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Austrian Matura Certificate: Certified Translation for German Universities

Planning to study in Germany with your Austrian Reifeprüfung? German universities and uni-assist require certified translations by sworn translators. We deliver your official translation in 3 to 6 business days, accepted at every German institution.

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Why does it need to be certified?

In Germany, official translations must be done by a vereidigter Übersetzer, a translator officially sworn in by a German court. Only these translations carry the legal stamp and signature that German universities, uni-assist, and government authorities accept. A regular translation, even by a native speaker, will be rejected. This is especially important when applying to competitive programs where a missing document can cost you your place.

Your Matura translation in 5 simple steps

1

Send us your document

Upload a clear photo or scan of your Maturazeugnis. You do not need to send the original. A smartphone photo works perfectly.

2

Receive your personal quote

Within a few hours, you receive an email with your fixed price. No hidden fees, no surprises. The price is based on your actual document.

3

Confirm with one click

Your quote email contains a confirmation button. One click, and our sworn translator starts working on your translation immediately.

4

Receive your certified translation

You get the PDF by email first, so you can submit it for online applications right away. The stamped original follows by post within 3 to 6 business days.

5

Pay after you receive it

Your invoice arrives with the translation. You have 14 days to pay by bank transfer. No prepayment, no credit card needed.

When you need a certified Matura translation

Your Austrian Matura (also called Reifeprüfung or Reifeprüfungszeugnis) is your ticket to German higher education. It is recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur, the general university entrance qualification (allgemeine Hochschulreife). However, universities often require the translation in German or English, especially for international programs. Here are the most common situations:

Bachelor's application at a German university

For enrollment and often already for the application, German universities require proof of your Hochschulzugangsberechtigung. Many use uni-assist as their central application portal, which has specific requirements for certified translations.

English-taught programs and international degrees

Applying to an international or English-taught program in Germany? You typically need a certified English translation of your Matura to make your grades, subjects, and qualification level transparent to the admissions committee.

Transferring from an Austrian to a German university

Already studied in Austria and want to continue in Germany? For credit transfer and enrollment, universities need both your Matura (as proof of university entrance) and your academic transcripts in certified translation.

Professional recognition in regulated professions

For medical, dental, or other regulated professions, German licensing authorities (Landesprüfungsamt, Landesärztekammer) require certified proof of your school-leaving qualification alongside your professional degrees.

What we need from you

Getting your translation started is simple. Here is what helps us deliver quickly and accurately:

  • A clear scan or photo of your Maturazeugnis or Reifeprüfungszeugnis
  • Any supplementary documents if required (grade overview, subject list, Ergänzungszeugnisse)
  • The target language: German or English
  • Your deadline, so we can confirm we meet it

Good to know

You do not need to send your original certificate. A clear scan or even a smartphone photo is sufficient. The translator will note in the certification that the translation was made from a copy. This is standard practice and accepted by German universities and authorities. Check your university's requirements: for the initial online application, a PDF is usually enough. You submit the stamped original during enrollment (Immatrikulation).

Matura vs. Abitur: What you need to know

The Austrian Matura and the German Abitur both represent the general university entrance qualification (allgemeine Hochschulreife). The anabin database, maintained by the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK), confirms that the Austrian Matura is recognized as equivalent for university admission in Germany.

However, there are practical differences:

  • The grading scale differs (Austrian 1-5 vs. German 1-6)
  • Subject names and structures may not directly translate
  • German admissions staff may be unfamiliar with Austrian terminology

A certified translation ensures that all your subjects, grades, and the qualification level are clearly presented in the format German institutions expect. This prevents delays and misunderstandings during the application review.

Ready to get your Matura translated for your German university application?

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Do I need an Apostille?

For most standard cases, using your Austrian Matura at a German university, an Apostille is not required. Both Austria and Germany are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, and the close relationship between the education systems means additional authentication is rarely requested.

However, some specific situations may require it:

  • Applications to third countries through a German institution
  • Certain professional licensing procedures
  • Individual requirements by specific authorities

Our recommendation: check with your target university or authority first. If you need an Apostille, we can advise you on the process. The Apostille is issued by Austrian authorities (typically the Bundesministerium für Bildung) before translation.

Your questions answered

How long does the certified translation of my Matura take?

Standard delivery is 3 to 6 business days. You receive the PDF by email first, which is usually sufficient for online applications. The original with stamp and signature follows by post. If you have a tight deadline, let us know when requesting your quote, and we will confirm whether we can meet it.

Do I need to send my original Matura certificate?

No, a clear scan or photo is sufficient for the translation. The sworn translator notes that the translation was made from a copy. This is standard practice and accepted by German universities and uni-assist. You keep your original safe at home.

Will German universities definitely accept this translation?

Yes. Our translations are made by sworn translators (vereidigte Übersetzer) officially appointed by German courts. They include the translator's stamp, signature, and registration number. This is the standard required by all German universities, uni-assist, and government authorities.

When do I pay for the translation?

You pay after you receive your translation. The invoice arrives together with your completed translation. You then have 14 days to pay by bank transfer. No prepayment, no credit card, no payment apps needed.

Is my Austrian Matura automatically recognized in Germany?

The Austrian Matura is generally recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur for university admission. You can verify this in the anabin database. However, each university decides on admission individually. The certified translation ensures your qualification is clearly presented in the expected format, preventing delays in your application.

Often needed together

Abitur certificate translation

The German equivalent to your Matura. Many applicants research both terms when preparing their university applications.

School transcript translation

Some universities require additional transcripts alongside your Matura, especially for credit evaluations or specific program requirements.

University diploma translation

If you already studied in Austria and are transferring or applying for a Master's in Germany, you need both your Matura and university documents translated.

Elena Petrov
Written by
Elena Petrov
Embassy Translations | April 2026
4.9 / 5 from 687 reviews
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Get your Matura translated for your German university application

Your translation arrives first, with stamp and signature. Then you pay.

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