Proof of German/English knowledge

In order to be able to complete a doctoral program at the University of Vienna, in addition to subject-specific language skills, sufficient knowledge of German and/or English, usually at level C1, is required. On the one hand, this allows you to communicate within your academic community and, on the other hand, enables you to complete courses to fulfill the curriculum or any stipulations.

We therefore strongly recommend that you submit proof of your German or English language proficiency at the time of application. Please explicitly list your various language skills in your CV and upload any existing language certificates.

It is also advisable to discuss the language skills required for your studies with your future supervisor before submitting your application.

Your language proficiency will be evaluated as part of the content review of your application. If your language skills are insufficient, your application will be rejected.

German knowledge

There are two alternatives for the requirement of German knowledge:

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  • Proof of German knowledge for programmes held entirely in German

    Application: At least one A2 certificate must be uploaded when applying for admission to a German-language degree program (see "Recognized German certificates A2"). Applications without proof are inadmissible and will be rejected. (Verordnung des Rektorats zum Sprachlevel zum Zeitpunkt der Antragstellung auf Zulassung zum Studium, Mitteilungsblatt vom 19.12.2019, 6. Stück, Nr. 29)

     

    Admission: For doctoral studies where the language of instruction is German (list), knowledge of German at level C1 is required for admission: (Verordnung des Rektorats zum Sprachlevel bei der Zulassung zum Studium, Mitteilungsblatt vom 14.12.2023,5. Stück, Nr. 27)

    The following options are available for proof of C1:

    For direct admission as a regular student to a German-language degree programme, you need a language certificate or proof corresponding to the "Anerkannte Deutschnachweise C1" listed below. Please note that only certificates from the listed institutions will be accepted.

    If you are unable to provide a language certificate at level C1, you must take a supplementary examination at Vorstudienlehrgang (VWU). Register for the German course during the registration period of the VWU and present the confirmation at the doctoral admissions office of the University of Vienna. After verification of your identity and your diplomas (uploaded in u:space), you will be enrolled as an associate student at the University of Vienna. After successfully completing the supplementary examination, you will be admitted as a regular student upon application.

    Exception: For the following German-language degree programs, a language certificate at level C1 is currently not required and a language certificate at level B2 is required instead: List

  • Proof of German knowledge is required in the admission letter

    If you have not uploaded any proof of German language knowledge but it is required during the application process by the University of Vienna, the only way to get a language certificate, is at the VWU (Vorstudienlehrgang of the Viennese Universities). During this time you will be be enrolled as non-degree programme student at the University.

    Please note that for registering at the VWU you need already a proof of German knowledge on level A2! If the German language proof is required but has not been uploaded, you will be contacted via e-mail and get the possibility to catch up on this within 4 weeks.

    a) If you are in possession of a German certificate (at least on level A2) upload it within 4 weeks in u:space

    b) If you have no proof of German knowledge the application will be rejected (and may be resubmitted at a later time)

Which certificates and types of proof are accepted?


Proof of German knowledge

English knowledge

If you have not provided proof of English language proficiency (uploaded in u:space) at the time of application, but it is necessary for your studies, you will be informed in writing by e-mail and given a 4-week grace period:

a) Proof of English available: can be uploaded to u:space within 4 weeks

b) Proof of English not available: the application will be rejected (of course, a new application can be submitted at a later date).

 

 

 

Proof of English knowledge:

Proof B2

  • School-leaving certificate from a school where the language of instruction is English and all exams are carried out in English.
  • Graduation from a study programme of at least 3 years duration at a university or school where the teaching language is English

These types of proof are valid for an unlimited time.

Proof C1

  • Graduation from a school where the teaching language is English
  • Graduation from a study programme of at least 2 years duration at a university within the EU/EEA, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand where the teaching language is English

These types of proof are valid for an unlimited time.

Certificate B2

  • TOEFL: at least 87 points;
  • IELTS: Overall Band Score: 6,5;
  • Cambridge Certificate - Advanced (CAE): Level B2;
  • Cambridge English - Proficiency (CPE): Level B2;
  • University Language Center Certificate of B2

The certificate must not be older than three years otherwise a new examination has to be done.

Certificate C1

  • TOEFL: ibt (internet-base): at least 110 points;
  • IELTS: Overall Band Score: 8 (at least 7,5 per unit);
  • Cambridge English - Advanced: Grade A;
  • Cambridge English - Proficiency: from Grade C on;
  • University Language Center Certificate of C1;

The certificate must not be older than three years otherwise a new examination has to be done.