If you want to start an undergraduate programme (Bachelor, Diploma, state examination, etc.) in Germany or transfer to Germany during your undergraduate studies, you must first check whether you have the necessary qualifications to study in Germany. 

If you are starting your undergraduate studies in Germany: 
To be able to study in Germany, you need a higher education entrance qualification (HZB). You will receive this if you have a school-leaving certificate (possibly in combination with a university entrance examination from your country of origin) that is equivalent to the German Abitur. In the United States, students typically earn a High School Diploma upon graduation. However, the High School Diploma alone is not sufficient for direct admission to a German university. 
To check the equivalence, we recommend that you first use the DAAD admissions database. 
However, the assessment of your higher education entrance qualification in our admissions database is only an initial, non-binding assessment. 

Studienkolleg (Preparatory Course) 

If you only hold a High School Diploma and have no AP exams or college-level study, you will generally need to attend a Studienkolleg before you can begin your degree program. 

A Studienkolleg is a one-year preparatory course designed to prepare international applicants for the university qualification assessment exam (Feststellungsprüfung, FSP). 
Once you have passed this exam, you become eligible to apply for admission to a German university. 

The Studienkolleg you should attend depends on whether you plan to study at a university or a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), and the federal state (Bundesland) in which your chosen institution is located. 

If you want to study at a German higher education institution, you will have to meet certain requirements. The most important prerequisites for applying are explained on the following page: Requirements & Enrolment - DAAD

If you need more information about studying in Germany, our digital brochures provide helpful tips. You can also contact our colleagues in our global network or use our contact form: Contact - DAAD

There are various options for pursuing an academic career in Germany. The DAAD offers the right program for you. Please take a look at the following pages:

• In order to make an effective contribution to securing skilled labour in Germany, the DAAD is using funds from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space to support German higher education institutions with the "Campus-Initiative for International Talents" in developing support structures and career services for international students and graduates in Germany.
• On the Scholarship Database you will find information about our DAAD scholarship programmes for international students and researchers as well as offers from other selected funding organisations.
• Are you interested in studying a STEM subject in Germany and need to attend a preparatory college? Then apply to VORsprung!
• My GUIDE supports your journey from your home to a German higher education institution.
• Germany is a top destination for PhD students, postdocs, and senior scientists. The website "Research in Germany" helps you to find your way to Germany, to seek for PhD positions, research jobs or funding opportunities. It describes the German research landscape and helps you plan your career and life in Germany. Welcome to Germany - the Land of Ideas!