Senior Subjects: German Students
Understanding the Irish Leaving Certificate for German Families
If your child is planning to complete the Irish Leaving Certificate and later apply to German universities, it’s important to understand how subject choices affect recognition. The Irish Leaving Certificate is a two-year programme where students typically take 6–8 subjects, including core areas like languages, mathematics, sciences, and humanities. German authorities generally require a broad academic profile for Abitur equivalence, so vocational subjects (such as Business Studies or Accounting) may not count toward this recognition.
The information provided here is based on the official KMK guidelines (RS2017-286-BV-Irland.pdf), but requirements can vary depending on the German federal state and the specific university course. Always double-check with the relevant recognition authority and the university for any additional subject or grade requirements.
Valid Subjects for Abitur Equivalence
- These are considered general academic subjects and count toward recognition:
- Languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, other modern languages
- Mathematics: Mathematics
- Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Humanities: History, Geography, Economics
- Arts: Art, Music
Conditionally Accepted
- Agricultural Science (sometimes accepted as a science subject; check with the relevant German authority)
- Design & Communication Graphics (usually treated as vocational; rarely accepted)
Not Accepted
These subjects are considered vocational or practical and do not count toward Abitur equivalence:- Business Studies
- Accounting
- Home Economics
- Construction Studies
Equivalence & Points Conversion
- Irish CAO points for German Abitur are based on the Durchschnittsnote (overall average grade), assuming enough distinct recognised subjects and no repeat attempts.
- Sample conversion table:
- 1.0 → 600 points
- 1.5 → 531 points
- 2.0 → 477 points
- 2.5 → 411 points
- 3.0 → 331 points
- 3.5 → 267 points
- 4.0 → 225 points
Minimum Requirements
- 6 distinct academic subjects
- At least two at Higher Level (H5 or better)
- Must include:
- Two languages (English + another language)
- Mathematics
- One science or humanities subject
