Language Prerequisites

Before you can start a German taught degree course, you have to prove sufficient German language skills.

The language requirements for German taught degree courses are fulfilled, if you submit one of the following certificates:

• DSH certificate (minimum DSH-2) issued by a German university or Studienkolleg according to KMK-regulations
  (minimum result DSH 2)
• TestDaF certificate passed with level 4 in all four exam sections
• Deutsches Sprachdiplom Stufe II issued by the "Deutsche Kultursministerkonferenz"
• Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom awarded by the Goethe-Institut
• telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule
• Feststellungprüfung by a recognized Foundation college affiliated to a German university

If you have not yet acquired the necessary German language proficiency, you can apply for a place on a study preparation German language course by answering “YES” to question 11 in the application form.

For further information on the DSH course, click here.

If you have not yet acquired the necessary German language proficiency, you can apply for a place on a study preparation German language course by answering “YES” to question 11 in the application form.

For further information on the DSH course, click here.

For doctorate studies, the language entrance requirements are met if the responsible doctoral committee confirms sufficient knowledge of the language relevant for your PhD project.  It is principally possible to complete doctorate studies entirely in a foreign language.

The Master programs in Computer Science (Informatik) and Physics (Physik) can be studied alternatively in German or in English.
Please make it clear in your application, if you apply for the English or the German language alternative. 

Electrical Systems Engineering (M.Sc.) can only be studied in English.

As a proof of your English language proficiency, the following certificates are accepted:

• a Bachelor degree gained in Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand or the USA
• a German Bachelor degree obtained in a study program that has been accredited as an English language program
• TOEFL *** with a minimum result of 550 (pencil and paper) resp. 585 (ESE) or 80 (internet) resp 87 (ESE)
• Cambridge ESOL certificate (CPE, CAE with grade B, FCE with grade A).
• IELTS with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 (Computer Science), resp. 6.0 (Physics, Electrical Systems Engineering).

Important: Due to our examination regulations, one of the above mentioned proficiency certificates is required even if the language of instruction at your previous university was English (referring to countries other than Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand or the USA). We regret that exceptions are not possible.

For the German language alternative of the master degree course in computer science you need to prove good German language skills (see above) as well as English language proficiency that can be verified by: 

• TOEFL *** with a minimum result of 500 (pencil and paper) or 61 (internet)
• Cambridge ESOL certificate (CPE, CAE with grade C, FCE with grade B).
• IELTS with a minimum overall band score of 5.0.

For the Master Program English and American Studies you do not need to prove German language skills. The necessary English language proficiency can be verified by one of the following certificates:

• TOEFL  ***   with a minimum result of  250 (computer-basedl) or 100 (internet-based) 

• Cambridge ESOL Certificate (CPE, CAE with grade A or  B) 

• IELTS-Score of  7,0 (Academic Module)

The test results must be less than two years old at the time of application.

To be eligible for the Master program "International Economics and Management' profound English skills need to be proven. This can be done by providing certificate or documents stating:

• a successfully completed school education at a German institution, with English classes starting in the 5th grade and for at least 5 years, or
• a Bachelors degree in English-speaking countries abroad or at an accredited German program taught in English, or
• a language test at a level of at least TOEFL***  87 (internet-based), or
• comparable proficiency (e.g. Business English Certificate (BEC): BEC Vantage - Level B2, IELTS 6.5 or Cambride First Certificate Note A).

Additionally, German language skills are required. Applicants that have not acquired their qualification at a German institution have to prove German language proficiency at a level of A2 GER/CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) at minimum. As certificates will be recognized:

• Certificates of the Goethe Institution (level A2 or better)
• TestDAF (TDN 3, TDN 4, TDN 5)
• "Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang" (DSH) (DSH 1, DSH 2, DSH 3)
• a computer-based test ("C-Test Verfahren") after the immatriculation at the University of Paderborn

Students without the required German language proficiency have to acquire the necessary skills while studying before finishing their Masters degree. The required German language proficiency can be acquired by attending courses at the University of Paderborn (240 hours). These can be credited as Studium Generale for the "Elective Module".ted as Studium Generale for the "Elective Module".

The required language skills for the Master Program in Computer Engineering are:

If you hold one of the above mentioned German language certificates such as DSH:

• English language certificate at least at competence level B2 of the Common European Frame of Reference (CEFR), e.g. TOEFL***iBT 61 points, TOEFL***paper & pencil 500 points, Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE - mark B) oder British Council IELTS, Minimum Band 5,0.

If you do not hold one of the above mentioned certificates:

• Bachelors degree from an English-speaking country (Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand or USA) or acquired during a course of study at an English-speaking domestic accredited institution 
• English language certificate at least at competence level B2 of the Common European Frame of Reference (CEFR), e.g. TOEFL*** iBT 80 points , TOEFL*** paper & pencil 550 points, Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) oder British Council IELTS, Minimum Band 6,5.

For the Master Programs Optoelectronics & Photonics and Materials Science you do not need to prove German language skills. The necessary English language proficiency can be verified by one of the following certificates:

• TOEFL *** with a minimum result of 550 (PBT) or 80 (iBT) or
• IELTS-Score of 6,0 or
• First Certificate in English FCE or comparable tests or
• a bachelor degree gained in Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand or the USA or a German Bachelor degree obtained in a study program that has been accredited as an English language program

For the Master Program Applied Neurosciences in Sport & Exercise you do not need to prove German language skills. The necessary English language proficiency can be verified by one of the following certificates: 

• TOEFL *** with a minimum result of 550 (PBT) or 87 (iBT) or
• IELTS-Score of 5,5 or 
  
• First Certificate in English FCE (Cambridge ESOL) or
• Unicert II or comparable or
• a bachelor degree gained in Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand or the USA or a German Bachelor degree obtained in a study program that has been accredited as an English language program