Preparations

The factsheet is intended to serve students as a guide to the principles of recognition and provide initial orientation. In particular, it refers to the rights and obligations to cooperate within the framework of Erasmus+. Individual recognition processes at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences cannot and should not be depicted in the factsheet.

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Course work and assessed work completed abroad can generally be recognized in Germany for the continuation of studies and admission to examinations.

The prerequisites for this are that the foreign university and, if applicable, the degree program are duly recognized or accredited in accordance with the legislation of the country concerned.

The Lisbon Convention refers to the "Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region", which was drawn up by UNESCO and the Council of Europe in 1997. Germany ratified the Lisbon Convention in 2007 and transposed it into federal law.

The Lisbon Convention is the standard for the recognition of course work and assessed work completed in one of the signatory states. The universities are responsible for recognition for the purpose of admission to higher education, access to further studies as well as for the recognition of course work and assessed work.

The use of foreign university degrees is regulated in the state higher education acts. Information on this can be obtained from the science ministries of the federal states.

Submit the Learning Agreement (Part 1) signed by the representative of Anhalt University of Applied Sciences (Prof.), the student and the representative of the host university to the International Office.

The Learning Agreement guarantees the subsequent recognition of the assessed work for the courses you have selected. It is only valid with the signature of your subject representative (Chair of the Examinations Committee / academic advisor / international representative).

Complete the Learning Agreement (Part 2) in case of any changes and send a scanned version to the International Office no later than one month after arrival in the host country.

Send the completed Learning Agreement (Part 3) from the host university to the International Office by scan or post with accurate information on tuition and examinations. The partner universities also issue a Transcript of Records (TOR). This can also be submitted as the third part of the Learning Agreement (scan).

Submit an application for recognition of the coursework to the relevant examinations committee in your department. Enclose the relevant supporting documents (TOR, LA). Examination for completeness by the examinations committee: if necessary, submit the missing documents within a reasonable period of time.

Form Recognition of coursework

Submit the application (form or informally) to the Chair of the Examinations Committee of the respective Department

Key question: Are the differences so substantial that they would jeopardize the student's success in continuing their studies?

Five key elements in the examination for substantial differences:

i. Quality

Examination of whether the other university and, if applicable, the degree program are accredited under the applicable legislation (particularly important for foreign universities)

ii. Level

What level can the course be assigned to (Bachelor, Master)?

iii. Learning outcomes

The recognition assessment should be learning outcome-oriented. The learning outcomes are not to be compared in detail at the micro level, but with regard to the requirements of further studies.

iv. Workload

Deviations in the quantitative scope of the coursework completed (deviation in the scope of ECTS credits) are generally not a reason for refusing recognition.

v. Profile

Examination of whether the learning outcomes achieved relate to the profile of the degree program at the university. (Focus, qualification and competence objectives, research and application orientation, etc.).

• If there are no substantial differences, the course work and assessed work completed abroad will be fully recognized.
  
• In cases where substantial differences exist, consideration should be given to whether partial recognition is possible. The reasons for the differences considered to be substantial must be clearly explained to the applicant.
  
• Refusal of recognition must be made in writing!

The Lisbon Convention prescribes a predetermined, reasonable deadline for processing an application. The Lisbon Committee recommends that a period of four months should not be exceeded. However, an even shorter processing period would be desirable.

The applicant has the right to file an objection against the negative decision. For this reason, legal remedies must be attached to the rejection, stating both the deadline and possible appeals.