German for studying in Austria
- Minimum when you apply (German-taught programmes)
- A2, proven by an accepted certificate
- To be admitted to the degree
- B2 or C1, depending on the university
- If you only have A2
- A supplementary German exam through the preparatory course
- Certificate validity
- Usually at most two years
- Programmes taught in English
- English at B2 (for example), not German
- Exams in Algeria
- Goethe-Institut Algeria: A1 to C2 and TestDaF
Three German levels you will meet
Studying in German in Austria involves three different moments, and each has its own level:
- When you apply: you need a recognised certificate at A2. Without it you cannot apply to a German-taught programme at the universities we checked.
- Before you start your degree: you must prove the level the university requires, B2 or C1, or pass a supplementary German exam in the preparatory course.
- During your degree: classes, exams and daily life are in German, so the higher your level, the easier your studies.
What each university says
| University | At application | To be admitted |
|---|---|---|
| University of Innsbruck | A2 (certificate at most 2 years old) | B2 for most German-taught programmes; C1 for one master's programme |
| TU Wien | A2, otherwise you cannot apply | C1 for German-taught bachelor's and master's programmes |
| WU Vienna | At least A2 | C1, or the preparatory course if you cannot yet prove it |
Sources: the admission pages of each university, listed below. Rules change, so confirm before you apply.
Which certificates are accepted
Most Austrian universities accept the same families of certificates:
- ÖSD (Austrian language diploma)
- Goethe-Zertifikat (Goethe-Institut)
- telc
- ÖIF test (Austrian Integration Fund)
- DSD (German language diploma of the school system)
- TestDaF, DSH and similar tests for higher levels
Two practical rules:
- A certificate usually counts for two years from the exam date, so do not take it too early.
- A certificate from a provider that is not on the university's list is not accepted. Check the list first, then book the exam.
In Algeria, the Goethe-Institut offers the Goethe-Zertifikat from A1 to C2, TestDaF and other exams. Check its page for dates and registration.
If you do not reach the required level
If you have A2 but not the level your programme requires, the university admits you with a condition: you must pass a supplementary German exam before you start as a regular student. You prepare for it in the preparatory course, as an extraordinary student. Each course is one semester, and students who start without German usually need two to three semesters, about one to one and a half years. Read our full guide to the preparatory course.
Two warnings from TU Wien:
- If you have no German or only A1, you cannot be admitted.
- Once you enrol in the Vienna preparatory course, only its exam counts. Other certificates are no longer accepted, and this could affect your residence permit.
Programmes in English
Some master's programmes are taught in English and do not require German. At the University of Innsbruck, English-taught programmes require B2 English, shown for example with IELTS 6.5 or higher, TOEFL iBT 87 or higher, Cambridge B2 First or PTE Academic 62 or higher. TU Wien also asks for English at B2 for its English-taught master's programmes.
Even then, we recommend learning German before you travel. It makes daily life easier and greatly increases your chances of finding work in your field.
How to plan your German
- Choose your programme and university first, then check its required level.
- Book the A2 exam in Algeria as early as you can, so that you have the certificate when you apply and it is still valid.
- Keep studying after A2. The higher your level when you arrive, the fewer semesters you spend in the preparatory course.
- Plan the exam date so the certificate is still valid when you submit it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need German if my programme is in English?
Not to be admitted, but you will need English at B2 or similar. German still helps with daily life and work.
Is A2 enough to study in Austria?
A2 is enough to apply to a German-taught programme and to enter the preparatory course. To be admitted to the degree you need B2 or C1, depending on the university, or you must pass the supplementary German exam.
How long is a certificate valid?
Usually two years from the exam date, so check each university's rule.
Where can I take the exam in Algeria?
The Goethe-Institut in Algeria offers Goethe-Zertifikat exams from A1 to C2 and TestDaF. Check its website for dates and registration.