DSH – short for "Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang" (= „German Language Examination für University Admission“) can only be taken in Germany. Many universities in Lower Saxony offer the exam several times a year.
First, there is a written examination with three parts (Written Production, Listening Comprehension and Reading Comprehension). If you pass the written exam succesfully, you will be admitted to an oral examination, which takes place a few weeks later. The results are assigned to one of three levels: DSH-1, DSH-2 and DSH-3.
For the admission to a university in Lower Saxony you will generally have to reach at least level DSH-2 in both parts of the exam. The DSH levels correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels B2 – C1.
The examination fee ranges from 70 to 190 Euro, depending on the university. Some universities offer additional (chargeable) preparation courses. For more information, contact the International Office of your university of choice.