Depending on the degree program, you will need specific language skills in German or another language in order to successfully complete your studies. That is why we need proof that you have the relevant language proficiency when you submit your application.

Your chosen program’s degree description will tell you if specific foreign language skills are required and how you can provide proof of these. In some cases, submitting your school leaving certificate is enough, but sometimes other documents are required.

You did not complete secondary school or further education in Germany? In that case, first obtain information regarding a recognition of your foreign certificates and potentially required German language skills. You can find relevant information in your chosen program’s degree description.

Most degree programs at JGU require German language skills at the level of the German Language Proficiency Examination for Admission to Higher Education for Foreign Applicants (DSH-2). If your degree program requires a higher or lower language level, you will find the required language skills in the degree descriptions.

Would you like to apply but do not have the necessary German language proficiency for your degree program yet? Your options will depend on your current language level. These are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and differentiate between A, B, and C levels.

If your certificate of recognition confirms a direct university admission, but your German language proficiency is not yet high enough to apply for your degree program, then you can apply for the German language course with an accepted B1 certificate. In this case, the preparatory German language course generally lasts two semesters and ends with the DSH examination. If you pass with the DSH level you need for your degree program (e.g., DSH-2), you can apply for the degree you want depending on your certificate of recognition.

The nature of your university entrance qualification dictates what you can apply for with your B2 certificate. This is stated on your certificate of recognition.

Direct university admission: You can apply for JGU’s preparatory German language course with one of the accepted B2 certificates. In this case, the preparatory German language course generally lasts one semester and ends with the DSH examination. If you pass with the result DSH-2 or DSH-3, you can apply for the degree you want depending on your certificate of recognition.

University admission after passing the assessment test: You can apply for the Studienkolleg with one of the accepted B2 certificates. The Studienkolleg course ends with the assessment test. During the assessment test, you will obtain proof of your German language skills at the DSH-2 level. Once you have successfully completed the Studienkolleg, you can apply for the degree program of your choice, taking into account your certificate of recognition and the main specialization of your assessment test.

Does it say “direct university admission” on your certificate of recognition? If it does, check the required language level of your program of choice in the degree descriptions.

You don’t have the DSH certificate you need when you want to apply? Even if the program requires proof of the DSH test, you can apply directly with one of the following certificates.  If your application was successful, we will invite you to a DSH test at JGU.

You do not have a DSH-2 certificate but do have one of the following? Then you can also use this certificate to apply here. In this case, you do not have to take the DSH examination as we consider these certificates to be equivalent to the DSH-2 certificate.

These certificates are also considered equivalent to the DSH-2:

  • German university entrance qualification (Abitur)
  • Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz – Level II (DSD II)
  • Goethe certificate C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS)
  • TestDaF with at least a TDN 4 level in all four sections
  • Assessment test from a German Studienkolleg in the subject German
  • The “telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule” certificate with the result “satisfactory” (befriedigend) or better


These certificates are not proof of DHS-2-level language proficiency

  • All other certificates not listed above
  • DSH-1 certificate
  • The “telc Deutsch C1” certificate (without the supplement “Hochschule”)

As the regulations can change at short notice, please refer to the DSH examination regulations (document in German).

Does your chosen subject require DSH-2 or DSH-3? In this case, you can also apply with one of the certificates listed below. If you are admitted, you will be invited to take the DSH at JGU. At the latest, you must be able to provide proof of your DSH certificate with the required level or an alternative to the DSH-2 certificate when you enroll.

You can also apply with these certificates:

  • onSET-Deutsch: certificate of B2 core area (or higher)
  • telc Deutsch B2 certificate with the result “satisfactory”, “good”, or “very
    good”
  • telc Deutsch C1 certificate
  • TestDaF certificate with at least two sections corresponding to level TDN 4
    and at least two sections corresponding to level TDN 3
  • ÖSD certificate B2
  • certificate of the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH-1)

Does your chosen degree program require proof of language proficiency at a DSH-1 level? In this case, you can apply with one of the certificates listed below. If you are admitted, you will be invited to take the DSH at JGU. At the latest, you will need to provide your DSH-1 certificate when you enroll.

You can also apply with these certificates:

  • onSET-Deutsch: certificate of the B1 core area
  • Deutsche Sprachdiplom of the KMK level 1 (DSD I)
  • Goethe certificate B1
  • telc Deutsch B1 certificate with the result “satisfactory”, “good”, or “very
    good”
  • TestDaF certificate with at least a TDN 3 level in all four sections
  • ÖSD certificate B1

If you have questions regarding the necessary level of language proficiency, please contact Student Services.

International applicants:

Did you obtain your education outside of Germany? If this is the case, you should look into applying for a Certificate of Recognition and check for potentially required German language proficiency.

Required German language skills/certificates for this degree program:

If you encounter technical issues with your JOGU-StINe account, please contact JOGU-StINe Services.