Proof of language proficiency for international applicants
Success in your studies requires that you have the necessary language skills. In order to avoid any problems with enrolment or even with your studies that could arise due to insufficient language skills, applicants must already prove at the time of application that they have sufficient knowledge of the formal language of instruction in their desired degree programmes.
If further language skills are required in a course of studies, these can usually be submitted at the time of enrolment, sometimes even later. More detailed information can be found in the examination regulations of the degree programmes.
German Language Skills
As a rule, at the time of application (unless otherwise specified in the respective examination regulations), proof of German language proficiency at the level of at least B2 must be provided for all German taught programmes.
German language proficiency can be proven by submitting one of the following language certificates:
When the DSH-2 is required:
- Telc C1 Hochschule
- Goethe C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS)
- TestDaF (at least 16 points - no part under 4)
for master's programme Intercultural German Studies at least 17 points - DSD Diploma (Level 2)
- DSH2 certificate
- Certificate of the internal German language exam of the University of Bayreuth for the winter semester 2020/21
with "Result corresponds to the DSH2 level"
When C1 is required:
- Telc C1 Hochschule
- Goethe C1
- TestDaF (at least 16 points - no part under 4)
- DSD Diploma (Level 2)
- DSH2 certificate
- Certificate of the internal German language exam of the University of Bayreuth for the winter semester 2020/21
with "Result corresponds to the DSH2 level"
When B2 is required:
- Telc B2
- Goethe B2
- TestDaF (at least 14 points - no part under 3)
- B2 certificate IIK Bayreuth
- DSH1 certificate
- Certificate of the internal German language exam of the University of Bayreuth for the winter semester 2020/21
with "Result corresponds to the DSH1 level"
- I have none of the listed certificates at the level of at least B2.Hide
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If at the time of application you do not yet have any of the listed language certificates but can present some other reliable language certificate showing that you have German language skills at the required level (but at least at the level of B2), you will be required to take our DSH examination. This examination is always held at the University of Bayreuth shortly before the start of the semester. Depending on the requirements of your desired course of studies, you must achieve at least DSH-1 or DSH-2 in the examination.
- What happens if I don't pass or miss the DSH exam?Hide
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If you cannot present proof passing the DSH examination with the required result or an exemption for enrolment, it will unfortunately not be possible to enrol.
- I can provide proof of German language skills below B2 level and am interested in a German taught programme. Hide
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Proof of German language skills at a level below B2 does not allow access to German taught programmes.
- I have applied for an English-taught master's programme. Do I have to prove my German language proficiency?Hide
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As a rule, in addition to your knowledge of English, you must also prove your knowledge of German at the level A1 (e.g. with a Goethe or Unicert certificate). If you have no knowledge of German at the time of your application, you have the option of turning this in by the end of the 2nd semester. German courses are offered at the University of Bayreuth’s Language Centre. More language courses in Bayreuth can be found through the IIK or the Volkshochschule.
German language exam in Winter Semester 2020/21
Due to the coronavirus crisis, the University of Bayreuth will be offering an internal German language exam in Winter Semester 2020/21, which entitles students to study at the University of Bayreuth. This has the level of the official DSH exam. No registered DSH certificate is issued for passing the exam.
The German language test will take place in the following period:
28 October - 6 November 2020
Only those who have received preliminary admission to study at the University of Bayreuth can participate. From the end of July 2020, an application form and an information sheet will be e-mailed to all applicants who need to take the German language test as an enrolment requirement.
Preparation material is available on the internet and in bookshops. Please also note the online-courses offered by IIK Bayreuth.
Registration deadline for the internal German language exam is 1 September 2020.
Further information on the examination will be published here in good time.
English Language Skills
Unfortunately, there is no standardized policy for English-taught degree programmes. Please refer to the website or the study and examination regulations of the programme you are interested in or contact the relevant programme coordinator. TOEFL and IELTS certificates are generally accepted.