Studying at the University of Vienna

English language proficiency

To be admitted to English-language, bilingual or multilingual degree programmes, you need to provide proof of your English language proficiency. 

On this page, you can find out which proofs and certificates we accept and what level of language proficiency you need.

Our tip

Choose from our range of degree programmes and check the study profile for details on the required language proficiency.

What proof of English language proficiency do I need?

For the English-instructed bachelor's programme in Mathematical Foundations of Data Science, you need proof of English language proficiency at level B2. Proof of German language proficiency is not required.

The following applies to the bilingual bachelor’s programme in International Legal Studies:

For most master's programmes instructed in English you need proof of English language proficiency at level B2 for your application.

Exceptions:

  • For the master's programme in Anglophone Literatures and Cultures, English Language and Linguistics and the School Subject English you need proof of English language proficiency at level C1.
  • For the master's programme in Translation you need proof of English language proficiency at level C2, if one of your working languages is English.

To be admitted to bilingual or multilingual master's programmes, you need proof of English language proficiency and additional knowledge of languages.You can find out which languages these are and what level is required in the relevant Master Access Guide.

Which proofs of English language proficiency are accepted?

Please note:

We only accept the proofs and certificates listed on this page. There are no excemptions!

English language proficiency at level B2

  • Proofs B2

    The proofs mentioned here are valid indefinitely:

    • 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.
      • The Austrian secondary-school leaving certificate (Matura) of the Corona year 2021 is equal to other secondary-school leaving certificates.
    • "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.

  • Certificates B2

    The following certificates may not be older than three years:

    • TOEFL: IBT (internet-based): 94 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.

English language proficiency at level C1

  • Proofs C1

    The proofs mentioned here are valid indefinitely:

    • 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
    • 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.

  • Certificates C1

    The following certificates may not be older than three years:

    • 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

FAQ English language proficiency

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.

No, any of the certificates listed above at a level higher than B2 may also be recognised as proof of English language proficiency at level B2. Upload your C1-proof in your application at "Further documents and proofs" as "Certificate of proficiency in English at level B2".

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.