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If you're considering studying in Austria, it's important to know that German is the official language and the primary language of instruction at universities. While there are a few programmes taught in English, particularly at the Master's level, you will generally need to prove sufficient knowledge of German to gain admission to a university in Austria. The required level of German proficiency can vary depending on the institution, with some universities accepting a B2 level and others requiring a C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. University Preparation Programmes are available to help foreign students improve their German language skills and prepare for any necessary supplementary examinations. These programmes typically require a minimum German level of A2 for admission. Additionally, there are different diplomas and examinations recognised by Austrian universities as proof of German language proficiency, such as the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch. It's essential to contact the desired university in Austria to confirm their specific language requirements and accepted forms of proof.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Language of instruction in Austrian universities | German |
| English-taught programmes availability | Limited |
| German proficiency requirements | B2 or C1 level |
| German proficiency requirements for University Preparation Programmes | A2 level |
| German proficiency proof | German as a foreign language certificate (DaF) |
| German language courses for foreign applicants | Available |
| German language exams | Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch |
| Visa requirements | Valid passport, proof of sufficient financial resources, mandatory health insurance |
| Work permits for international students | Yes, limited to 10 hours/week for Bachelor's students and 20 hours/week for Master's students |
| Tuition fees for public universities | Free for EU and non-EU students |
| Semester fees for public universities | €726.72 per semester |
| Admission rate | Low compared to Germany |
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What You'll Learn
- German proficiency levels B2 or C1 are required by some Austrian universities
- A German level of at least A2 is required for University Preparation Programmes
- German courses are offered by the OeAD in Vienna, Graz, and Leoben
- German as a Foreign Language certificates are accepted by most universities
- English-taught programmes are limited, but some Master's programmes are available
German proficiency levels B2 or C1 are required by some Austrian universities
German is the official language in Austria and the main language of instruction at Austrian universities. While some programmes are taught in English, they are limited, especially for Bachelor's degrees. Therefore, to study in Austria, you will likely need to prove that you have sufficient knowledge of the German language. The German proficiency level required varies depending on the institution and programme.
Some Austrian universities require a minimum German language proficiency level of B2, while others require a C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. A few universities may accept applicants with a lower level of German proficiency, provided they pass a pre-study German course before commencing their degree programme.
The University Preparation Programmes offer intensive German language courses for foreign university applicants to prepare them for supplementary examinations, including German language exams. These courses are, however, only available to students who have already been admitted to an Austrian tertiary education institution. To be admitted to these University Preparation Programmes, students need to prove a German language level of at least A2.
There are different diplomas and certificates recognised as sufficient proof of German proficiency by Austrian universities. These include the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD), which is Austria's officially recognised examination system for German as a foreign language, and the German as a foreign language certificate (DaF), which corresponds to the required proficiency level.
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A German level of at least A2 is required for University Preparation Programmes
German is the official language in Austria and the main language of instruction at Austrian universities. While there are a few programmes taught in English, students are generally required to prove sufficient knowledge of German to be admitted to a degree programme. The University Preparation Programme (UPP) is an option for students who want to improve their German language skills before starting their regular study programme.
The UPP offers intensive German language courses for foreign university applicants to prepare them for supplementary examinations prescribed by universities. These courses are typically only open to students who have already been admitted to an Austrian tertiary education institution. To be admitted to the UPP, students must provide proof of German language proficiency at level A2 or higher according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This can be done by submitting a recognised certificate, such as the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch, which is issued by licensed examination centres worldwide.
In the A2 course, students learn the basics of spoken German, including common phrases, grammar, and sentence structure. They also learn how to introduce themselves, express assumptions, make polite requests, and describe pictures. Additionally, students are taught how to write semi-formal letters, understand weather forecasts, and talk about their vacation plans or career aspirations.
It is important to note that the UPP is not a degree-granting programme. Students who successfully complete the UPP and its supplementary examinations will still need to apply and be admitted to a degree programme at an Austrian university. The UPP simply provides the necessary language skills and qualifications to meet the German language requirements for university admission.
