{"id":5588,"date":"2026-01-27T13:23:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T13:23:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/?p=5588"},"modified":"2026-02-03T12:06:55","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T12:06:55","slug":"hzb-germany-university-entrance-qualification-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/hzb-germany-university-entrance-qualification-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"HZB Germany explained: Your key to university access"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-b1d42bab2cd975edaeaaaf243fb69bd9\" style=\"border-radius:40px;background-color:#2e5077\"><strong>What is the HZB in Germany? &#8211; University entrance qualification for international students<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tertiary-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:14px\">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 \u2014 Hochschulzugangsberechtigung.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/hzb-germany-university-entrance-qualification-guide\/#What_does_HZB_mean\" >What does HZB mean?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/hzb-germany-university-entrance-qualification-guide\/#How_to_know_if_your_school_certificate_is_recognized\" >How to know if your school certificate is recognized<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/hzb-germany-university-entrance-qualification-guide\/#Tools_to_check_recognition\" >Tools to check recognition<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/hzb-germany-university-entrance-qualification-guide\/#How_to_apply_uni-assist_VPD\" >How to apply: uni-assist &amp; VPD<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/hzb-germany-university-entrance-qualification-guide\/#Vorprufungsdokumentation_VPD_%E2%80%93_Preliminary_review_documentation\" >Vorpr\u00fcfungsdokumentation (VPD) &#8211; Preliminary review documentation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/hzb-germany-university-entrance-qualification-guide\/#Studienkolleg_When_you_dont_have_a_direct_HZB\" >Studienkolleg: When you don\u2019t have a direct HZB<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/hzb-germany-university-entrance-qualification-guide\/#What_is_Studienkolleg\" >What is Studienkolleg?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/hzb-germany-university-entrance-qualification-guide\/#APS_certificate_required\" >APS certificate required<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/hzb-germany-university-entrance-qualification-guide\/#TestAS_Optional_yet_useful_aptitude_exam\" >TestAS: Optional yet useful aptitude exam<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/hzb-germany-university-entrance-qualification-guide\/#Why_take_TestAS\" >Why take TestAS?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/hzb-germany-university-entrance-qualification-guide\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/hzb-germany-university-entrance-qualification-guide\/#Quick_checklist_2026_update\" >Quick checklist (2026 update)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_HZB_mean\"><\/span><strong>What does HZB mean?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tertiary-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:14px\">HZB (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) stands for university entrance qualification in Germany.<br>It\u2019s a school-leaving certificate that officially qualifies you to begin university studies at a German Hochschule or Universit\u00e4t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tertiary-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:14px\">In simple terms:<br><strong>Without a valid HZB, you are not eligible to enroll directly in a German degree programme.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/studyingingermanyhzb.png\" alt=\"hzb explanation\" class=\"wp-image-5630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/studyingingermanyhzb.png 1024w, https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/studyingingermanyhzb-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/studyingingermanyhzb-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/studyingingermanyhzb-16x12.png 16w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-6782420807dc1ab97ee8f01f71cab153\" style=\"border-radius:40px;background-color:#2e5077\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_know_if_your_school_certificate_is_recognized\"><\/span><strong>How to know if your school certificate is recognized<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tertiary-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:14px\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tools_to_check_recognition\"><\/span>Tools to check recognition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tertiary-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:14px\">Both of these sites let you search your home country and school qualification to see if it\u2019s equivalent to the HZB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.daad.de\/en\/studying-in-germany\/requirements\/admission-database\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>DAAD Zulassungsdatenbank<\/strong> <\/a>\u2013 database of foreign school certificates and whether they qualify as HZB.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/anabin.kmk.org\/cms\/public\/startseite\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Anabin<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 German recognition database maintained by the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-a3c69053129e6aea7d4169545826ded3\" style=\"border-radius:40px;background-color:#2e5077\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_apply_uni-assist_VPD\"><\/span><strong>How to apply: uni-assist &amp; VPD<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tertiary-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:14px\">If your certificate is recognized (or even if it\u2019s borderline), you usually need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vorprufungsdokumentation_VPD_%E2%80%93_Preliminary_review_documentation\"><\/span><strong>Vorpr\u00fcfungsdokumentation (VPD)<\/strong> &#8211; Preliminary review documentation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Issued by <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uni-assist.de\/en\/how-to-apply\/plan-your-application\/vpd\/?pk_campaign=6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">uni-assist<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 a service that checks international applications for many German universities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">The VPD reviews your submitted certificates