How the Anabin Database Works

Anabin is a database maintained by Germany’s Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK). It evaluates foreign higher education institutions and assigns them an H-status rating. This rating tells German universities, employers, and immigration authorities how a foreign qualification compares to a German degree.

The anabin system does not directly issue certificates. It is a reference database. The outcome for you personally depends on what your institution’s H-status is, what degree level you hold, and whether you need a formal assessment on top of the database listing.

Table of Truth: Major Nigerian Institutions and Their Anabin Status

This table reflects commonly reported anabin ratings for Nigerian institutions. Always verify at anabin.kmk.org for the most current listing.

*H+/- institutions require a case-by-case assessment. The 2 to 3 pt range indicates the outcome depends on your specific programme and faculty. Always verify at anabin.kmk.org.

Why Degree Recognition Matters for Nigerians Going to Germany

Germany’s immigration system is qualification-driven. The Chancenkarte, EU Blue Card, and most skilled worker visas all require that your foreign degree is either automatically recognised or formally assessed. Without confirmation of your qualification’s status, the German embassy may reject or delay your visa application.

For the Chancenkarte specifically, your qualification directly determines how many points you score (up to 3 points out of the 6-point minimum). A difference of 1 point here can be the difference between qualifying and not qualifying.

What Is a Statement of Comparability (Zeugnisbewertung)?

If your institution is rated H+/- or is not listed in anabin at all, you need a Statement of Comparability, known in German as a Zeugnisbewertung. This is issued by the German Central Office for Foreign Education (KMK-ZAB) in Bonn.

The statement confirms how your specific degree compares to a German qualification. It takes roughly 3 to 5 months to process. The fee is approximately EUR 200. The statement is then submitted as part of your visa or job application in Germany.

When is a Statement of Comparability required?

You typically need it when: your institution is H+/- in anabin and your employer or the embassy requests a formal assessment; your institution is not in anabin at all; or you are applying for a regulated profession (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, teaching, law) where German authorities require individual assessment regardless of the H-status.

When is it not required?

If your institution is rated H+ in anabin and your intended employment or study is in an unregulated field, many German universities and employers will accept the anabin listing without a formal statement. The German embassy in Lagos will generally accept H+ institutions without a Comparability Statement for national visa purposes. Always confirm with the specific institution or employer.

Realistic Scenarios

Single applicant, B.Sc from UNILAG, applying for Chancenkarte

UNILAG is rated H+ in anabin. A B.Sc from UNILAG scores 3 qualification points for the Chancenkarte without needing a formal recognition assessment. The applicant can submit the degree certificate and transcript directly as part of the visa application.

Applicant with HND from a polytechnic, applying for a work visa

An HND from a Nigerian polytechnic is classified as a vocational qualification rather than a university degree in the anabin framework. This means 2 qualification points on the Chancenkarte, not 3. If the applicant is close to the 6-point minimum, this 1-point difference matters. They should look at whether improving language scores or adding other criteria can compensate.

Applicant with a degree from a state university not yet in anabin

If the institution is not listed, the applicant must apply for a Statement of Comparability from KMK-ZAB. This takes 3 to 5 months. They should factor this into their overall timeline: total lead time from now until visa submission adds at least 4 to 6 months just for the recognition process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the anabin database the same as official German recognition?

No. Anabin is a reference tool. It informs recognition decisions but does not constitute official recognition by itself. Recognition for specific purposes (employment, study, regulated professions) may require additional formal steps even if your institution is H+.

Does my NYSC discharge certificate count as a qualification?

No. The NYSC certificate confirms completion of the National Youth Service Corps programme. It is a supplementary document. It is not a degree or a vocational qualification in the anabin framework.

My university is H+ but my employer asked for a Zeugnisbewertung. Is that normal?

Yes, this is common. German employers in regulated or professional fields often require a formal Statement of Comparability regardless of the anabin H-status. This is their due diligence requirement, not a reflection of your university’s quality. You can apply for the statement even if your institution is H+.

How long does the KMK-ZAB assessment take?

Typically 3 to 5 months from submission of complete documents. The process can take longer if your institution is not well-documented in their files or if additional verification is needed. Apply early.

Can I apply for a Germany visa without a formal recognition letter?

For H+ institutions, the German embassy typically accepts the anabin database listing combined with your degree certificate and transcript. A formal recognition letter is not always mandatory at the visa stage, but requirements can vary by consular officer. Check the German embassy Nigeria’s official document checklist for your specific visa type.

Does an OND (Ordinary National Diploma) count for anything?

An OND from a Nigerian polytechnic is generally not recognised as a qualifying vocational credential for Germany skilled worker visa purposes. It may count as partial qualification in some contexts, but it does not score qualification points for the Chancenkarte on its own.