“Hochschulzugangsberechtigung” is a daunting German term, but its meaning is crucial: it is the university entrance qualification that determines whether someone can study in Germany [1]. For prospective international students, the practical questions are immediate: Does your school-leaving certificate provide direct admission, or only admission for a particular subject? If it provides neither, what alternatives are available? And what if you have already completed a bachelor’s degree? This episode breaks down those questions in clear language. Laura Kaden of the University of Jena’s International Office explains the admission process, including how the qualification’s grade is calculated and how applicants can find out which qualification applies to them. The aim is to make an unfamiliar system easier to understand and navigate.
This episode offers a focused guide led by Laura Kaden from the University of Jena’s International Office. She advises prospective international students, checks applications, and handles admissions for subjects with nationwide admission restrictions. Unusually, Kaden normally hosts the podcast, but here she explains the process on her own, without a guest [1].
The discussion clarifies two important outcomes. Direct admission means that a school-leaving certificate allows an applicant to apply for university study in Germany. Subject-related admission means that it permits study only in a particular subject area. If a certificate provides neither type of admission, the episode considers the available alternatives, including when a preparatory college may be relevant. It also explains when the International Pathway Programme could be an option [1].
A completed bachelor’s degree can change how an applicant’s university entrance qualification is considered, and Kaden addresses this situation as well. She also explains how the HZB grade—the grade attached to the university entrance qualification—is calculated [1].
For applicants trying to identify their own status, the episode points to several sources. The Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) provides information, while the DAAD admission database helps users check admission requirements. Anabin, the ZAB’s information portal, is another reference point. Applicants can also contact an International Office for guidance. Together, these resources provide a practical starting point for determining whether an existing qualification leads to direct admission, subject-related admission, or another route into German higher education .