Language Certificates
In order to succeed in your studies, you need to have a good grasp on the language. On this page you'll find everything you need to know when it comes to proving your language skills.
Courses at TUM are offered in two languages of instruction: German and English. There are degree programs in which all courses are offered either entirely in German or in English. In some degree programs, you can or must take courses or modules in both German and English. Depending on the degree program and the focus of your studies, you will therefore need different language skills.
The options listed here are sufficient to comply with the minimum language requirements needed for admission. Depending on the program and your individual background it may, however, be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to check out the services of our Language Center.
For information on what credentials you need to provide when applying for a specific degree program, please see our degree program pages.
Not sure what to use as proof of your language skills when applying?
Our Language Skill Navigator can help you narrow down your options.
German Language Skills
Good command of German is an important prerequisite to successfully complete your studies at TUM. Proof of sufficient German language skills must be submitted before the end of the application period for all degree programs whose language of instruction is German.
Applicants holding a German university entrance qualification do not require verification of their German language skills. German citizens with an international higher education entrance qualification who have spent at least two school years at a German-speaking school may submit two annual school certificates of this school as proof of their German language proficiency.
Please also note the information on the requirements of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education in Germany (KMK) regarding proof of German language proficiency. A list of certificates recognized as proof of German language proficiency can be found in the KMK’s framework regulations (pdf, German, 391 KB).
More information for exchange students is available at TUM Global & Alumni Office.
Applicants who have not obtained their higher education entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution are required to have sufficient German language skills to be able to complete their studies at a German university (linguistic study ability).
When applying for degree programs requiring proof of sufficient German skills for admission, you may submit the following certificates:
DSH-2
A DSH passed with an overall result of at least DSH-2 is considered proof of linguistic study ability for admission or enrollment to all degree programs and degrees.
Only for the bachelor degree programs Aerospace and Information Engineering also DSH-1 (or higher).
DSD II
The German language diploma of the Permanent Conference of the Ministers for Education and Cultural Affairs – Second Level (= DSD II): It is sufficient to have reached Level B 2 in all four sections.
Only for the bachelor degree programs Aerospace and Information Engineering also DSD I (or higher).
TELC DEUTSCH C1 HOCHSCHULE
Passed the telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule.
Only for the bachelor degree programs Aerospace and Information Engineering also telc Deutsch A2 (or higher).
TESTDAF
Test of German as a foreign language for foreign students (TestDaF) with a result that demonstrates having reached level 4 in all sections.
Only for the bachelor degree programs Aerospace and Information Engineering also level 3 in all sections (or higher).
GOETHE CERTIFICATE C2
Passed a Goethe Certificate C2.
Only for the bachelor degree programs Aerospace and Information Engineering also Goethe Certificate A2 (or higher).
ÖSD CERTIFICATE C2
Passed Österreichisches Sprachdiplom C2.
Only for the bachelor degree programs Aerospace and Information Engineering also ÖSD Certificate A2 (or higher).
Please note that the certificates mentioned here only meet the formal minimum requirements. To study successfully, we strongly recommend that you expand and deepen your language skills during your studies.
In some cases, an alternative form of proof of language proficiency may be submitted in place of a language certificate. Please refer to the Academic and Examination Regulations of your degree program (FPSO) for specific details.
QUALIFICATION ASSESSMENT EXAMINATION (STUDIENKOLLEG)
Certificate of an aptitude test that proves the ability of foreign applicants to take up higher education studies in Germany (qualification assessment examination).
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
- A "German A (Higher Level)" within the International Baccalaureate
- Either Biology, History or German as Higher Level in the "Gemischtsprachiges International Baccalaureate mit Schwerpunkt Deutsch"
GENERAL HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATION FROM A EUROPEAN SCHOOL
A certificate from a European School is accepted as proof of German language proficiency only with a successful completion of an examination in German as a first language (L1) or second language (L2).
DIPLOMA FROM A GERMAN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
A diploma from a German educational institution in Germany or abroad.
Please note: If you wish to submit a diploma/degree certificate of an academic degree (e.g. a bachelor's with German as language of instruction) as proof of your language skills, you need to submit this document to the online application form. So please be sure the documents will be issued in time, i.e. before the application deadline. Additionally, the documents submitted must show the proportion of your entire degree program that was taught in German.
Preliminary certificates, transcripts etc. are not sufficient. If the final graduation documents are not available in time, you need to submit a different proof of language proficiency.
Please note:
- Language certificates from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) or language tests for admission to other universities cannot be recognized.
- Certificates of German-language education at secondary school types Mittelschule or Realschule as well as at a vocational school are also not sufficient.