German language requirements & how to learn

German is the language of instruction at almost every Austrian university and university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule). If your program is taught in German, you will have to prove your German level before you can be admitted as a regular ("ordentlich") degree student. If you pick an English-taught program, you usually skip German proof entirely and prove English instead. This guide explains when German is required, which CEFR level you need, exactly which certificates Austrian universities accept, and a realistic plan to reach the level from zero — written for non-EU students.

At a glance

German-taught Bachelor: Usually B2 or C1 (CEFR), set by each university
Many Vienna universities (e.g. Uni Wien, TU Wien): C1 to start a degree; A2 to apply
English-taught program: No German needed — prove English (often B2+, e.g. IELTS/TOEFL)
Accepted certificates: ÖSD, Goethe-Zertifikat, telc, ÖIF, DSD, TestDaF, DSH (university decides)
Certificate validity: Most exam certificates valid 3 years
Not yet at the required level?: Get admitted 'with conditions' and finish German at the VWU preparation programme

When you actually need German (and when you can skip it)

The single most important fact: language requirements are program-dependent, not country-wide. Austria's official student portal (OeAD / studyinaustria.at) states plainly that "the main language of instruction at Austrian universities and UASs is German; some programmes are taught in English."

German-taught program (most Bachelor's, many Master's): You must prove German. Depending on the university, that means B2 or C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). OeAD confirms: "At some universities you need proficiency in German corresponding to level B2, at others corresponding to level C1."
English-taught program: You generally do not need German. Instead you prove English (commonly B2 or higher via IELTS, TOEFL or an equivalent). TU Wien, for example, states that for an English-taught Master's you "only need a proof of English language proficiency at least at the level B2 CEFR" — no German.

Check the exact program page first

There is no single national rule. Always confirm the required level and the accepted certificate list on the specific university and program page before you pay for any exam. The admissions office decides what counts.

What level you need: B2 vs C1

Both levels appear across Austria, and the difference matters because C1 takes considerably longer to reach.

| CEFR level | What it means | Where it is typically required | | --- | --- | --- | | A2 | Basic everyday communication | The minimum to apply at some universities and to enter the preparation programme (VWU) | | B2 | Independent user; can follow detailed discussion | Required by some German-taught programs/UAS | | C1 | Advanced; can study and write academically | Required to start a degree at major universities incl. University of Vienna and TU Wien |

At the University of Vienna and TU Wien, the rule for German-taught degrees is C1: you provide A2 when you apply, but you need C1 to be admitted as a degree student. Some Fachhochschule programs set B2 instead, so do not assume one number fits all.

Which certificates count

Austrian universities accept a defined list of certificates and will reject anything not on it. The accepted set is consistent across major institutions. The exam certificate generally must be no older than three years at the time of admission. Below is the C1 list used by the University of Vienna (TU Wien's list is essentially the same):

| Certificate | Provider | | --- | --- | | ÖSD Zertifikat C1 (formerly C1 Oberstufe Deutsch) | ÖSD (osd.at) — Austria's official state-approved diploma | | Goethe-Zertifikat C1 | Goethe-Institut | | telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule | telc | | DSH-2 | German universities (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) | | DSD II | Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz | | TestDaF (at least TDN 4 in all parts) | TestDaF-Institut | | ÖIF-Test (C1 or higher) | Österreichischer Integrationsfonds | | University language-center exam at the matching level | e.g. Sprachenzentrum Uni Wien |

The university decides — and the list is closed

The University of Vienna states it directly: certificates not on its published list cannot be accepted, even if they look equivalent. Some certificates (a school-leaving certificate from a German-language school, a 3-year degree taught in German, or the supplementary exam below) count as unlimited-validity proof; the standard exam certificates expire after 3 years. Confirm exact wording on your university's page.

ÖSD is worth knowing because it is Austria's own state-approved system, recognised worldwide, with exams offered at 200+ centres in 40+ countries — convenient to take in your home country before you arrive.

Admitted "with conditions": the Ergänzungsprüfung and the VWU

If your German is below the required level when you apply (but at least A2), you are not simply rejected. Universities in Vienna admit you as a non-degree student so you can complete German through the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (Vorstudienlehrgang, VWU), run by the OeAD. The same path covers any other supplementary exams you are assigned (e.g. mathematics, physics).

How it works:

Apply for the degree program; if you lack C1 (but have at least A2), a supplementary exam in German (Ergänzungsprüfung Deutsch, EPD) is prescribed
You are admitted as a non-degree student 'for the preparation programme', take a placement test, and join one of five overlapping VWU course levels
You study German (courses run a full semester, ~320–350 teaching units, ~24 units/week) and pass the EPD to reach the C1 standard
Once you pass the EPD, you register as a regular degree student and start your program

Once in the VWU, only the EPD counts

The University of Vienna warns that after you enter the Vienna preparation programme, only the EPD (supplementary exam in German) is accepted — you cannot switch to an outside certificate. Most students need about three semesters to pass; universities allow a maximum of four. Disregarding the rules can even affect your residence permit, so follow the official process carefully.

You can also reach C1 privately on your own first, then submit a recognised certificate and skip the VWU entirely — that is fully allowed.

A realistic timeline to B2/C1 from zero

Reaching an academic level takes real time. The Goethe-Institut estimates 800–1,000 lessons (45 minutes each) to reach C1; B2 typically lands in the 600–750-lesson range. Plan in months, not weeks.

A practical learning plan

0/6 done

Start early in your home country — aim for A2 before you even apply, since A2 is the entry bar for both applications and the VWU
Take a structured course (Goethe-Institut, ÖSD partner school, or a university language center) for grammar and exam technique
Practice daily with apps and audio for vocabulary and listening between classes
Find a tandem/conversation partner so speaking keeps pace with reading and writing
Book your target exam (ÖSD/Goethe/telc) only once a placement test shows you are at level, and keep it within the 3-year validity window
If you fall short, plan for the VWU: budget extra semesters and course fees before your degree begins

For self-study, OeAD recommends Austria's free Sprachportal (integrationsfonds.at), with 5,000+ exercises and materials from literacy level to C1, including Austrian German and everyday topics.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need German if my whole program is in English?

No. English-taught programs require English proof (often B2+ via IELTS/TOEFL), not German. Always confirm the exact English requirement on the program page.

Is B2 or C1 required?

It depends on the university and program. Major universities like Uni Wien and TU Wien require C1 to start a German-taught degree; some UAS programs accept B2. Check the specific page.

Which German certificate should I take?

Any one on your university's accepted list — ÖSD, Goethe-Zertifikat, telc, ÖIF, DSD, TestDaF or DSH at the required level. ÖSD is Austria's own system and is offered worldwide.

How long is a certificate valid?

Standard exam certificates are generally valid for 3 years at the time of admission. School-leaving certificates from German-language schools and the EPD have unlimited validity.

What if I'm not at the required level yet?

If you have at least A2, you can be admitted as a non-degree student and finish German at the VWU preparation programme, then pass the Ergänzungsprüfung Deutsch (EPD) to begin your degree.

How long does it take to reach C1?

The Goethe-Institut estimates 800–1,000 lessons of 45 minutes each for C1; B2 is roughly 600–750. Most VWU students need about three semesters.