The German Embassy to Kenya has informed Kenyan graduates how to find job opportunities in the European nation.
In a statement, the Embassy advised graduates to apply for a statement of comparability which is available online to link them with employers in Germany.
The Embassy explained that a Statement of Comparability for Foreign University Degrees helps skilled workers to get jobs within Germany.
It described the Statement as a pathway to the German labor market for graduates with foreign university degrees.
“You have a university degree and want to work in Germany? To help German employers and authorities understand and recognize the value of your qualification, you can apply for a Statement of Comparability online,” read the statement in part.
A Statement of Comparability is an official certificate issued by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).
It compares a foreign university degree to a qualification in the German education system. You can use it as proof of your qualification with German government offices, embassies, and employers.
Importance of the Statement of Comparability
1.Increase access to the labor market
The information included in a Statement of Comparability helps understand a degree from a different education system and in a different language. Through this, employers can recognize the value of your qualification.
2.Allows one to immigrate and work
When applying for a visa or an EU Blue Card, you must show that your university degree is comparable to a German qualification. Thus, graduates can use a Statement of Comparability to do so.
3.Fulfill requirements for job applications
Many employers request a Statement of Comparability for job applications, especially in the public sector.
Content of Statement Issued by Germany
A Statement of Comparability states the names of the university degree, the degree program, and the university.
It shows how long the degree program was, the mode of study, and the date and place of graduation.
It also confirms that the university and degree program were recognized. The statement further names the corresponding education level in Germany, for example that of a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
General information about access to higher education, using an academic title, and professional recognition also forms part of a Statement of Comparability.
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However, this statement does not entitle its holder to university admission, continuing education, or to work in a regulated profession.
Additionally, it does not convert international grades into German grades.
A pre-check by The Kenya Times established that only graduates with bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate degree can apply for the Statement.
“You cannot apply for a Statement of Comparability for this degree. You can find career counseling services here: https://zab.kmk.org/en/career-counseling,” reads the reply when diploma and certificate holder try to apply.
Requirements
Kenyans with degrees must provide the following during the application.
- University diploma (statement of results, preliminary certificate of results) in English.
or: Graduation certificate in English. - Transcript of records for the entire degree program in English.
- Documents regarding transferred credit in the original language.
Interested candidates are advised to upload this document if they transferred credit that counted toward their degree, e.g. from another degree program or vocational training.
Example: If you transferred to another university, you must submit the transcript of records from your first university as well.
Similalrly, PhD holders must avail the preceding master’s degree and bachelor’s degree certificates while master’s degree holders must avail the preceding bachelor’s degree certificate.
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They must also provide the following during the application.
- Transcript of records or diploma supplement in the original language
- Documents regarding transferred credit in the original language if you transferred credit that counted toward any preceding university degrees, e.g. from another degree program or vocational training.
Other Documents Required
- Secondary school graduation certificate granting access to university in the original language.
- Identity document (passport or identity card).
- Proof of name change (e.g. marriage certificate) in the original language if your name has changed.
- Refugee ID or asylum notice if you are recognized as a refugee or an asylum seeker and do not agree to the ZAB verifying the authenticity of your documents by contacting any relevant institutions.
- Employment contract or letter of intent from your future employer in Germany if the Statement of Comparability is required to apply for an EU Blue Card
The ZAB issues Statements of Comparability on behalf of the German Government and on the legal basis of the Lisbon Recognition Convention.
The educational history of each applicant is reviewed on an individual basis and a Statement of Comparability is issued based on consistent standards and is quality assured.
