In all federal states, it is now possible to study without A-levels (German: Abitur). However, the regulations vary from state to state. After all, education is a matter for the federal states.
Foto: Bundesagentur für Arbeit
Those with professional qualifications often have to successfully complete an aptitude assessment procedure or a trial study programme of at least one year. The university decides whether and how the professional training can be recognised based on the documents submitted by the applicant. However, a maximum of 50 per cent of a degree course can be replaced. In contrast to the general qualification to study at a higher education institution, the specialised qualification restricts admission to degree programmes that are linked to the content of the professional training and activity. The required duration of professional training and experience varies depending on the federal state. Periods of nursing and care work, sometimes also a voluntary social or ecological year, can also be counted towards the period of professional activity depending on the federal state. In addition, the federal states can further open up access to higher education. In Rhineland-Palatinate, for example, admission to university is also possible with a vocational training qualification in some degree programmes (grade point average of at least 2.5 required). In Hamburg, in justified exceptional cases, two years of professional experience after training is sufficient.
If you are interested in studying as a professionally qualified person, you should first enquire about the relevant regulations in the individual federal states.
However, some criteria apply everywhere:
Master craftsmen, business administrators or holders of an equivalent advanced training qualification in accordance with the Vocational Training Act or the Crafts and Trades Code obtain a general higher education entrance qualification with their title. This means that anyone who has completed such an advanced training qualification of at least 400 hours can freely choose both the university and the degree programme. However, admission restrictions (e.g. application and selection procedures) may apply, as is the case for applicants with an Abitur.
Individuals with completed vocational training and professional experience: Anyone who has completed at least two years of vocational training and has worked for at least three years in the profession they have learnt can obtain a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification.
State-specific information on studying without an Abitur can be found at www.studieren-ohne-abitur.de, a cooperation project of the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHE) and the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft.
Questions and answers on the topic
Can I have professional qualifications recognised during my studies?
Yes, this is possible. The relevant university offices usually decide which achievements can be recognised. An overview of general recognition options and contacts for individual questions can be found at: www.dabekom.de
How do I apply for a degree programme with nationwide admission restrictions?
Applications for medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry and pharmacy are made via the Foundation for University Admissions (www.hochschulstart.de). However, depending on the professional qualification and federal state, there are further admission requirements, such as attending a counselling interview, taking an entrance examination at the university or receiving a confirmation of equivalence from the university.
Can I enrol in a Master's programme without a university entrance qualification?
After completing a Bachelor's degree programme, you are allowed to take up a Master's degree programme - this naturally also applies to Bachelor's graduates who do not have a higher education entrance qualification. Several universities even allow people without a university entrance qualification or Fachhochschulreife direct access to a Master's degree programme, i.e. without a previous Bachelor's degree. However, these degree programmes are often offered as distance learning courses and are subject to a fee. Depending on the federal state, an aptitude test must be passed and/or several years of professional experience related to the subject must be proven for admission.
And what applies if I obtained my professional qualification abroad?
For prospective students from abroad, the following generally applies: If the requirements for studying in your home country are met, it is also possible to study in Germany. However, this requires the recognition of certificates and qualifications and, if necessary, a so-called assessment test. The contact persons for this are the recognition offices. Information on this can be found at www.anabin.kmk.org. Important: A key requirement for studying in Germany is, of course, German language skills.
Who should I contact if I have further questions?
If you have specific questions about ‘Studying without an Abitur’, it is highly recommended that you contact the student counselling service at the university in question directly. The careers counsellors at your local employment agency can also help you with your questions.
