Anabin H+ vs H- vs H+/-: what Indian degrees need
H+ means the institution is recognized in Anabin. H- is not. H+/- needs a closer look. The degree row still has to match — not only the university.
Direct answer
Anabin (anabin.kmk.org) is Germany’s database for foreign institutions and qualifications, run with the ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education). Universities, uni-assist, and visa files use it as a recognition map — not as your admission letter.
You must check two layers:
- Institution status: H+, H+/-, or H-
- Qualification / degree class (Hochschulabschlüsse) — whether that award is treated as comparable to the German level you want
An H+ university with an unrecognized degree type is not enough. An H- institution is not “fixed” by dMAT, APS, or a high IELTS score.
H+ vs H+/- vs H-
| Status | What it means | What you do next |
|---|---|---|
| H+ | Institution is recognized | Still open the degree row. Then check ECTS, subject match, and the university’s own rules. |
| H+/- | Not a green light | Expect extra checks: specific programme, ZAB Statement of Comparability, or a university email. Do not pay deposits on hope. |
| H- | Institution is not recognized on the usual higher-education path | Do not assume a German Master's will stick. Confirm with the university / ZAB before blocked account or tuition invoices. |
“Entspricht” / “gleichwertig” on a qualification row means comparable. “Entspricht Fachschule” is not the same as a university degree.
How to check (do not stop at the first hit)
- Open Anabin or the YourWeg degree recognition search.
- Search Institutionen for your university. Note H+, H+/-, or H-.
- Search Hochschulabschlüsse for your award class (B.Tech, B.E., B.Sc, B.Com, etc.).
- If the institution is missing or H+/-, consider a ZAB Statement of Comparability and ask the target university in writing.
- Full screenshots-style walkthrough: Anabin guide.
What Anabin is not
- Not APS. Indian applicants still usually need APS India. Anabin H+ does not print an APS certificate.
- Not VPD. Some programmes still want uni-assist VPD on top of recognition.
- Not a visa. CSP still wants APS (when applicable), admission, and blocked-account proof (€11,904 for 12 months in 2026).
- Not dMAT. The Digital Master Test does not turn H- into H+. Confirm Anabin before you pay €150 to g.a.s.t. See who needs dMAT.
Indian Bachelor’s: 3-year vs 4-year
A 3-year Indian BA/BSc/BCom can still be discussed for a German Master's if Anabin and the university accept the combination (often 180 ECTS and subject match). It is not automatic.
Read: Does a 3-year degree qualify? and ECTS for Indian students.
If Anabin looks fine but you still get refusals, the next filters are usually Auflagen / formal vs academic rejection.
Studienkolleg vs Master's
Studienkolleg is mainly a Bachelor / school-leaving story (Abitur equivalence, often 13 years of school). Most Master's applicants with a recognized Bachelor do not need Studienkolleg. Confirm your school certificate and degree on Anabin; do not copy a Bachelor blog onto a Master's file.
If your university is not listed
- Request a Statement of Comparability from ZAB.
- Email the target admissions office with your transcripts and Anabin screenshots.
- Uni-assist may comment during a VPD or full application — that is still not a substitute for reading H- clearly.
What to do this week
- Search your university and degree class on Anabin.
- If H- or empty, stop and get a written university/ZAB view before you transfer the blocked account.
- If H+ and the degree row looks comparable, continue APS / applications.
- If H+/-, write the university and keep ZAB in reserve.
Official: anabin.kmk.org. Planning aid: degree recognition tool.
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