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German courses are offered by the OeAD in Vienna, Graz, and Leoben
German is the official language in Austria, and the main language of instruction at Austrian universities and UASs (Fachhochschulen). As such, international students are required to prove sufficient knowledge of German before they can be admitted to a degree programme. The level of German proficiency that is required varies across universities, with some requiring a proficiency level of B2, and others requiring C1, as outlined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
In Vienna, OeAD German courses are held at the University of Vienna, Altes AKH, Alser Str. 4/Hof 1.16. There are also several other locations in Vienna where OeAD scholars can receive a price reduction, including Opernring 7 and Frankenberggasse 14 Top 8.
In Graz, registration for the OeAD German course requires an admission letter specifically for the preparation programme in Graz.
In Leoben, OeAD German courses are held at Josef-Heissl-Straße 26, Peter-Tunner-Straße 15, and Ignaz Buchmüller-Platz 2.
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German as a Foreign Language certificates are accepted by most universities
German is the official language in Austria and the main language of instruction at Austrian universities. However, some universities offer programmes taught in English. If you want to study a programme taught in German, you will need to prove your proficiency in the language. The level of German proficiency required varies across universities, with some requiring a minimum of B2 and others requiring C1, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
In addition to the ÖSD, there are other German as a Foreign Language certificates that may be accepted by Austrian universities. It is important to inquire directly with the university to confirm which certificates are accepted. University Preparation Programmes, offered by institutions like the OeAD in Vienna, Graz, and Leoben, provide intensive German language courses for foreign university applicants. These programmes help students prepare for supplementary examinations, such as in German, which they must pass to be admitted to a degree programme. To be eligible for these preparation programmes, students need to demonstrate a minimum German language level of A2.
Austrian universities offer a range of educational opportunities, including comprehensive universities, universities of the arts, private universities, universities of applied sciences, and university colleges of teacher education. The specific requirements for language proficiency may vary depending on the type of institution and programme you plan to pursue. It is always advisable to contact the university directly or refer to their website for detailed information on the accepted German language certificates and the required proficiency levels.
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English-taught programmes are limited, but some Master's programmes are available
English-taught programmes are limited in Austria, with German being the official language and the main language of instruction at universities and UASs (Fachhochschulen). However, there are over 200 Masters programmes that are completely taught in English. These English-taught Masters programmes offer international students an opportunity to pursue their higher education in Austria without the language barrier.
The availability of English-taught programmes varies across different types of institutions in Austria. Universities, as comprehensive institutions offering a wide variety of disciplines, are more likely to have English-taught programmes. Universities of Applied Sciences, on the other hand, offer professional-oriented higher education and may have more limited options in English. Similarly, Austria's six universities of the arts, which offer programmes in music, applied arts, performing and fine arts, visual arts, and design, may have fewer English-taught programmes.
To find English-taught Masters programmes in Austria, prospective students can utilise online databases such as www.studienwahl.at. This database provides a comprehensive overview of study possibilities at Austrian universities, including private universities, universities of applied sciences, and university colleges of teacher education. It allows users to search for English-taught programmes across 70 educational institutions, making it easier to find relevant programmes that match their interests and academic goals.
When considering English-taught Masters programmes in Austria, it is important to keep in mind that the requirements for documents and English language proficiency may vary. While German language proficiency is not required for these programmes, a good command of English is essential. The exact level of English required can differ from one Master's programme to another, so it is advisable to check with the university early in the application process. Additionally, some universities may require entrance exams, especially for specialised fields such as medicine, arts, and applied sciences.
Lastly, it is worth noting that studying in Austria as an international student comes with certain requirements and considerations. These include applying for a visa, providing proof of sufficient financial means, and obtaining health insurance coverage. The academic year in Austria typically begins on 1 October (winter semester) and 1 March (summer semester), with varying application deadlines for EU/EEA/Swiss and non-EU/EEA students. Tuition fees also differ between public and private universities, with public universities offering more affordable options for international students.
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Frequently asked questions
The level of German proficiency required to study in Austria varies depending on the institution. Some universities will accept a level B2, while others will require a level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
If your German is not quite up to scratch (level A2/B1), some universities will still accept your application, but they will ask you to take a pre-study German course. You will need to finish the course and pass a supplementary German exam before the start of your university programme.
The Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD) is Austria's officially recognised examination system for German as a foreign language. The German as a foreign language certificate (DaF) corresponding to the required level will also be accepted as adequate proof by most universities.
