if the applicant passes the Delta examination at the University of Mannheim. A successful Delta examination qualifies the applicant for admission to any bachelor’s degree programme at the University of Freiburg. The Delta examination is held each May.

Indirect access to higher education

International applicants whose school-leaving certificate is not recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur may compensate for this in one of two ways:

In addition to a secondary school-leaving certificate, the applicant must provide evidence of having successfully attended an accredited higher education institution abroad. The required length of study depends on the type school-leaving certificate the applicant holds.
In addition to a secondary school-leaving certificate, the applicant must take a one-year preparatory course at a Studienkolleg (preparatory college) in Germany and pass the assessment examination.

Check out whether your school-leaving certificate or degree earned abroad is recognised in Germany:

– Database of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (anabin) administered by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB)
– DAAD Database on admission requirements

Please note that we cannot assess your school-leaving certificate or degree until you have submitted your application to the University of Freiburg along with all necessary supporting documents.