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Language certificates

In order to study at university, your proficiency in the language used to teach the course must be very high. In Germany, courses are usually taught in German. Some courses of study are taught in English, but proof of German proficiency may still be required.

German

From each university of your choice, find out what proof of proficiency in German is accepted and which level of proficiency is required.

    Overview of different proofs of German language proficiency:

    This is a certificate that attests proficiency in a language at a specific level.

    All universities accept the following language certificates:

    • DSH
    • TestDaF (You can find notes on submitting this in our FAQs)
    • Certificates issued by the Goethe-Institut
    • The DSD German language diploma (“Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz”)

    Required proficiency levels may vary between different universities and courses of study.

    This confirms that you have taken or are taking a language class. Many universities do not accept this as proof of language proficiency.

    Proof of having taken a certain number of German language class hours. Universities rarely accept this as sole proof of language proficiency.

    A confirmation of registration attests that you have signed up for a language class or language exam. A confirmation of registration is very rarely accepted as sufficient proof of language proficiency.

    Both of these are accepted only by few universities as proof of language proficiency. In general, you will have to submit an additional language certificate.

    English

    From each university of your choice, find out which proofs of English proficiency are accepted and which level of proficiency is required.

    Overview of different proofs of English language proficiency:

    Universities require a certain minimum score for the IELTS. We can verify your certificate (IELTS Test Report Form) online.

    There are 3 different types of TOEFL. Universities require a minimum score for each of them. We can verify your certificate (Test Taker Score Report) online.

    You can prove the language of instruction by means of the following documents:

    • A Degree certificate or transcript of records which confirms that English was the language of instruction during your studies

    • Written confirmation from your university that English was the language of instruction

    • A link to the page of your university’s website that confirms that English is the language of instruction of your degree programme. Important: We must be able to copy the link. Please do not upload screenshots of links!

    Only a few universities accept this as proof of English language proficiency.

    uni-assist can verify the Cambridge English language certificates FCE, CAE, and CPE online.

    Important: Your certificate must show the Statement of Results Number.

    Find out from your chosen universities if these are accepted.

    Other languages

    For some courses (such as courses of study with an international focus), proficiencies in other languages may be required. Find out from each of your chosen universities exactly what proofs of proficiency they accept and which level of proficiency they require.

    Have you assembled all of the required documents? Do you have the necessary translations?

    Continue with the next step.

    Apply online