Procedure descriptions

Academic degrees, titles and designations for recognised ethnic German repatriates – applying for the conversion of degrees

The following applies to higher education qualifications obtained at a recognised higher education institution abroad:

You may use the degree awarded – such as ‘inzener-mechanik’ or ‘ekonomist’ – in the form in which you received it without requiring authorisation. However, for degrees obtained outside the European Union, you must include the name of the higher education institution at which you obtained the degree.

You may present the academic degree in the following forms:

  • transliterated into the Latin alphabet
  • using the abbreviation authorised or commonly used in the country of origin
  • add a literal German translation in brackets.

If you are recognised as a late repatriate, you may apply for your foreign degree to be recognised as the equivalent German degree. This generally also applies to your spouse and your children, as well as their descendants.

If the foreign qualification is equivalent to the German one, this conversion will take place.

Responsible authority

Ministry of Science, Baden-Württemberg

Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Württemberg

Details

Prerequisite

  • A degree obtained prior to entry from a recognised higher education institution in the resettlement area
  • Equivalence of the degree to a German degree
  • Main residence in Baden-Württemberg

Procedure

  • You must submit an application.
  • Please use the ‘Application for Pension Contribution Conversion’ form and post it, together with the necessary documents, to the relevant department.
  • If you meet the legal requirements, the competent authority will convert your foreign qualification into an equivalent German qualification and send you an official letter (notification) to this effect.
  • The option of degree conversion is available only to those eligible under the Federal Displaced Persons Act.

Deadlines

None

Required documents

  • certified copy
    • of the diploma with the original appendix
    • of the translation of the diploma with the original appendix
    • the certificate for ethnic German repatriates or the displaced persons’ identity card
    • where applicable: the certificate of a change of name
  • A copy of your identity card
  • Curriculum Vitae

Costs

None

Miscellaneous

None

Detailed information

Legal basis

Landeshochschulgesetz (LHG):

  • § 37 Absatz 1 Satz 3 Führung ausländischer Grade, Titel und Bezeichnungen; Zeugnisbewertung nach der Lissabon-Konvention in Verbindung mit

Bundesvertriebenengesetz (BVFG):

  • § 10 Absatz 2 Prüfungen und Befähigungsnachweise

Release note

machine generated, based on the German release by: Wissenschaftsministerium Baden-Württemberg, 29.05.2026