You submit your applications and requests to JGU online. However, in many cases we still need supporting documents from you – even hard copies.

Find out what the required documents look like and what you need to keep in mind.

If you do not have a general university entrance qualification in Germany (e.g., Abitur), you can apply to have it determined. This must always be done BEFORE you apply for university.

  • a copy of your identity card or passport
  • officially certified copies of leaving certificates and final report cards from the schools you previously attended
  • officially certified copies of degree certificates from your previous universities (diploma and transcript of records), if applicable
  • a complete CV up to the date on which you submit the application
  • officially certified copies of your certificates from your vocational training
  • a stamped and self-addressed return envelope
  • documents certifying your mastership examination (Meisterprüfung) or proof of the number of hours spent in further education, applicable only if you are submitting an application for immediate general university entrance qualification

If you are qualified to practice a vocation but did not complete your training in a German-speaking country and do not have German citizenship, you will need to provide proof of the required German language proficiency. The International Preparatory and Language Center (ISSK) will advise you on your language certificates.

  • a copy of your passport or identity card
  • officially certified copies of leaving certificates and final report cards from the schools you previously attended
  • officially certified copies of degree certificates from your previous universities (diploma and transcript of records), if applicable
  • an officially certified copy of your university entrance examination if required for studying at a university in your home country

It is important to check if there are any special requirements for your home country.

In many cases, we do not need documents at the time of your application, but only after you have been admitted and are ready to enroll in your degree program. If we do require further documents for your application, we will tell you in your online application.

If you are applying with international certificates, you will need:

  • a certificate of recognition from JGU for your international certificates and
  • proof of your German language proficiency. You can find out which documents proving your German language proficiency are accepted here.

If you are admitted to your desired program of study, you will receive an official letter of admission. The official letter of admission will include information about the documents we need from you in order to enroll you in your program of study. These typically include

  • your university entrance qualification (or an officially certified copy)
  • a complete CV in table form up to the current date
  • a copy of your identity card or passport
  • proof of language proficiency required for your degree program
  • an electronic notification from a public health insurance provider regarding your health insurance status

We may need an officially certified copy of your certificates and other official documents. This means that copies of your documents must be certified by a public body.

We will inform you in your applications and notifications about the documents for which we require officially certified copies.

We only accept documents officially certified by

  • Gemeindeverwaltungen (Municipal administration)
  • Landkreise (Administrative districts)
  • Ortsbürgermeister*innen (Village mayors)
  • Ortsvorsteher*innen (City district mayors)
  • Stadtverwaltungen/Rathaus (City administrations/town hall)
  • Kreisverwaltungen (District administrations)
  • Courts
  • Notaries

Schools, universities and Studienkolleg may only officially certify certificates that they themselves have issued.

We do not accept certifications from

  • Welfare organizations
  • Church institutions (e.g. parish offices)
  • Interpreters
  • Health insurance companies
  • Banks
  • Savings banks
  • Clubs

If you are outside of Germany and require an official certification, please contact

  • the diplomatic representation of the Federal Republic of Germany
  • the authorities and notaries who are authorized to officially certify documents in your country

Your copies are officially certified if they bear an official seal. If you make a copy of your stamped document, the copy is not considered officially certified.

If your document has several pages, these will be joined together with string or a seal. Under no circumstances should you separate these pages. If you do, the official certification will no longer be valid.

We accept documents in the following languages:

  • German
  • English
  • French

For all other languages, we require translations in addition to the original document. You can have your documents translated by

  • a sworn interpreter or translator
  • the issuing school or university

Translations must be officially certified. Please ensure that interpreters only officially certify the translation, not the original document. You must arrange for the original to be officially certified separately.