You want to start a bachelor, diploma or master programme which is multilingual or instructed in German at the University of Vienna, but terms like ‘supplementary examination’ or “preparation programme” make your head spin? We have compiled the most important FAQs for you on German language skills, the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (VWU) and possible supplementary examinations.
Do I need to know German to be admitted to the University of Vienna?
Yes, when you apply for admission to a degree programme, you must upload proof of German language proficiency at A2 level (C1 or C2 for some master programmes). You can find a list of all recognised proofs of German language proficiency at level A2 on our website. Please note that your A2 certificate must not be older than two years (!) at the time of application.
In order to be admitted to the degree programme, you need proof of level C1. You can find a list of all recognised proofs of German language proficiency at level C1 here.
There are a few bachelor and master programmes for which you do not need to prove your knowledge of German, but you do need to prove your knowledge of English. You can find a list of all foreign-language programmes on our website.
How can I reach the missing level C1?
Do you already have level A2 or higher, but not yet C1? In this case there are two options:
1. You take a German course and receive a C1 certificate that is recognised by us.
You can find a list of all recognised proofs of German language proficiency at level C1 on our website.
2. You want to complete the German course as part of a non-degree programme at the VWU.
This is only possible if you have an admission letter from the University of Vienna! Attending the German course at the VWU is optional. We recommend that you start a German course in your home country. This way you will need less time at the VWU and can start your desired degree programme sooner.
What exactly is the VWU?
At the VWU you attend preparatory courses and take examinations until you pass the supplementary examination. You can attend it if you have received an admission letter from the University of Vienna prescribing supplementary examinations. This could, for example, be the supplementary examination in German (EPD). During this time, you are admitted to the non-degree programme “attending the VWU”. Have a look at our website on studying at the VWU and read the FAQs carefully.
You have four semesters to attend the courses at the VWU and complete the examinations. However, you can also just take the examinations there if you don’t think you need the preparatory course. It is best to ask about this directly at the VWU.
All information and contact details can be found directly on the website of the VWU.
Can I be registered in the VWU but complete another German certificate in the meantime?
No, that is not possible. As soon as you have been admitted to the non-degree programme ‘attending the VWU’, we can only accept the supplementary examination in German (EPD) as proof of German language proficiency. There may also be problems with your residence permit (if you need one).
When can I register at the VWU?
The VWU has its own deadlines. These are always before the start of a semester. Make sure you contact the VWU in good time so that you don’t miss any deadlines.
What happens if I only receive the admission letter or my residence permit after the end of the VWU registration period?
Your admission letter is valid for two semesters after you’ve received it. You can therefore enrol at the VWU within the next period and complete the admission procedure at the University of Vienna then.
Can other supplementary examinations be prescribed to me?
Yes, if you have applied for admission to a bachelor or diploma programme and your secondary-school leaving certificate is from a non-EU/EEA country. If there are significant differences between your secondary-school leaving certificate and an Austrian certificate, other supplementary examinations (Maths, English or History/Geography) may also be required. We can only tell you what these are once you have applied for admission and we have checked your documents. You must take these supplementary examinations at the VWU.
Our tips: If you are already enrolled in a degree programme, upload certificates from your degree programme (translated if they are not in German or English) with your application for admission. We can then prescribe no or fewer supplementary examinations. If you have a proof of English language proficiency that is accepted by us, upload it with the other required documents when you submit your application. In this case, the supplementary examination in English will not be required.
It is best to complete all supplementary examinations before the start of the semester. Then you can start your degree programme in good time and register for the courses. There are also deadlines for them, which you shouldn’t miss! If you take the supplementary examinations after the admission period, you will have to wait until the next admission period to be able to start your degree programme. Keep this in mind, especially if you are living in Austria with a residence permit that can only be extended by studying.
Where can I find more information?
- You can find all information about German language proficiency on our website.
- Questions about the VWU? Here we explain everything you need to know about studying in the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities.
- Here you can find the VWU directly.
