A’ level entry requirements for German universities will change from 2022. The old rules will still apply until Winter Semester 2023 if these are more advantageous for you, but it is unlikely that this will be the case. In fact, it seems that entry to German universities will be much simpler in future for students with A’ levels. To avoid confusion we have removed the older regulations from our website but you can still find them here (in German).
There is no change to Scottish Highers and other school leaving diplomas such as Btecs are still not seen as suitable for entry to German higher education.
While there any number of exceptions for competitive degree programmes, and sometimes confusing rules relating to particular A’ level subject combinations, the basic rule is that university admission is now possible with 3 A’ levels at CCC or better. This fits the reality of British-educated students’ academic background far better than the previous regulations that still refer to AS levels and require a minimum of four subjects. The other main benefit of these changes is that it is no longer the case that Maths (or a science) is required for absolutely everything. This change alone will make German higher education more accessible to British-educated students.
General Requirements
A minimum of 3 A’ levels at CCC or better is required to study at a German university. These A’ levels must be in independent subjects (eg. Maths and Further Maths is only one A’ level).
Two of these A’ levels must be from subjects on List A. These subjects include: Foreign Languages (not mother-tongue), English, History, Geography, Politics, Sociology, Government & Politics, Economics, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science.
The third A’ level can be another one from List A or an independent subject on List B. The most common subjects on this list are: Art & Design, Ancient History, Classical Civilisation, Geology, Drama, History of Art, Music, Psychology, Religious Studies, Physical Education and Statistics.
If a subject on this list is deemed dependent, it cannot be considered. Examples would include History of Art for students who also have History, Statistics with Maths, Geology with Geography etc.
There is also a List C that includes a number of subjects that might be accepted if they relate directly to the intended degree programme. Acceptance of these subjects is at the discretion of the individual university. The most common examples include: Business Studies, Design & Technology, Film Studies, Law, Media Studies and Music Technology. The same rule about subject dependency applies, meaning that Business Studies cannot be offered alongside Economics, for example. Law cannot be offered with History, Politics, Sociology or Government & Politics.
We have not included all subjects on List B and C here, nor all of the subject-dependent clashes. However, this summary does cover the most common examples.
There do appear to be some omissions or apparent inaccuracies. For example, there is no mention of General Studies or Critical Thinking on any list, so it is safe to assume these subjects are not recognised.
On List A, “Informatik” is the German name given to Computer Science A’ level but it also includes Information & Communication Technology and Information Technology A’ levels which might be more equivalent to the vocational subjects in List C and are certainly treated as such in other countries eg. the Netherlands. This would appear to be inconsistent.
In summary, we believe that most typical combinations of A’ level choices should be fine when planning to apply for a degree in a related subject. We would be most concerned for students taking Psychology or Law A’ levels as these might restrict choices.
Subject – Specific Requirements
For certain degree programmes specific combinations of A’ levels are required. In reality, this affects most degrees except the arts.
Medicine and Pharmacy – 3 A’ levels from Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science
Maths and Engineering – Maths is compulsory, one A’ level must be Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Computer Science. The third A’ level can be anything.
Sciences – Two A’ levels must be from Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science.
Social Sciences and Economics – One A’ level must be from Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science. One A’ level must be from History, Geography, Politics, Economics and Sociology.
Law – One A’ level must be from History, Geography, Politics, Economics and Sociology or a language.
In degrees that are not listed here, the universities can specify their own subject requirements if they wish.
It is also worth mentioning that AS levels are not recognised at all in the new entry requirements. The last time that these can be taken into consideration is for entry in September 2023.
British Student Mobility 