Recognised proofs of German language proficiency A2

 A proof of German language proficiency at level A2 is needed when applying for admission to a degree programme instructed in German.

You can only attend a German course in the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities if you already have a proof of German language proficiency at level A2.

For the admission to the degree programme you need a proof of German language proficiency at level C1.

Proofs A2

  • 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

These proofs are valid for an unlimited time.

Certificates A2

  • 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

These certificates must not be older than two years.

German course in the University Preparation Programme

If you upload a proof of German language proficiency of a lower level than C1 (but at least A2), you will have the possibility of participating in a German course of the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (VWU) or a cooperation partner. As long as you attend the preparation programme, you will not be admitted to a specific degree programme but to a non-degree programme for the purpose of "participating in the preparation programme".

  • With a non-EU/EEA school leaving certificate, your admission letter for a bachelor/diploma programme will require you to pass the supplementary exam in German.
  • With an EU/EEA/CH school leaving ceritificate having applied for admission to a bachelor/diploma programme in u:space, you will receive an admission letter for the VWU course registration via e-mail after your online appointment. 
  • As an EU/EEA/CH citizen or non-EU/EEA citizen having applied for a master programme instructed in German, your admission letter will require you to pass the supplementary exam in German.

 Important note for students in the VWU

Once you have been admitted to the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities as a non-degree student, only the supplementary exam in German (Ergänzungsprüfung Deutsch, EPD)  is accepted as a proof of German language proficiency! It is not possible to leave the preparation programme and take a German language exam elsewhere. Disregard may lead to severe consequences such as the loss of your residence permit.

Persons who have quit the VWU and have passed a different German language exam in the meanwhile can still take the supplementary exam in German (EPD).

Detailed information on the new regulation

Information about the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (VWU)

 FAQ

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  • I have a proof of German knowledge at a higher level than A2. Do I need an extra proof of level A2?

    No, if you already have a proof of German knowledge at level B1 or higher, please upload it in your application.

  • Currently, I am attending the University Preparation Programme (VWU). I would like to apply for admission to another degree programme. I do not have any proof of German knowledge at level A2, can I still apply?

    No. You cannot apply for a further degree programme instructed in German without any proof of German knowledge at level A2 or higher, unless the head office of the VWU confirms, that you already have German knowlegde at level A2 or higher.

  • I would like to attend a German preparation course offered by the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities. Do I really need a proof of German knowledge at level A2 when applying for admission?

    Yes. If you apply without any proof of German knowledge at level A2 your application will be rejected.

    Here you can find detailed information on the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities.

  • I will get my A2 certificate in a few weeks. Can I already apply for admission?

    No, you should submit your application once you have all the required documents. Applications without a recognised proof of German knowledge at level A2 will be rejected without exception. 

  • I had German classes at school/university. Will this be recognised as a proof of German knowledge at level A2?

    Only the proofs and certificates listed above are accepted.

  • My German certificate is not included in the list. Will it be accepted anyway?

    No, only the proofs and certificates listed above are accepted.

  • My admission letter was issued before summer semester 2019 and I do not have any knowledge of German yet. How should I proceed?

    Your admission letter is no longer valid due to changes in the study law. Please submit a new application for admission to the degree programme of your choice within the application period. Please note: You already need a proof of German language proficiency of at least level A2 when you apply for admission to any bachelor/diploma programmes and German-taught and multilingual master programmes. To be admitted to the degree programme you need a proof of German language proficiency at level C1. 

  • Currently, I am attending a C1 German course and I do not have any A2 certificate. Can I already submit my application?

    No, you need a proof of German knowledge at A2 level or higher when applying for admission.

  • I have the citizenship of a German speaking country and would like to attend a German preparation course. Do I need a proof of level A2 in German?

    Yes, you need one of the accepted proofs.

  • I would like to apply for admission to a master programme instructed in English. Do I need any proof of German knowledge?

    No. This is not necessary if you apply for admission to a master programme instructed in English.

    It is possible that you are required to attend the University Preparation Programme, if additional courses of the bachelor programme are prescribed in your admission letter. It will be individually reviewed, if the additional courses are offered in English.