Recognition of UK Qualifications
Guidelines for German, Austrian and Swiss Universities
Please find various documents for the recognition of the most common British qualifications for entry in German, Austrian and Swiss universities below.
GCE A-Levels
General Certificate of Education - Advanced Level
Studying with A-Levels in Germany
- KMK Richtlinien zur Anerkennung der A-Levels ab Sommer Semester 2022 (German)
- KMK Guidelines for entering German universities with A-Levels valid as of Summer 2022 (English)
Please note: Students should always take German A-Level and always at the end of Y1 3, not earlier.
Studying with A-Levels in Austria
- Zulassungsempfehlung Vereinigtes Königreich 2022 (German)
Unofficial English version of the guidelines to study in Austria with A-Levels (DeepL)
Studying with A-Levels in Switzerland
IB Diploma Programme
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP)
Studying with IB Diploma in Germany:
- Our summary of the IB Diploma requirements (June 2023)
- German: Vereinbarung zur Anerkennung des "International Baccalaureate Diploma / Diplom de Baccalaureate International" (Beschluss der Kultusministerkonferenz vom 10.03.1986 i. d. F. vom 15.06.2023, mit Anhang 1 Stand 26.03.2026 und Anhang 2 Stand 19.11.2024)
- English: Unofficial Translation of IB Guidelines for German Universities (Version of 15.06.2023 with Annex 1 as of 26.03.2026 and Annex 2 as of 19.11.2024)
Please note:
- Fully online IB Diploma Courses are not recognised in Germany
In line with the KMK Recognition agreement and the German legislation on compulsory schooling and school attendance, the online Diploma Programme and DP courses delivered solely online, are not currently recognised by the German authorities. - Subject changes more than six weeks into the two year course can jeopardise the recognition of the IB Diploma. The authorities check this by requesting the termly reports for the entire Sixth Form.
- Documentation in the university application process: Many German universities have delegated their admissions process to uni-assist, a centralised admissions agency. In addition to the IB Diploma results, uni-assist requests that all available school reports from the final two school years issued by the graduate’s school have to be submitted. Some universities require officially certified copies (not printouts) of the documents to be sent by post. If a university requires certified copies, a school stamp and the IB Coordinator’s signature must appear on each school report. After the release of IB results, graduates must submit a contact form and upload a screenshot of the contact form to inform uni-assist that the results are available for verification.
It is highly recommended that school reports include the full IB DP subject name and level to avoid delays and misunderstandings, e.g. “Mathematics: analysis and approaches SL” rather than “Maths”.
Studying with IB Diploma in Austria:
Studying with IB Diploma in Switzerland:
See also IBO's country recognition website.
Scottish Highers
Scottish Qualifications Certificate
Studying with Scottish Highers in Germany: Current Guidelines (valid as of Summer Semester 2023)
IGCSEs and GCSEs
General Certificate of Secondary Education
The recognition of GCSE is a little more complicated as each federal state has its own guidelines. It's best to follow the Bavarian guidelines, they are the strictest. These I/GSCE guidelines are most important for those students who decide to leave school after completing their I/GSCEs. These cases are admittedly rare. Most German pupils will either return to their German school for Abitur or stay in UK for their A Levels or IB Diploma.
If you have any questions about GCSE, A-Level or IB DP recognition, please get in touch.
Best wishes, Theresa & team