Entrance exam procedure

German language proficiency for bachelor's and diploma programmes with entrance exam procedure

You need German language proficiency for all bachelor's and diploma programmes. The only exception is Mathematical Foundations of Data Science (because it is instructed in English).

  • When you apply, you must provide a proof of German language proficiency at level A2.
  • You decide for yourself whether your level of German is sufficient for the written test. Dictionaries are not allowed during the test.
  • To be admitted to the degree programme, you need level C1. To reach this level, you can attend a German course as part of the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (VWU).

Find out everything you need to know about the recognised German language certificates and the VWU on this page.

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We accept the following proofs of German

German language proficiency at level A2

  • Proofs

    We only accept these proofs. There are no exceptions!

    • School report of a secondary-school including the subject German
    • Passed courses of 8 ECTS credits or 200 hours instructed in German within a degree programme at a recognised post-secondary educational institution

    The proofs mentioned here are valid indefinitely.

  • Certificates

    We only accept these certificates. There are no exceptions!

    • Österreichisches Sprachdiplom – A2 (ÖSD Zertifikat A2, ZA2) or higher
    • Goethe Institut – Goethe Zertifikat A2 or higher
    • telc Deutsch – A2 or higher
    • Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz Stufe I – DSD I or higher
    • Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (ÖIF) – ÖIF Test (A2) or higher
    • Language Center of an Austrian University – successfully passed exam of level A2 or higher
    • Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (Test DaF) with at least level TDN 3 in all parts or higher

    The certificates may not be older than 2 years.

German language proficiency at level C1

  • Proofs

    We only accept these proofs. There are no exceptions!

    • Secondary-school leaving certificate from a German-speaking school (with German as the language of instruction and examination*) or an Austrian or German school abroad
    • Completion of a degree programme of at least three years with German as the language of instruction at a recognised post-secondary educational institution
    • Passing of the supplementary exam in German (Ergänzungsprüfung Deutsch) at a University Preparation Programme of an Austrian university

    *Secondary-school leaving certificates from Austria, Germany, South Tyrol, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein are C1 certificates. You do not need to upload a proof of German with your application.

    The proofs listed here are valid indefinitely.

  • Certificates

    We only accept these certificates. There are no exceptions!

    • Österreichisches Sprachdiplom – ÖSD Zertifikat C1 (formerly called: C1 Oberstufe Deutsch)
    • Goethe Institut – Goethe Zertifikat C1
    • telc Deutsch “C1 Hochschule”
    • Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang DSH2
    • Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz DSD II
    • Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (Test DaF), at least level 4 in all parts
    • Language Center of the University of Vienna – course and successfully passed exam of level C1/2
    • Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (ÖIF) – ÖIF Test (C1) or higher

    The certificates may not be older than 3 years.

FAQ Knowledge of German

No, but: If you already have a German language certificate at level B1 or higher, please upload it with your application as a document type “Proof of German language proficiency at level A2”. This is a mandatory field. You cannot submit your application without uploading this document.

No, please only submit your application once you have all required documents. Applications without a proof of German language proficiency at level A2 will be rejected without exception.

Of course, you can first take a private German course, achieve the required German language proficiency and then complete the admission procedure at the University of Vienna. You can find the recognised proofs of German at level C1 further up on this page.

You would like to take a German course in Austria, but not at the VWU? Please clarify with the Austrian Embassy, the Austrian Consulate or Magistratsabteilung 35 (Municipal Department 35) in advance what impact this will have on your residence permit.

Once you have been admitted to the non-degree programme “University Programme Preparation Programme”, you must also take the supplementary German examination there. Other certificates or proofs will then no longer be accepted.

Your citizenship is no proof of your German language proficiency.

Is German your first language? 
Do you consider your German language proficiency to be of at least at level C1 in terms of written and spoken language as well as listening and reading comprehension? If so, please upload a sworn statement (= a statement of facts with your signature) under the items “Proof of German language proficiency A2” and “Proof of German language proficiency C1”. In this statement, confirm that German is your first language.

Please note: Once you have been admitted to the degree programme, you will no longer be able to attend a German course at the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities. The Admission Office has the right to request proof of German language proficiency in case of doubt.