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.
Proof of German language proficiency
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.
Whether level B2, C1 or DSH-2 is required for enrolment in the degree programme you are aiming for depends on
the respective examination regulations.
German language proficiency can be proven by submitting one of the following language certificates:
| When C1 / DSH-2 is required: |
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| When B2 is required: |
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| When A1 is required |
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Find out more:
- 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. When do I have to prove my German language proficiency (A1)?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.
Orientation guide for proof of English language proficiency
For ENGLISH-taught degree programmes, proof of English language proficiency at the level of at least B2 must be provided, unless there are higher or lower requirements specified in the respective study and examination regulations.
Please refer to the website or the study and examination regulations of the programme you are interested in or check with the relevant programme coordinator, which English requirements apply to your programme and which proof is accepted. If your programme’s study and examination regulations do not define any specifics, you may refer to the following minimum requirements for orientation purposes:
English language proficiency can be proven by submitting one of the following language certificates:
| When C1 is required |
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| When B2 is required |
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Find out more:
- Will my proficiency letter be accepted as proof of English proficiency?Hide
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For the master’s programme Computer Science, proficiency letters are not accepted. For other programmes, please check with the relevant programme coordinator. You will find their contact details on the respective programme’s page.
- I have completed my secondary and/or higher education in English. Hide
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For the master’s programmes "Computer Science" and "Intercultural Anglophone Studies", even native English speakers need to provide a respective certificate. For other programmes, please check with the relevant programme coordinator whether your previous education will be accepted as proof of English proficiency. You will find their contact details on the relevant programme’s page.
- I have applied for an English-taught programme. When do I have to prove my German language proficiency (A1)?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.
Proof of proficiency in other languages
If your programme is taught neither in German nor in English, you will find detailed information in the study and examination regulations of the programme. If apart from the language of instruction, proficiency in (an) additional language(s) is required for a programme, usually relevant proof may be submitted upon enrolment or sometimes even up to the end of the second semester. Detailed information on this matter is available in the respective programme’s study and examination regulations. Should you have any questions, please contact the relevant programme coordinator. You will find their contact details on the respective programme’s page.