and translates them into German grading and qualification equivalents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Most universities will <em>require a VPD before admitting you<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tertiary-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>Important<\/strong>: Always check the specific university website \u2014 some require additional translated documents, certified copies, or English\/German translations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-b98662b3ac73fd98888d89bc39d42398\" style=\"border-radius:40px;background-color:#2e5077\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Studienkolleg_When_you_dont_have_a_direct_HZB\"><\/span><strong>Studienkolleg: When you don\u2019t have a direct HZB<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tertiary-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:14px\">If your qualification is not fully recognized as an HZB, you usually have to attend a Studienkolleg (prep course) in Germany:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Studienkolleg\"><\/span>What is Studienkolleg?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">A 1-year preparatory college for international applicants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Many Studienkollegs are state-run \u2014 search the latest list at <a href=\"https:\/\/studienkollegs.de\/home.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">studienkollegs.de<\/a> or federal education sites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">It ends with the Feststellungspr\u00fcfung (assessment examination).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Passing this exam <em>gives you the HZB<\/em> and allows you to apply to universities in Germany.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tertiary-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>Important: <\/strong>To enroll in a Studienkolleg you generally must have: German language at least at B1\/B2 level (This varies by federal state and Studienkolleg.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-dcd60e867d8874d46474064c19358e3c\" style=\"border-radius:40px;background-color:#2e5077\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"APS_certificate_required\"><\/span><strong>APS certificate required<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tertiary-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:14px\">Students from the following countries are required to have an APS certificate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">China<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">India<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Vietnam<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tertiary-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:14px\">You must also obtain an APS-certificate from the German Embassy or cultural office in your home country before applying for university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tertiary-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:14px\">This certificate verifies your academic documents and is <em>mandatory for university or Studienkolleg applications<\/em> from those countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tertiary-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:14px\">Without an APS \u2192 your application may not be processed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-9147ce73ab70e53f66d73f0364e6714c\" style=\"border-radius:40px;background-color:#2e5077\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TestAS_Optional_yet_useful_aptitude_exam\"><\/span><strong>TestAS: Optional yet useful aptitude exam<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tertiary-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:14px\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.testas.de\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>TestAS<\/strong> <\/a>is a standardized test that evaluates your academic abilities for university study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_take_TestAS\"><\/span>Why take TestAS?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tertiary-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:14px\">\u2714 Some universities <em>require<\/em> it for specific programmes.<br>\u2714 For others, it boosts your application score.<br>\u2714 In some federal states, it can replace the Studienkolleg requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tertiary-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:14px\">You can prepare for the TestAS with our<a href=\"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/testas-vorbereitung\/#unseretestasvorbereitungbuecher\"> prep books and practice tests <\/a>\u2014 which can improve your overall chances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-9a7c749c688428a201ebd01c8299b0b8\" style=\"border-radius:40px;background-color:#2e5077\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span><strong>FAQ<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq uagb-faq__outer-wrap uagb-block-0db49942 uagb-faq-icon-row-reverse uagb-faq-layout-accordion uagb-faq-expand-first-false uagb-faq-inactive-other-true uagb-faq__wrap uagb-buttons-layout-wrap uagb-faq-equal-height\" data-faqtoggle=\"true\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-baf63bae\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\"><strong>What is the HZB in Germany?<\/strong><\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The <strong>HZB (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung)<\/strong> is the German term for a <strong>university entrance qualification<\/strong>. It is a school-leaving certificate that allows you to start a degree programme at a German university.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-1071098a\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\"><strong>How do I know if my certificate is recognized as an HZB?<\/strong><\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>You can check your qualification in the <strong>DAAD Zulassungsdatenbank<\/strong> and the <strong>Anabin database<\/strong>. These tools show whether your school-leaving certificate is equivalent to a German university entrance qualification.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-ba05e720\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\"><strong><strong>What happens if my certificate is not recognized in Germany?<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>If your certificate is not considered equivalent to the HZB, you usually need to attend a <strong>Studienkolleg<\/strong> in Germany. After one year of preparation, you take the <strong>Feststellungspr\u00fcfung<\/strong>, which gives you the HZB.