Have you obtained your teaching qualification abroad and would like to become a teacher in Baden-Württemberg?
Have your qualification recognised by the Tübingen Regional Council (Regierungspräsidium Tübingen). If additional subject-specific requirements need to be fulfilled, you can complete the necessary coursework through the bridging programme.
On this page, you will find all the information you need about the bridging programme for holders of international teaching qualifications at Heidelberg University of Education (PH Heidelberg).
To work as a teacher in Baden-Württemberg, you must first have your foreign teaching qualification assessed and recognised. As part of this process, your individual qualifications are compared with the teacher education requirements in Baden-Württemberg. For this purpose, please contact the Regierungspräsidium Tübingen (RP Tübingen; Abteilung 7 - Schule und Bildung, Referat 73 - Anerkennungsstelle).
You can submit your request for assessment and recognition either in writing or digitally.
Please note: Processing may take up to three months and fees of up to €300 may apply.
For detailed information on the requirements, the procedure, the documents needed, as well as fees and deadlines, please visit the website of the RP Tübingen.
- Completed
(Antrag auf Immatrikulation) - Formal Recognition Notice issued from the RP Tübingen (the preliminary assessment is not sufficient)
- Scan/copy of the certificate for your foreign teaching qualification (including a translation, if available)
- Scan/copy of the school-leaving certificate that qualifies you for higher education in your home country (higher education/unviersity entrance qualification; including a translation, if available)
- Proof of German language proficiency at CEFR level C1
- Digital health insurance certificate; if you have private health insurance: certificate of exemption from statutory health insurance requirements (to be requested from any statutory health insurance provider, quoting our sender number H0000113; the certificate will be transmitted digitally directly to PH Heidelberg)
- A portrait photograph (max. 1MB, .jpg/.jpeg format) for printing on your student ID card
- For non-EU nationals only:
(Auskunftsformular Studiengebührenpflicht Internationale Studierende nach §5 LHG)
We have compiled all the essential information for starting your studies on the following page:
At the beginning of each semester, the Fresher’s Orientation (Beratungstage, BeTa for short) are held for all new students.
During these activities, you will learn everything you need to know about studying at PH Heidelberg. You will receive important information and practical advice on organising your studies, become familiar with the campus and key facilities such as the Student Service Center (SSC for short), the library and advisory services, and meet your future fellow students.
You can find all information and the full programme here:
Fresher's Orientation (BeTa)
The content you need to complete at PH Heidelberg is specified in your formal recognition notice from the RP Tübingen. At the beginning of your studies, please contact the relevant Subject Advisor for your subject. Together, you will create an individual study plan. Make sure to organise your studies so that your workload per semester remains manageable.
Subject Advisory Service
The semester at PH Heidelberg begins either on 1 October (winter semester) or 1 April (summer semester). Lectures and classes usually start around 2 weeks later.
Before You Begin the Bridging Programme
Before your first semester, arrange an appointment with the academic adviser responsible for your subject.
Together you will develop your individual study plan and determine which modules and related courses you need to complete.
Before Each Semester
Check your study plan to see which modules you are expected to take. Detailed information about the modules can be found in the module handbook (Modulhandbuch).
The course catalogue (Vorlesungsverzeichnis) contains information on all courses offered within each module, as well as instructions for registration. Please make sure to register for your courses in good time.
During the Semester
Attend your courses and complete the associated assessments. These may include written examinations at the end of the semester or continuous assessments such as presentations or written assignments.
Please note that you must also register separately for examinations (through the relevant academic department responsible for your subject) and ensure that your completed assessments are properly documented.
Managing Your Studies
Re-registration for the next semester, registration for courses and examinations - there are many administrative tasks to keep track of during your studies. Our colleagues at the Student Service Center are happy to help with all aspects of study administration.
At the end of your postgraduate programme
Have you successfully completed all the required assessments of your bridging programme? Congratulations!
Submit the certificates to the Academic Examinations Office and you will receive confirmation of your completed assessments. You should then submit this confirmation to the RP Tübingen.
If your school-based practical training differs from that required in Baden-Württemberg and you cannot compensate for this through 3 years of professional experience, you will need to complete either an assessment or an adaption period of up to 12 months.
Further information can be found on the RP Tübingens website.