German is the language of instruction in most study programmes at Lower Saxony’s universities. Therefore, sufficient knowledge of the German language is a basic requirement for studying in Lower Saxony. For most study programmes, you will be asked to prove that you have reached at least level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) at the time of your application.
International or English-taught study programmes may be exempt from this rule. In these cases, language certificates for English and/or other relevant languages are likely to be required. Exchange students may also be exempt from proving German language skills.
Find out if – and which – language skills are required for your desired study programme on the university’s website from the International Office responsible for you.
To study in Lower Saxony, you need a good command of at least intermediate German for most study programmes. You can prove your proficiency by completing a German test successfully.
There are two tests especially for university admission:
TestDaF – short for "Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache" (= "Test of German as a foreign language") is a standardised language test of German for non-native German speakers. You can take this test either in one of almost 100 countries around the world, or in Germany. It is offered three to six times a year.
The examination consists of four parts: Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, Written Production and Oral Production. Each part is graded separately and assigned to one of three different levels: TestDaF level TDN 3, TDN 4 or TDN 5.
For the admission to a university in Lower Saxony you will generally have to reach at least level TDN 4 in each part of the exam. The TestDaF levels correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels B2 – C1.
The examination fee ranges from 90 to 175 Euro, depending on the country in which the test is taken. For more information, see www.testdaf.de (available in 17 languages).
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.
If one of the following cases applies to you, you will be exempt from taking one of the above-mentioned German examinations:
All information on the Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (in 17 languages)
A current list of all universities which are registered to offer the DSH examination, downloadable
Find a telc examination centre near you