Last updated: March 2026

TL;DR: The Anabin database is Germany's official tool for evaluating foreign university degrees. Your university needs H+ status for straightforward admission to German universities and visa processing. H+/- means partial recognition (case-by-case), and H- means not recognized. Check your university's status at anabin.kmk.org before applying.

If you're an international student planning to study in Germany, understanding whether your university degree is recognized is essential. The Anabin database is the key tool German institutions use to evaluate foreign qualifications. This guide explains how Anabin works, what the status categories mean, and what to do if your university isn't fully recognized.

What Is the Anabin Database?

Anabin (short for Anerkennung und Bewertung ausländischer Bildungsnachweise) is Germany's official database for evaluating and recognizing foreign qualifications. It is managed by ZAB (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen), Germany's central office for foreign education credentials.

Universities, immigration authorities, and employers in Germany use Anabin to determine whether an applicant's degree meets German standards. For more on ZAB specifically, see our guide to ZAB in Germany.

What Do H+, H+/-, and H- Mean?

| Status | Meaning | Impact | |

---|

---|

---| | H+ | University is fully recognized in Germany | Degrees accepted for admission and visa processing | | H+/- | Partial or unclear recognition | Case-by-case evaluation; additional documentation may be required | | H- | University is not recognized | Degrees generally not accepted for admission or professional purposes |

Only H+ universities qualify for straightforward admissions and visa processing. If your university is H+/- or H-, you cannot apply for an APS certificate through the standard process.

The APS Update:

Impact on Indian Students

In June 2024, the APS India office clarified that Indian students applying for Master's programs in Germany must ensure:

1. Their private university is fully accredited by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India
2. The university holds H+ status in the Anabin database

This applies to both Master's admissions and the one-year Bachelor's pathway for students pursuing a Bachelor's in Germany.

How Anabin Evaluates Indian Universities

Anabin's evaluation considers three primary factors:

1. Accreditation: Institutions recognized by UGC or AICTE are generally favored
2. Institution type:
   • H+: IITs, IIMs, central universities, and NITs typically receive H+ status
   • H-: Institutions lacking recognized accreditation
   • H+/-: Some universities where only certain programs meet standards
3. National importance designation: Institutions classified as "Institutes of National Importance" often receive H+ status due to established international standards

How to Use the Anabin Database

Follow these steps to check your university's recognition status:

1. Visit the Anabin website: Go to anabin.kmk.org and navigate to the "Institutionen" (Institutions) section
2. Search for your university: Select your country (e.g., "Indien" for India) and search by university name. Be precise with spelling
3. Check the status category:
   • H+: You're good to proceed with applications
   • H-: Your degree won't be accepted; consider alternative pathways
   • H+/-: Check which specific programs are recognized
4. Verify your specific program: For H+/- institutions, confirm that your particular degree program is recognized

What to Do with Partial Recognition (H+/-)

If your institution has H+/- status:

• Check program-level details: Some specific degrees may still be acceptable
• Contact university admission offices: Ask directly whether they accept your qualification
• Use uni-assist: This service verifies foreign degrees for many German universities. See our uni-assist guide
• Get a ZAB credential evaluation: Apply through ZAB for an official equivalency assessment
• Consider further study: Completing additional qualifications from an H+ institution can strengthen your profile

Anabin Beyond University Admission

The Anabin database matters for more than just student applications:

Work Visas

Most work visas don't strictly require Anabin recognition, but having an H+ degree helps employers validate your qualifications.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals typically requires a recognized degree. If your degree is H+/-, you may need a ZAB credential evaluation. The 2026 salary threshold is EUR 45,300 (general) or EUR 41,042 (shortage occupations).

Long-Term Immigration

Degree recognition supports eligibility for permanent residency, family reunification, and citizenship applications. Use our German grade calculator to convert your GPA to the German scale.

Tips for Applicants

• Check early: Verify your Anabin status at the start of your application process, not after you've applied
• Keep documentation ready: Have transcripts, accreditation certificates, and any additional credentials prepared
• Consult advisors: If your degree is H- or H+/-, professional guidance can help identify alternative pathways
• Monitor updates: Anabin is periodically updated. A university's status can change, so check again if significant time has passed since your last search

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my university is H+/- in Anabin?

H+/- means partial recognition. Some programs from your university may be accepted in Germany while others are not. Check the specific program details in Anabin, or get a ZAB evaluation for a definitive answer on your degree's equivalency.

What does A5 mean in Anabin?

A5 refers to the qualification level in the German classification system. It typically indicates a Bachelor's degree equivalent to German undergraduate education (first cycle of higher education under the Bologna framework).

Is an Indian diploma valid in Germany?

It depends on the issuing institution's Anabin status. Diplomas from H+ institutions are generally valid. For others, a ZAB credential evaluation can determine equivalency. Engineering diplomas from AICTE-approved institutions often fare better.

What if my degree is not listed in the Anabin database?

If your institution or degree isn't in Anabin, apply for a credential evaluation through ZAB. They will assess your qualification and issue an equivalency statement. This process takes 3-4 months and costs approximately EUR 200.

Is an Indian law degree valid in Germany?

Indian law degrees are generally not directly recognized for practicing law in Germany. German law requires passing two state examinations (Staatsexamen). However, an Indian law degree may be recognized for academic purposes or for roles that don't require German bar admission.

Can I still get a student visa if my university is H-?

Getting a student visa with an H- degree is extremely difficult, as German universities generally won't admit you. Consider alternative pathways: complete a recognized qualification, pursue a Studienkolleg, or apply to universities that conduct their own credential evaluation independently of Anabin.