Language Certificates for Studying

For Degree Programs in German

For all degree programs (bachelor & master) with teaching language German at the European University Viadrina, proof of sufficient German language proficiency for studies must be provided upon enrollment, i.e. before the start of the program. This requires German language skills at a minimum level of C1 according to the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR). 

Below you find the accepted certificates and the applying requirements.

Be aware, a proof of your current German language skills must be submitted along with your application documents. This makes it possible to determine:

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

Accepted Certificates and Requirements

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 European University 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 program 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 the DSH exam.

For for Degree Programs in English

For degree programs taught entirely in English (Bachelor and Master), the required English language proficiency must be proven at the start of the program, i.e. no later than at the time of enrolment at the European University Viadrina.

• The accepted proofs and the requirements for the level of English language proficiency vary depending on the degree program. 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 program (bachelor & master), additional language skills may be required in addition to the language of study. Such must be proven at the beginning of the program, i.e. when enrolling at European University Viadrina, at the latest.

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