Degrees/Diplomas

The diploma for the end of the secondary school is called the Abitur. It is necessary to have at least an equivalent of this diploma in order to study in the higher education system.
Here is a list of diplomas that can be awarded at the higher education level and the number of semesters that need to be taken.

The higher education system is divided into two stages (levels):
The first stage is called the "Grundstudium" and it generally takes 4 semesters to complete. Upon completion, one can be awarded either a "Zwischenpr¸fung" or a "Vordiplom" in science disciplines. These are in fact exams which give the right to continue and study the second stage, they are not really diplomas.

The second stage of higher education is called the "Hauptstudium." At this stage a student can be awarded their first proper higher education diploma.
- Diplom: diploma for studies in social sciences, natural sciences, engineering science,... this takes 6 semesters in Hauptstudium.
- Diplom FH: is awarded for the same level of studies but are taught in the Fachhochschule.
- Magister Artium: this study program consists of 4 semesters in the Hauptstudium studying a discipline within the social sciences.
-Staatsexamen: for students of teaching, law, medicin and all other subjects related to public health (e.g. pharmaceutics, food science, etc.)

Third stage of higher education studies awards two types of diplomas:
- Zertifikat or Diplom: short term studies of either 2 or 4 semesters to specialise in a discipline, these can only be carried out if you have finished the second stage.
- Promotion: this diploma entitles you to the title of Doktor and requires a thesis. There is no required length of time to complete and attain this diploma (it usually takes between 2 and 5 years).

German higher education insitituions are awarding more diplomas that are influenced by the anglo-saxon system so that the education level of the Bachelor and the Master degrees can have a better equivilancy.

Information reviewed by the DAAD
(German Academic exchange Service)