Language Certificates for Admission to Study Programmes
The language of instruction for most Diploma, Master's and Doctoral Programmes at the University of Innsbruck is German. Selected studies are also offere with English as language of instruction. The resp. required language skills must be proven by language certificates or certificates.
- Language of instruction German - German language skills at level A2 at the time of application
- Language of instruction German - German language skills at level B2 at the time of admission
- Language of instruction English
Language of instruction German - knowledge of the German language level A2 at the time of application
According to §63 par.10, 10a, 10b of the Universities Act 2002 you have to present proof of German language skills of at least A2 acc. to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for being admitted to studying in Austria already at the time of your application for studying.
If proof of knowledge of the German language cannot be provided, you must take a supplementary examination (§63 par. 10a UA 2002).
The supplementary examination to prove German Language Skills is taken within the scope of the University Preparation Programme set up for this purpose. (§63 par. 10b UA 2002). The stipulation of this supplementary examination requires German language skills at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages of the European Council, whereby certificates proofing A2 level acc. to CEFR passed at approved European university institutions/post-secondary education institutions are considered as proof.
In any case, the following generally recognised language diplomas are considered proof of this knowledge of the German language:
Austrian German Language Diploma (ÖSD)
ÖSD Certificate A2
ÖSD Integration Exam A2
Goethe Institute
Goethe Certificate A2
Goethe Certificate A2 (Fit in German)
Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF)
ÖIF test level A2
German test for Austria (A2/B1)
Integration test A2
German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (DSD)
DSD I
(German Language Diploma, Level 1)
telc
telc German A2
telc A2 School
telc German A2+ Profession
telc German Test for Immigrants A2-B1
Language Centre of the University of Innsbruck*
Successfully completed course at level A2.
*At the time of submission, the language certificate may not be older than two years.
Language of Instruction German - knowledge of the German language level B2 upon admission
If you apply for a study programme with German as language of instruction, you must prove German language skills at level B2 at the time of admission (exception: For the Master’s Programme Translation you need to proof skills at level C1). This applies to all Bachelor’s and Diploma programmes as well as to most Master’s/Doctoral/PhD programmes. The University of Innsbruck recognises the following proofs of German language skills at level B2 (or at a high level than B2 resp.):
- School-leaving certificate from a German-speaking school (with German as the language of instruction and examination) or from an Austrian or German school abroad
- Completion of at least three years of study at a post-secondary educational institution with German as the language of instruction
- Successful completion of the supplementary examination in German as part of the preliminary study programme in preparation for supplementary examinations at an Austrian university
- Austrian German Language Diploma (ÖSD): ÖSD Certificate B2
- Goethe Institute: Goethe-Zertifikat B2
- Test of German as a foreign language: TestDaF level 3 (in all parts of the exam)
- Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF): B2 ÖIF test
- German Language Diploma of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (DSD): DSD II (German Language Diploma, Level 2)
- German language test for university entrance (DSH): DSH 1
- telc: telc German B2
- Language Centre of the University of Innsbruck: successfully completed course German as a Foreign Language Advanced Level II (B2)
Language of instruction English
Decision by the Rectorate of 18 March 2026
If you apply for a study programme with English as language of instruction, you must prove English language skills at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) at the time of application. The University of Innsbruck recognises the following proofs of English language skills at level B2 (or at a high level than B2 resp.):
- High school diploma certifying successful completion of the high school graduation exam in the subject of English. The following conditions apply:
- The high school graduation exam was taken at a school in an EU/EEA member state, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada.
- If the English proficiency level is not indicated on the certificate, a confirmation from the school administration may be requested.
- “IB Diploma” in accordance with the regulations of the “International Baccalaureate Organization,” with English as a school subject.
- Certificate of the supplementary English exam from the preparatory program at an Austrian university, confirming successful completion of the exam.
- Certificate of eligibility for university studies from an Austrian university, confirming successful completion of the English exam.
- Degree certificate and transcript/Diploma Supplement that meets all of the following conditions:
- Full-time study program lasting at least two years and
- Instruction conducted entirely in English and
- Completed at a university in an EU/EEA country, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada.
Language Centre at the University of Innsbruck successfully completed course in English from advanced level III (B2)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- TOEFL iBT Test: from 87 Scores | since 2026: Overall Score of at least 4.5
- British Council: International English Testing System (IELTS)
- IELTS: Overall Score of at least 6.5 Points
- Cambridge Assessment English
- B2: First (= First Certificate in English (FCE))
- Pearson Test of English
- PTE Academic: from 62 Scores