Division 21 is responsible for ministerial tasks relating to general education schools – primary schools, secondary schools, grammar schools and upper grammar school levels – as well as for subjects organised by subject area, and for examinations and qualifications. In addition, the division handles policy matters concerning schools abroad, careers guidance and competitions. The assessment of foreign school qualifications also falls within the remit of Department 21.
The establishment and operation of an alternative school requires prior state approval and must be applied for with the necessary documents from the responsible authority.
Find out how to apply for approval of an alternative school here.
How can teachers work at a private alternative school? Find out more here.
You would like to apply for grade protection at a school.
As a parent or guardian, you may decide that your child should not attend religious education classes at school.
Here you will find information on the recognition of the equivalence of a school-leaving qualification obtained in another federal state.
Would you like to have your International Baccalaureate Diploma/Diplôme du Baccalauréat International recognized for the purpose of vocational education and training or employment? Send us your application and the complete documents.
Would you like to have your school-leaving certificate obtained abroad recognized for the purpose of vocational education and training or employment? Send us your application and the complete documents.
You live abroad and would like to enroll your child in a German school? Find out more about German schools abroad here.
Would you like to apply for compensation for disadvantages at a school in the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen? Find out more here.
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The official information in German is complete and correct.
Updated on 08.09.2026