What is the HZB in Germany? – University entrance qualification for international students

If you want to study in Germany as an international student from a non-EU country, one of the most important things you need to understand is the HZB — Hochschulzugangsberechtigung.

What does HZB mean?

HZB (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) stands for university entrance qualification in Germany.
It’s a school-leaving certificate that officially qualifies you to begin university studies at a German Hochschule or Universität.

In simple terms:
Without a valid HZB, you are not eligible to enroll directly in a German degree programme.

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How to know if your school certificate is recognized

Before applying, you must check whether your high-school diploma is valid in Germany. German universities only accept certificates that meet German requirements for tertiary education access.

Tools to check recognition

Both of these sites let you search your home country and school qualification to see if it’s equivalent to the HZB.

• DAAD Zulassungsdatenbank – database of foreign school certificates and whether they qualify as HZB.
• Anabin – German recognition database maintained by the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK).

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How to apply: uni-assist & VPD

If your certificate is recognized (or even if it’s borderline), you usually need:

Vorprüfungsdokumentation (VPD) – Preliminary review documentation

• Issued by uni-assist — a service that checks international applications for many German universities.
• The VPD reviews your submitted certificates and translates them into German grading and qualification equivalents.
• Most universities will require a VPD before admitting you.

Important: Always check the specific university website — some require additional translated documents, certified copies, or English/German translations.

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Studienkolleg: When you don’t have a direct HZB

If your qualification is not fully recognized as an HZB, you usually have to attend a Studienkolleg (prep course) in Germany:

What is Studienkolleg?

• A 1-year preparatory college for international applicants.
• Many Studienkollegs are state-run — search the latest list at studienkollegs.de or federal education sites.
• It ends with the Feststellungsprüfung (assessment examination).
• Passing this exam gives you the HZB and allows you to apply to universities in Germany.

Important: To enroll in a Studienkolleg you generally must have: German language at least at B1/B2 level (This varies by federal state and Studienkolleg.)

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APS certificate required

Students from the following countries are required to have an APS certificate:

• China
• India
• Vietnam

You must also obtain an APS-certificate from the German Embassy or cultural office in your home country before applying for university.

This certificate verifies your academic documents and is mandatory for university or Studienkolleg applications from those countries.

Without an APS → your application may not be processed!

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TestAS: Optional yet useful aptitude exam

The TestAS is a standardized test that evaluates your academic abilities for university study.

Why take TestAS?

✔ Some universities require it for specific programmes.
✔ For others, it boosts your application score.
✔ In some federal states, it can replace the Studienkolleg requirement.

You can prepare for the TestAS with our prep books and practice tests — which can improve your overall chances.

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FAQ

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Quick checklist (2026 update)

✔ Check your certificate in Anabin + DAAD Zulassungsdatenbank
✔ Apply to university via uni-assist (if required)
✔ Get your VPD
✔ If needed, prepare for Studienkolleg & Feststellungsprüfung
✔ If from China/India/Vietnam → get APS
✔ Consider taking TestAS if required or beneficial