Studying at the University of Vienna

German language proficiency

To be admitted to German-language or multilingual degree programmes, you need to provide proof of your German 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 German language proficiency do I need?

The following applies to all bachelor’s and diploma programmes instructed in German:

  • In your application, you need a proof of German language proficiency at level A2 (or higher).
  • To be admitted, you must provide proof of German language proficiency at level C1.

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

  • In your application, you need a proof of German language proficiency at level A2 (or higher) and proof of English language proficiency at level B2.
  • To be admitted, you must provide proof of German language proficiency at level C1.

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 all master's programmes instructed in German:

  • In your application, you need a proof of German language proficiency at level A2 (or higher).
  • To be admitted, you must provide proof of German language proficiency at level C1.

Exception:

  • For the master's programme in German as a Foreign and Second Language, you must already have level C1 when you apply for the programme.

The following applies to all multilingual master’s programmes:

  • When applying, you need a proof of German language proficiency at level A2 (or higher).
  • To be admitted, you must provide proof of German language proficiency at level C1.
  • You also need additional language proficiency. You can find more information on this in the relevant Master Access Guide.

Excemptions:

  • For the master's programmes in Philosophy, Geographies of Global Change and Sustainability Transformations, Physical Geography: Environmental Dynamics and Sustainability, and Spatial Data Science and GeoCommunication, German language proficiency at level A2 is sufficient.
  • For the master's programme in Translation and Interpreting, you must have German language proficiency at level C2 at the time of application.

For all master's programmes instructed in English, you do not need to provide proof of your German language proficiency, but rather proof of your English language proficiency.

Which German language proofs are accepted?

Please note:

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

German language proficiency at level A2

  • Proofs A2

    The proofs mentioned here are valid indefinitely:

    • School report of a secondary-school including the subject German
    • Passed courses of 8 ECTS credits or 200 hours instructed in German within a degree programme at a recognised post-secondary educational institution

  • Certificates A2

    The following certificates may not be older than two years:

    • Österreichisches Sprachdiplom – A2 (ÖSD Zertifikat A2, ZA2) or higher
    • Goethe Institut – Goethe Zertifikat A2 or higher
    • telc Deutsch – A2 or higher
    • Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz Stufe I – DSD I or higher
    • Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (ÖIF) – ÖIF Test (A2) or higher
    • Language Center of an Austrian University – successfully passed exam of level A2 or higher
    • Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (Test DaF) with at least level TDN 3 in all parts or higher

German language proficiency at level C1

  • Proofs C1

    The proofs listed here are valid indefinitely:

    • Secondary-school leaving certificate from a German-speaking school (with German as the language of instruction and examination) or an Austrian or German school abroad
    • Completion of a degree programme of at least three years with German as the language of instruction at a recognised post-secondary educational institution
    • Passing of the supplementary examination in German (Ergänzungsprüfung Deutsch) at a University Preparation Programme of an Austrian university

  • Certificates C1

    The following certificates may not be older than three years:

    • Österreichisches Sprachdiplom – ÖSD Zertifikat C1 (formerly called: C1 Oberstufe Deutsch)
    • Goethe Institut – Goethe Zertifikat C1
    • telc Deutsch “C1 Hochschule”
    • Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang DSH2
    • Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz DSD II
    • Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (Test DaF), at least TDN 4 in all parts
    • Language Center of the University of Vienna – course and successfully passed exam of level C1/2 or higher
    • Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (ÖIF) – ÖIF Test (C1) or higher

German course in the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (VWU)

To achieve the level C1 required for admission to a degree programme, you can attend a German course as part of the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (VWU).

FAQ Knowledge of German

No, please only submit your application once you have all required documents. Applications without a proof of German language proficiency at level A2 will be rejected without exception.

You could also first take a private German course, achieve the required German language proficiency at level C1 and then complete the admission procedure at the University of Vienna.

You would like to take a German course in Austria, but not at the VWU? Please clarify with the Austrian Embassy, the Austrian Consulate or Magistratsabteilung 35 (Municipal Department 35) in advance what impact this will have on your residence permit.

Once you have been admitted to the non-degree programme “University Programme Preparation Programme”, you must also take the supplementary German examination there. Other certificates or proofs will then no longer be accepted.

Your citizenship is no proof of your German language proficiency.

Is German your first language, and do you have German language proficiency at level C1 in writing, speaking, listening and reading?
In this case, please upload a sworn statement (= a statement of facts with your signature) under the items “Proof of German language proficiency A2” and “Proof of German language proficiency C1”. In this statement, confirm that German is your first language.

Please note: Once you have been admitted to the degree programme, you will no longer be able to attend a German course at the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities. The Admission Office has the right to request proof of German language proficiency in case of doubt.

No, it is not possible to attend a German language course at the VWU for the following degree programmes:

Bachelor's programmes

  • Mathematical Foundations of Data Science

Master's programmes

  • If the language of instruction is English
  • German as a Foreign and Second Language
  • Geographies of Global Change and Sustainability Transformations
  • Philosophy
  • Physical Geography: Environmental Dynamics and Sustainability
  • Spatial Data Science and GeoCommunication
  • Translation

You need proof of German language proficiency for all bachelor’s and diploma programmes. The only exemption is Mathematical Foundations of Data Science (programme instructed in English)

  • In your application, you must provide proof of German language proficiency at level A2 (or higher).
  • It is up to you to decide whether your German language skills are sufficient for the written test. Dictionaries are not permitted during the test.

Here you will find detailed information about the German language proficiency requirements for bachelor’s/diploma programmes with entrance exam/aptitude test procedure.

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