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.

Language Skill Navigator

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.

English Language Skills

As a rule, proof of sufficient English language skills must be submitted before the end of the application period for all degree programs whose language of instruction is English. 

In these cases, please upload valid proof of your english language skills to the online application form. The document has to contain all information required for validation. Only English language certificates of the below mentioned list are recognized. Other English language certificates are not recognized.

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. Please also be aware of the Collective Amendment concerning the proof of English language proficiency (PDF, 143 KB)

English language proficiency may no longer be proven by school grades (e.g. in the Abitur). An exception may apply to degree programs for which language skills verification is carried out as part of the aptitude assessment.

Notes on Verification and Validity
  • We cannot process any requests for verification of language certificates before you complete an online application via TUMonline. Language certificates sent directly from the providers by mail will also not be considered if there is no complete online application. Please upload your language certificate in PDF format during the online application.
     
  • Older recognized language certificates will also be accepted if they are uploaded in PDF format. Temporary validity stated on certificates is not relevant for applications to TUM. The regulations regarding minimum grades also apply to older language certificates. In case of doubt, TUM reserves the right to request verification.

Multi-language programs

In some degree programs, you can choose between english or german courses - and in other cases, you need to complete german as well as english courses to complete your studies.

If this is the case, you need to provide proof of the respective language skills when applying. 

You can find more information about the language of instruction and the required language proficiency in our course list or in the respective Academic and Examination Regulations. 

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