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-8ad839f0\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Can I study in Germany without an HZB?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>No. You must have a recognized <strong>HZB<\/strong> or obtain one through the <strong>Studienkolleg and Feststellungspr\u00fcfung<\/strong> before you can enroll in a German university.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-cff7ee9e\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\"><strong><strong><strong>What is a Studienkolleg?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>A <strong>Studienkolleg<\/strong> is a preparatory college for international students whose school qualification does not directly qualify them for university study in Germany. It prepares students academically and linguistically for higher education.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-d1896f85\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\"><strong>What level of German do I need for Studienkolleg?<\/strong><\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Most Studienkollegs require at least <strong>B1 or B2 German<\/strong> to apply. The exact language requirement depends on the institution and federal state.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-3e5d23b4\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\"><strong><strong>What is the VPD from uni-assist?<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The <strong>Vorpr\u00fcfungsdokumentation (VPD)<\/strong> is a document issued by <strong>uni-assist<\/strong>. It evaluates your foreign certificates and converts your grades into the German system. Many universities require a VPD as part of the application.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-3c18f482\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\"><strong><strong><strong>Who needs an APS certificate to study in Germany?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Students from <strong>China, India, and Vietnam<\/strong> must obtain an <strong>APS certificate<\/strong> before applying to a German university or Studienkolleg. It verifies the authenticity of academic documents.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-c5be2235\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Is TestAS required to study in Germany?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The <strong>TestAS<\/strong> is not always mandatory, but some universities require it. In other cases, a good TestAS score can improve your application or, in certain situations, replace Studienkolleg.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-fa5fd0e052de761fdb232ba408df5903\" style=\"border-radius:40px;background-color:#2e5077\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_checklist_2026_update\"><\/span><strong>Quick checklist (2026 update)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tertiary-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:14px\">\u2714 Check your certificate in <strong>Anabin + DAAD Zulassungsdatenbank<\/strong><br>\u2714 Apply to university via <strong>uni-assist<\/strong> (if required)<br>\u2714 Get your <strong>VPD<\/strong><br>\u2714 If needed, prepare for <strong>Studienkolleg<\/strong> &amp; <strong>Feststellungspr\u00fcfung<\/strong><br>\u2714 If from China\/India\/Vietnam \u2192 get <strong>APS<\/strong><br>\u2714 Consider taking <strong>TestAS<\/strong> if required or beneficial<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>HZB Germany explained: Learn how to get your university entrance qualification, check certificate recognition, Studienkolleg options, APS, and TestAS.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":848,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"single-post-right-sidebar","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[262,95,93],"tags":[471,467,469,470,83,484,43,483,468,62,215,472,485,465,473],"class_list":["post-5588","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-english-articles","category-entrance-exams-admissions","category-study-in-germany-austria-switzerland","tag-aps-certificate","tag-aps-germany","tag-hzb-certificate","tag-hzb-requirements","tag-international-students-germany-tips","tag-international-university-application","tag-moving-to-germany","tag-recognition-of-foreign-certificates","tag-studienkolleg","tag-study-in-germany","tag-testas-coaching-deutschland","tag-uni-assist","tag-university-entrance-qualification","tag-university-in-germany","tag-vpd-germany"],"featured_image_url":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-7-150x150.png","medium":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-7-300x240.png","medium_large":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-7-768x614.png","large":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-7.png","1536x1536":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-7.png","2048x2048":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-7.png","trp-custom-language-flag":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-7-15x12.png"},"post_author":"Anton Fischer","assigned_categories":"Articles in English, Entrance Exams &amp; Admissions, Study in Germany, Austria &amp; Switzerland","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-7.png",843,674,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-7-150x150.png",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-7-300x240.png",300,240,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-7-768x614.png",768,614,true],"large":["https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-7.png",843,674,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-7.png",843,674,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-7.png",843,674,false],"trp-custom-language-flag":["https:\/\/edu-link.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-7-15x12.png",15,12,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Anton Fischer","author_link":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/author\/zoraizfatima\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"HZB Germany explained: Learn how to get your university entrance qualification, check certificate recognition, Studienkolleg options, APS, and TestAS.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5588","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5588"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5588\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/848"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5588"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5588"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edu-link.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5588"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}