Abiturienten

Abiturienten are students in the German-speaking education system who are in the final phase of Gymnasium or its equivalents and are on track to obtain the Allgemeine Hochschulreife, the general university entrance qualification. The Abitur, earned after completing 12 or 13 years of schooling depending on the state, certifies that the holder is eligible to study at universities and, in Germany, at universities of applied sciences.

The exact examination structure varies by state, but the Abitur generally includes written exams in several subjects and, in many cases, oral examinations. Students typically take advanced level courses (Leistungskurse) or equivalent subjects and complete assessments across a range of disciplines. The final grade combines coursework results with examination outcomes.

Abiturienten are usually aged around 18 to 19 at graduation. After obtaining the Abitur, they may enroll in universities or higher education institutions. Others pursue vocational training, apprenticeships, a gap year, or civilian service before or instead of higher education. The Abitur is the standard entry qualification for German universities; exceptions exist, such as for certain programs or regional rules.

In Austria, the corresponding term for a student preparing for or having completed the university entrance qualification is Maturant; the German Abitur concept is broadly parallel but with different exam structures.