Language Certificates for Studying

For Degree Programmes in German

For all degree programmes (bachelor & master) with the teaching language German, the necessary German language skills at C1-level of the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) have to be proven at the beginning of studies, i.e. latest at time of enrollment at the Viadrina, at the latest.

Be aware, already with the application documents a proof of your current German language skills must be submitted, so that it can be determined:

• whether this knowledge is already sufficient for the degree programme (see below),
• or whether you need to take the DSH or an equivalent exam before starting your studies (min. B2),
• or whether enrolment will not be possible due to insufficient language skills.
  
  

You can study at the Viadrina with the following German certificates.

1. German language test for university entrance (DSH)*

The DSH ("Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang") allows you access to German Higher Education. All German institutions of higher education will recognize this exam as long as you have passed it with the level DSH-2 (DSD II) or above.

The DSH exam can be taken directly at German universities, including Viadrina. The Viadrina Language Centre offers a preparation course before the exam. Details on the DSH exam (for example the exam date) shall be included in the information about admission. For specific questions about the preparation course and the exam, please contact the Language Centre.

2. Test of German as a foreign language (TestDaF)*

German language skills can also be proven with the TestDaF ("Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache"). This test can be taken at TestDaF institutes all over the world. In order to study at Viadrina, you need to achieve at least level 4 (TDN 4) in all four parts of the test.

3. German university entrance qualification ("Abitur")

A German university entrance qualification based on "Abitur" and equivalent German secondary school leaving certificates are considered proof of proficiency in German, as well as German-language secondary school qualifications equivalent to the Abitur from e.g. Austria and Switzerland.

4. German language diploma  (DSD)*

The DSD ("Deutsches Sprachdiplom") of the the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs ("Kultusministerkonferenz") passed on 2nd level, i.e. a DSD II proving level C1 in all 4 components of the exam is also accepted.

5. Language diploma of the Goethe-Institut (GDS)*

Another recognised proof of sufficient language certificate is the GDS ("Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes deutsches Sprachdiplom") from the German Goethe-Institut. The "Goethe-Zertifikat C1" is not sufficient.

6. German university degree

If you have successfully completed a German-language degree programme at a German university, with a standard period of study of at least 6 semesters, you do not need any further proof of language proficiency.

7. Preparatory course / university qualification exam*

If you have passed the DSH-equivalent language test at a German preparatory course / university qualification exam ("Studienkolleg / Feststellungsprüfung") you do not need any further proof of language proficiency.

8. The European Language Certificates (telc)*

The "telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule" with an overall grade of "good" (i.e. at least 172 points) is recognised as sufficient proof of German. The non-profit telc GmbH is a full member of the "Association of Language Testers in Europe" (ALTE). telc language exams can be taken at over 3,000 examination centres in 20 countries, including adult education centres and private language schools.

* If this certificate is older than 3 years, you must either submit a current certificate or take our DSH-2 exam.

For for Degree Programmes in English

For degree programmes (bachelor & master) with the teaching language English, the necessary knowledge of English must be proven at the beginning of the programme, i.e. when enrolling at Viadrina, at the latest.

• The accepted proofs and the requirements for the level of English language proficiency vary depending on the degree programme. Please inform yourself accordingly.
• If German is required as a language of study in addition to English, the above requirements apply.
  
  

Additional Language Skills

Please note that, depending on the degree programme (bachelor & master), additional language skills may be required in addition to the language of study. Such must be proven at the beginning of the programme, i.e. when enrolling at Viadrina, at the latest.

• The accepted certificates and the requirements for the level of these additional language skills vary depending on the degree programme. Please inform yourself accordingly.