Studying at a German university offers an opportunity to earn a European degree, meet students from all over the world, and build a long-term career in Germany. Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees. Students are only required to pay a semester contribution.
However, without sufficient German language skills, it is difficult to successfully apply for admission to a German-taught degree programme and complete your studies. But what language level is required for admission? Which language certificates are recognised by German universities, and what determines their specific requirements? In this article, you will also learn how to plan your language preparation if your current German level is A1, A2, B1, or B2.
What Level of German Is Required for University Admission?
In most cases, prospective students applying for a German-taught degree programme must demonstrate German language proficiency at C1 level. One way to prove this is by successfully passing the DSH-2 examination. This level of German enables students to follow lectures, read academic literature, actively participate in seminars, write academic papers, and take examinations.
Depending on the university and degree programme, the requirements may be even higher. For example, some universities require applicants to pass the DSH-3 examination for programmes such as Medicine or Law.
For some bilingual bachelor’s degree programmes, German and the second language of instruction at B2 level may be sufficient for admission. Examples include:
- Bilingual Computer Science at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, where German and English are the languages of instruction.
- Mechanical Engineering at Saarland University of Applied Sciences (htw saar) in Saarbrücken, where German and French are the languages of instruction. English proficiency at B1 level is also required.
International applicants whose secondary school leaving certificates do not qualify them for direct admission to a German university usually have to attend a Studienkolleg (preparatory college) first. This often applies to school graduates from countries outside the European Union.
Studienkolleg preparation normally takes two semesters, or one academic year. In addition to German, the curriculum includes subjects related to the intended field of study. Depending on the chosen specialisation, these may include Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, or Humanities subjects.
However, a Studienkolleg is not intended for learning German from scratch. Applicants are generally required to have German language skills at B1 level to be admitted. Some Studienkollegs already require B2. Applicants must take an entrance examination in German. For technical and economics-focused courses, an additional Mathematics test may also be required.
The programme concludes with the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP), an assessment examination. After passing it successfully, graduates can apply for degree programmes in their chosen subject area at German universities.
Which Language Certificates Are Recognised by German Universities?
Language requirements vary from one university to another and may even differ between individual degree programmes.
International applicants applying for German-taught degree programmes are generally required to provide a recognised certificate proving their German language proficiency. The most widely accepted language examinations include:
Some universities also accept certificates issued by the Goethe-Institut or the ÖSD (Austrian German Language Diploma). The required language level depends on the specific degree programme.
Therefore, make sure to check the exact admission requirements before applying. University websites provide information about which language certificates are accepted and what level of German is required for your chosen degree programme.
Learning German for University Studies: Language Preparation with IISC
Would you like to study in Germany but have never learned German before? At IISC, you can start preparing from scratch. If you already have some knowledge of German, you can continue learning from your current level.
With IISC’s free online placement test, you can determine your current German language level. The results will help you choose the right course group at A1, A2, B1, B2, or C1 level, as well as the most suitable learning module.
Thanks to IISC’s online German courses, you can start preparing linguistically for university studies in Germany while still in your home country. Find out how much time you may need to reach the required language level in our article, “Your Roadmap to Learning German for University Studies: From A1 to C1.”
You can first achieve B1 or B2 proficiency in German and then continue your preparation at a Studienkolleg. Alternatively, you can develop your language skills up to C1 level and prepare specifically for direct admission to a German-taught degree programme.
To help students prepare for the telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule examination, IISC offers a two-week exam preparation course. After completing the course, you can take the examination directly at our institute on a date of your choice. Once you pass, you will receive an official language certificate.
Would you like to start preparing for university studies in Germany? Explore our German courses and find out about upcoming course start dates. If you have any questions or would like personalised advice, simply submit an enquiry via the IISC website.