How can I check whether I need the 13th year requirement for German universities?
07 Oct 2026 · Answered by Mona Negi · 1 min read
Quick Answer
verified
To check whether the 13th year requirement applies to you, use the DAAD admission database, the most direct tool, look up your qualification on the Anabin database, read the admissions page of your chosen university and contact its international admissions office if you are still unsure.
You can confirm whether an extra year applies to you with a few official resources, ideally before you shortlist universities. Using more than one source gives you a safer answer.
Where to check
| Resource | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Anabin database | Whether your school or university qualification is recognised in Germany and whether it gives direct bachelor's admission |
| DAAD admission database | Whether you need a Studienkolleg, an extra year of university study, or can apply directly |
| University admissions page | Country-specific eligibility and accepted qualifications for your course |
| International admissions office | An assessment of your own documents and advice on the next step |
How to use them
- Start with Anabin and DAAD for the general position.
- Then read the admission rules of each university, since criteria can vary by university and programme.
- Contact the admissions office if your case is not clear.
My Advice
Keep a short note of what each source says, including the date you checked. If the sources disagree, follow the university's own written answer.
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