Proof of English language proficiency

You must provide a proof of English language proficiency to be admitted to the bachelor programme in International Legal Studies and English or multilingual master programmes at the Universitiy of Vienna.

Recognised proofs of English language proficiency at level B2

A proof of English language proficiency at level B2 is required for admission to the bachelor programme in International Legal Studies as well as to multiple master programmes taught in English and multilingual master programmes.

Proofs B2

  • Secondary-school leaving certificate with successful graduation exam in the subject English. The following conditions apply: 
    • The secondary-school leaving certificate was completed at a school of an EU/EEA country, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the USA, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
    • If the level of English proficiency is not clearly evident in the certificate, a confirmation by the school administration may be demanded.
  • "IB diploma" according to the regulations of the "International Baccalaureate Organization" with the subject English.
  • Certificate of the supplementary examination in the subject English from the University Preparation Programme of an Austrian University.
  • "Studienberechtigungszeugnis" from an Austrian university with a successfully completed examination in the subject English.
  • Degree diploma and transcript of records/diploma supplement, which fulfills all of the following conditions:
    • full-time degree programme of at least two years and
    • taught entirely in English and
    • at a university in an EU/EEA country, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the USA, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.

These proofs are valid for an unlimited time. 

Any of the above mentioned proofs at a higher level than B2, can also be accepted as proof of English language proficiency at level B2 (see FAQ).

Certificates B2

  • TOEFL: IBT (internet-based): 87 points or higher
  • IELTS Academic: Overall Band Score: 6.5 points
  • Cambridge English First Certificate (FCE): result level B2
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): result level B2
  • Language Competency Examination at level B2 by a university language centre. The language centre has to be located at a university in an EU/EEA country, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the USA, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.

These certificates may not be older than three years at the time of application.

Any of the above mentioned certificates at a higher level than B2, can also be accepted as proof of English language proficiency at level B2 (see FAQ).

Recognised proofs of English language proficiency at level C1

A proof of English language proficiency at level C1 is required for admission to the master programme in Anglophone Literatures and Cultures, the master programme in English Language and Linguistics and English (Teaching Subject) in the master programme Teacher Education.

Proofs C1

  • Degree diploma and transcript of records/diploma supplement
    • of a full-time degree programme of at least two years,
    • taught entirely in English,
    • at a university in an EU/EEA country, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the USA, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
  • English as first language (see FAQ).
  • Proof of erudite language: secondary-school leaving certificate, if the certificate was awarded at an institution
    • with English as the language of education
    • in an EU/EEA country, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the USA, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
  • These proofs are valid for an unlimited time. 

Certificates C1

  • TOEFL: IBT (internet-based): 110 points or higher
  • IELTS Academic: Overall Band Score: 8 (at least 7.5 per component)
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): Grade A
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): Grade C or higher

These proofs may not be older than three years at the time of application.

Recognised proofs of English language proficiency at level C2

A proof of English language proficiency at level C2 is required for the master programme in Translation, if one of the working languages is English.

Proofs C2

  • Degree diploma and transcript of records/diploma supplement

    • of a full-time degree programme of at least two years,
    • taught entirely in English,
    • at a university in an EU/EEA country, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the USA, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
  • Degree diploma and transcript of records/diploma supplement
    • of a completed degree programme,
    • with English language specific courses,
    • to the extent of at least 36 ECTS.

These proofs are valid for an unlimited time. 

Certificates C2

  • TOEFL: IBT (internet-based): 115 points or higher
  • IELTS Academic: Overall Band Score: 8 or higher
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): Grade A
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): Grade C or higher

These proofs may not be older than three years at the time of application. 

 Legal basis (only available in German)

 FAQ

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  • I had English lessons in school. Is this a proof of English language proficiency?

    Having had English lessons in school is not sufficient as proof of language proficiency.

    A secondary-school leaving certificate with successful graduation exam in the subject English from a school in an EU/EEA country, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the USA, New Zealand or Canada is an accepted proof, if the level of English proficiency is noted as B2 or higher.

    If the level is not clearly evident in the certificate, a confirmation by the school administration may be demanded.

  • I have completed my studies in a non-EU/EEA country. Does this count as proof of English language proficiency?

    No. Only the proofs mentioned above are accepted. 

    Exception: If you have completed a degree of at least two years, taught entirely in English, at an educational institution in an EU/EEA country, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the USA, Australia, New Zealand or Canada, it is accepted as proof of English language proficiency. 

  • I have a secondary-school leaving certificate from a non-EU/EEA country with the subject English. Does this count of proof of English language proficiency?

    No. Only the proofs mentioned above are accepted. 

    Exception: If you have completed your secondary-school leaving certificate at an educational institution in an EU/EEA country, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the USA, Australia, New Zealand or Canada, it is accepted as proof of English language proficiency. 

  • Are there any bachelor programmes taught in English?

    No. The language of instruction for all bachelor/diploma programmes at the University of Vienna is German, even if individual courses are taught (partly) in another language. Therefore, a proof of German language proficiency at level C1 is required for admission to all bachelor/diploma programmes.

    The bachelor programme in International Legal Studies is taught in German and English. Therefore, a proof of English language proficiency at level B2 is required in addition to the proof of German language proficiency.

    For admission to all other bachelor/diploma programmes, no proof of English language proficiency is required. 

  • My English certificate is not in the list. Can it be accepted?

    No. Only the proofs and certificates mentioned above are accepted.

  • English is my first language, but I do not have any of the proofs mentioned above. Do I have to take an exam?

    If you do not have a proof of your language proficiency at level C1, the University of Vienna may prescribe an assessment by an institution chosen by the university in the course of the admission procedure. You have to pay any potentially occurring costs yourself. 

  • I have a proof of English language proficiency at level C1. However, only a proof of English language proficiency at level B2 is required for my degree programme. Do I have to provide a separate proof?

    No. Upload your C1-proof in your application at "Further documents and proofs" as "Certificate of proficiency in English at level B2".

  • I have not yet received my secondary-school leaving certificate and want to apply for admission to the bachelor programme in International Legal Studies. How should I proceed?

    Upload the final transcript of your previous school year as "Certificate of proficiency in English at level B2" at "Further documents and proofs" in your application for admission in u:space. 

    You have to upload the secondary-school leaving certificate with the exam in the subject English before you complete the admission procedure.