German language skills
German language skills
Proof of sufficient German language skills can be provided by taking the German Language Test for University Entrance Qualification (DSH) or equivalent language examinations.
In English-taught Master's applicants can be accepted without proof of German language proficiency. However, other standardized certificates of English language proficiency are required.
In our overview lists you will find the subjects offered as well as information on the language level that you must prove for each degree program at the UR.
List of undergraduate subjects (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) List of graduate studies (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible)
German language certificate for the degree program
When applying for a Bachelor's and State Examination degree program as well as for a German-taught Master's degree program, you must prove that you have at least B2 level language skills. Language certificates (only if all parts of the examination have been passed) as well as confirmations of participation in relevant German courses are accepted as proof.
Exception: Applicants for medicine, dentistry and pharmacy must submit a DSH-3 certificate or equivalent proof at the time of application.
In the vast majority of cases, passing the DSH (German Language Test for University Entrance Qualification) with an overall result of DSH-2 is required for enrolment. For some degree programs, DSH-1 is sufficient. For the subject of law and for medical subjects, the DSH-3 level is required.
The DSH certificate can be replaced by equivalent certificates, e.g. telc C1 Hochschule, TestDaF certificate.
English language certificates
The UR currently offers around 16 Master's degree programs and one Bachelor's degree program in English.
The corresponding faculty makes an independent decision regarding which language certificates must be submitted as part of an application. Please contact the faculty directly to find out about the requirements for applying for Master's programs.
DSH - German Language Test for University Entrance Qualification
The Department of German as a Foreign Language (DaF) at the UR's Center for Language and Communication (ZSK) conducts the DSH at least twice a year (March and September).
Applicants who have received a letter of admission for a degree program and have not yet acquired a suitable language certificate (DSH or equivalent certificate) can register for the DSH at the UR*.
In addition, the Department of German as a Foreign Language offers alternative language examinations through which you can acquire a language certificate for admission, such as TestDaF or telc C1 Hochschule.
* If an equivalent certificate is obtained outside the university in the period between application and enrolment, the certificate can be submitted to the Registrar's Office by e-mail and participation in the DSH may be cancelled.
Preparatory German Courses
If you would like to study at the UR but do not yet have sufficient German language skills, you can take part in the preparatory German courses offered by the Department of German as a Foreign Language. The preparatory German courses will prepare you for your degree program and for the DSH (German Language Test for University Entrance Qualification).
Please note: Unfortunately, applicants for medicine, dentistry, molecular medicine and pharmacy cannot apply for the preparatory German course.
The application for the preparatory German courses is made in the same way as a regular application for a degree program in the online application portal Campusportal. In the application form, select the option “German course”. At the end of the form you must enter the subject you would like to study after the German course.
Admission to the B2 course is based on a B1 certificate with very good and good results (at least 80% of the examination requirements).
When applying for a place on the preparatory German courses, you must provide proof of language proficiency at level B1 or B2.
The following certificates are accepted as proof:
- onSET-Deutsch
- DSD
- DSH
- Goethe-Zertifkat
- ?SD
- telc certificate
- TestDaF
- UNIcert
German courses during your studies (non-degree German courses)
International students who are already enroled in a degree program can also improve and expand their German language skills during their studies by taking German courses during their studies. The Department of German as a Foreign Language offers a wide range of German courses, in which study-related language skills and competences in the field of academic language are taught.