How to Verify German University Degrees: Akkreditierungsrat Guide

Germany's higher education system

Germany's higher education accreditation is coordinated by the Akkreditierungsrat (German Accreditation Council). Germany has over 400 higher education institutions, including universities (Universitäten), universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen/HAW), and colleges of art and music. Notable institutions include Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Heidelberg University (founded 1386), and Humboldt University of Berlin.

Verification steps

1. Check accreditation — Verify the program is accredited by an agency recognized by the Akkreditierungsrat. VerifyED includes recognized German institutions.
2. Contact the institution — German universities maintain registrar offices for verification.
3. anabin database — The anabin database (maintained by KMK) lists recognized German and foreign institutions.
4. Apostille — Germany is a Hague Convention member. Documents can be apostilled.

Key considerations

• TU9 and U15 — Germany's leading technical universities (TU9) and research universities (U15) are internationally recognized.
• Tuition-free education — Most German public universities are tuition-free, even for international students.
• German/English credentials — Credentials are in German. English diploma supplements and translations are available.