Applying for a Master's in Germany: Using Your CBSE 12th Marksheet Instead of School Leaving Certificate

Many students seeking to apply for master's programs in German universities encounter a common dilemma: they are required to submit a school leaving certificate, but their official Certified Board School Transfer Certificate (CBSE TC) has already been submitted to their undergraduate university. In this article, we discuss the validity of submitting your 12th marksheet instead, and explore the process involved in making it acceptable to German academic institutions.

Understanding the Requirements

German universities typically require an Abitur or an equivalent school leaving certificate for admission. However, if you do not have access to your CBSE TC, you can consider submitting your 12th marksheet. Here, we delve into the details of this alternative approach and its potential acceptance.

Validity of the 12th Marksheet

The decision to accept your 12th marksheet instead of a school leaving certificate depends on the individual policies of German universities and guidelines set by the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD).

DAAD Guidelines on Acceptable Certificates

The DAAD considers the following certificates valid for proving secondary education:

CBSE Certificate ICSE Certificate State Board Certificate 12th standard marksheet

According to the DAAD, CBSE 12th standard board pass certificates are generally acceptable. However, the final decision on whether to accept your 12th marksheet lies with the individual German university.

Steps to Follow for Acceptance

Here are the recommended steps to ensure that your 12th marksheet is accepted in place of a school leaving certificate:

Approach the Admissions Office: Reach out to the admissions office of the German university and explain your situation. Submit Requisite Documents: Along with your 12th marksheet, provide any additional relevant documentation as requested. Consult University Policies: Ask about the university's specific requirements and any additional documentation that may be needed. Legalization: Obtain an attestation or apostille for your 12th marksheet from the appropriate authorities if necessary.

Contextual Applications in MSc and BSc Programs

The requirements for submitting a school leaving certificate or 12th marksheet can vary depending on the program you are applying for:

MSc Programs: The presence of an Abitur school leaving certificate is more of a formality, but still requested by most universities for consistency in their records. In this case, your CBSE 12th standard board pass certificate is generally sufficient. BSc Programs: For BSc programs, the Abitur school leaving certificate is a crucial requirement. If you do not have an Abitur, you will need to show your Feststellungsprüfung certificate to demonstrate your eligibility based on the German education system.

Seek Professional Guidance

For students facing these complexities, seeking professional guidance can be highly beneficial. If you are looking for further assistance in navigating your application process, our overseas education consultancy can provide support at no cost. Contact us at 91 8100128585 to learn more and get personalized assistance throughout your admission journey.