Proof of German/English knowledge

To study at the University of Vienna, language proficiency in German and/or English usually corresponding to level C1 is required. If the main communication in your discipline/research group is either German or English, sufficient language competence is required.

We strongly recommend that you submit available proof of language proficiency (German and/or English) with your application, unless it is evident from your curriculum vitae. Please mention your language skills also in your curriculum vitae.

The director of the doctoral study programme assesses your application and finally decides which language skills (German/English) are necessary for the admission to the respective doctoral/PhD programme. If your knowledge of German or English does not meet the requirements, your application will be rejected. Naturally it is possible to submit another application at a later date.

Please contact your prospective supervisor and discuss the language requirements for your doctoral project with him/her before you submit your application.

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

    For doctoral programmes that are entirely held in German, proof of German knowledge on level C1 is required (see list). When submitting the application, German language proof at least on level A2 has to be uploaded. If it is missing, the application will be rejected.

    The required supplementary examination German (Ergänzungsprüfung Deutsch) has to be passed without exception at the VWU. You have to register for courses and exams at VWU during the registration period (https://vorstudienlehrgang.at/en/vienna/course-registration/ ) and show the confirmation of your course registration to the officials at the admittance office of the University of Vienna. After checking your identity card and your diplomas and transcripts you will be enrolled as non-degree programme student at the University.

    For enrolment in a degree programme, you need a proof of language according to the following list. Please note that certificates of other institutions are not accepted.

  • 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

Proof

  • School-leaving certificate from a school where the language of instruction is German and all exams are carried out in German. This applies also for Austrian or German schools abroad
  • Graduation from a study programme of at least 3 years duration at a university or school where the teaching language is German

  • Passing of the supplementary exam German (Ergänzungsprüfung Deutsch) at a University Preparation Programme from an Austrian university

These types of proof are valid for an unlimited time.

 

Certificate

  • Österreichisches Sprachdiplom – ÖSD Zertifikat (Level according to the admission letter) 
  • Goethe Institut – Goethe Zertifikat
  • telc Deutsch „C1 Hochschule“
  • Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer StudienwerberInnen DSH2
  • Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz DSD II
  • Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (Test DaF), minimum TDN 4 in all parts
  • Language Center of the University of Vienna – Course and successfully passed exam (Level according to the admission letter)

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

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.