Degree Recognition in Germany (Anabin / ZAB)
Overview
This article explains the current status of Woolf University degree recognition in Germany, including our listing status on the Anabin database and with the ZAB (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen — the Central Office for Foreign Education).
What are Anabin and ZAB?
Anabin is a database maintained by Germany's Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK). It is used by German employers, universities, and immigration authorities to verify the equivalence of foreign qualifications.
ZAB is the central authority that evaluates foreign educational credentials in Germany. It issues Statements of Comparability (Zeugnisbewertung), which confirm how a foreign degree compares to a German qualification. Inclusion in the Anabin database is typically dependent on ZAB recognition.
Is Woolf currently listed on Anabin?
No. Woolf University is not currently listed on the Anabin database. This means that, at present, Maltese degrees that are unlisted on ZAB's database (Anabin) are not eligible for a Statement of Comparability from ZAB.
Why is Woolf not yet listed?
Woolf is a Licensed Higher Education Institution in Malta, accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) under Licence 2019-015. Our degrees are fully recognised in Malta and across the European Higher Education Area under the Lisbon Recognition Convention.
However, ZAB has previously declined to recognise Woolf degrees on the grounds that the MFHEA does not currently hold membership in the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR). EQAR membership is not a legal prerequisite for recognition under the Lisbon Convention, but ZAB has used it as a basis for their decision.
What is Woolf doing about this?
We are actively pursuing resolution through multiple channels:
Legal challenge: Woolf has taken legal action to challenge our exclusion from the Anabin database, as we objectively meet all required standards for recognition.
State-level appeal: We are pursuing an appeal through German state authorities, which — if successful — would establish formal recognition of Woolf degrees at the state level and is expected to lead to inclusion in the Anabin database.
Engagement with MFHEA: We continue to work with the MFHEA as they pursue EQAR membership, which would remove ZAB's stated objection.
We will notify students as soon as there is a change in our recognition status in Germany.
What documentation does Woolf provide?
Regardless of the current Anabin status, Woolf provides the following documentation to support degree holders:
ECTS Transcripts: Our transcripts follow the standardised European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) format.
Europass Diploma Supplement: We provide a Europass supplement with every degree, detailing the nature, level, context, and content of the studies completed.
Accreditation Proof: Woolf's active licence status can be verified on the MFHEA website.
Bologna Process Compliance: All MFHEA-accredited degrees follow the Bologna Process and are eligible for automatic recognition under the Lisbon Recognition Convention.
Can I still apply for a German visa or Blue Card with a Woolf degree?
Woolf cannot advise on whether you should or should not proceed with a visa or Blue Card application at this time. The recognition of qualifications for immigration purposes is determined by German authorities, and outcomes may vary depending on the specific state and circumstances.
If you are considering using your Woolf degree for professional or academic purposes in Germany, we recommend consulting with an immigration lawyer or the relevant German authority directly for guidance specific to your situation.
Does Woolf hold other international recognitions?
Yes. In addition to our MFHEA accreditation, Woolf is recognised by:
WHED (World Higher Education Database): Woolf is listed in the IAU/UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
EURASHE: Woolf is a full member of the European Association of Institutions in Higher Education.
These recognitions reinforce Woolf's status as an internationally recognised higher education institution, though they do not substitute for Anabin listing specifically within Germany.
Will a future Anabin listing apply to past graduates?
This is subject to how ZAB and Anabin process institutional listings. We are seeking clarification on this point and will update this article when more information becomes available.
Contact
If you have further questions about degree recognition in Germany or require supporting documentation, please contact our support team.
This article will be updated as the situation develops. Last updated: March 2026.